Dana Thompson
Surgent Studios
Dana Thompson is the Marketing and Communications Manager at Surgent Studios. She leads internal and external communications, marketing, brand development, and overall studio identity for Surgent.
Dana was previously at BAFTA, where she specialised in brand strategy, social media, digital content and marketing for the BAFTA Film Awards, the BAFTA Games Awards and the BAFTA TV and TV Craft Awards. She produced and published live global coverage on the red carpet and backstage at all of BAFTA’s major annual events. She also conceptualised, launched and led national and international campaigns like BAFTA Connects and BAFTA For the Love of Film, focusing on bringing talented people from underrepresented groups into the film, games and television industries
Dana Thompson is speaking at the following session/s
The Realities of Starting a Game Studio - From Knowing Nothing to Too Much
Join us for an intimate fireside chat with Abu, the visionary founder of Surgent Studios, where a simple idea blossomed into an immersive game. Abu will recount the journey from concept to shipping, exploring the challenges and triumphs of scaling a studio from a team of four to forty. Delve into the intricacies of running a studio, from securing funding to fostering a culture of innovation.
Explore The Legacy of Kenzera: Zau, a game that delves deep into themes of grief and loss within African culture and mythology. Discover how personal experiences influenced its mechanics and art style, infusing raw emotion into interactive gameplay while drawing inspiration from diverse traditions and folklore.
Whether you're an aspiring developer or a seasoned professional, this chat promises to reignite your passion for game development and inspire your own journey. Join Abu as he reveals the realities, challenges, and joys of bringing dreams to life in the dynamic world of gaming.
Session Takeaway
- Understand Game Development: Learn how games are made, from idea to launch, handling challenges, growing a team, and fostering creativity.
- Personal Stories Influence: See how personal experiences and culture shape games, affecting themes, mechanics, art, and storytelling.
- Get Inspired: Feel encouraged to start making games with practical tips, real stories, and a focus on storytelling's power in gaming.
Session speakers
