Hullo there!
I'm Daniel Saunders and I've found myself in the fortunate position of being a full-time game designer; with a passion for discovering what makes games truly fun and engaging to play.
I’ve met many folks who have inspired my way of working, from industry newcomers to veterans alike. I’m keen to stay involved by attending games industry events and participating in educational talks and events.
When I’m not dedicating time to the playing and making of video games, I spend time keeping fit and healthy at the gym. As an avid fan of powerlifting and strongman, I’m inspired to stay strong and to take care of my health.
Alongside this, I also like to spend time with friends playing tabletop RPGs and board games, running fortnightly sessions.
Education
2016-2019
Staffordshire University
BSc (Hons) Computer Game Design | First Class
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I studied a full three years at Staffordshire University, learning about multiple industry disciplines and in that time; I found my passion for game design.
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I volunteered as a student representative for the University for two of the three years I studied there, giving student feedback to lecturers and helping to improve the overall student experience.
2015-2016
Northbrook College Sussex
UAL Extended Diploma in Creative Media Production and Technology | Merit
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I studied at Northbrook College for two years under two different qualification providers; the latter of which was the UAL Extended Diploma.
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My time at Northbrook built a confidence that I took forward into Staffordshire University and still carry with me today. It opened my eyes to how I could make my way into industry, and the teaching staff there built the foundations for me to take that first giant step toward university.
2014-2015
Northbrook College Sussex
BTEC Subsidiary Diploma in Creative Media Production and Technology | Distinction
Experience
Frontier Developments
Game Designer (01/06/21-19/04/2024)
Once promoted to Game Designer, my responsibilities within the teams I worked with had increased; and I was working at a Senior level at the recommendation of both of my Leads and the Head of Design.
On both Elite Dangerous and Warhammer Age of Sigmar: Realms of Ruin, I was a driving force in the creation of content and the development of tools and systems used to create said content.
Frontier Developments
Graduate Designer (02/09/19-01/06/21)
As a fresh Graduate at Frontier, I took on a large amount of responsibility during the development of Elite Dangerous: Odyssey after the departure of a key figure in the development of missions for the game. With his help and training beforehand, I became the core mission designer, creating a suite of missions for launch and supporting the game after with additional live-ops updates.
Press and Public Interactions
Press Interviews for Warhammer Age of Sigmar: Realms of Ruin
On Tuesday 7th of November 2023, I travelled with Frontier's PR representatives for Realms of Ruin to Nottingham to visit Warhammer World. Here, we met with various games journalists to discuss Realms of Ruin before launch.
You can find these interviews featured below:
Gamescom 2023 Behind Closed Doors
I was fortunate enough to be able to travel with the Lead Designer on Realms of Ruin, Sandro Sammarco, to Gamescom in Cologne. Here we presented various Behind Closed Doors presentations to press and influencers showcasing some of the campaign for the game.
This was a highly successful event, with a lot of positive feedback both about the game and about my own presentation skills.
Develop | Brighton 2023
I travelled with a team from Frontier to Develop to represent the company, aiding with recruitment of designers, giving advice to students, meeting with various industry professionals and attending various talks to help hone my craft.
