NAME
Daniel J. Saunders
NAME
Daniel J. Saunders
xaundersd@gmail.com
JOB TITLE
Game Designer
LOCATION
Cambridge, United Kingdom
ABOUT ME
Hullo there! I’m Daniel Saunders; and I’m a fan of board games and video games alike. My passion is to discover what makes games truly fun and engaging to play.
For five years I studied design, art and a teeny-tiny bit of programming for games in full-time education, eventually finding a passion for game design that has stuck with me since. I’ve met many folks who have inspired my way of working, from industry newcomers to veterans, all of whom continue to absolutely fascinating and fantastic to talk to. 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 bi-weekly sessions.
COMPANY
Frontier Developments
ROLE
Graduate Game Designer
TENURE
02/09/2019 – Present
There’s not a whole lot I can say about Frontier right now; other than I’m having the time of my life.
Report back here in a year or two and maybe I can talk a bit more about what I’ve been up to.
INSTITUTE
Staffordshire University
COURSE
BSc (Hons)
Computer Games Design
DATE STUDIED
2016 – 2019
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.
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.
I graduated on the 11th of July 2019 with a First Class Honours degree.
INSTITUTE
Northbrook College
COURSE
UAL Extended Diploma in
Creative Media Production
and Technology
DATE STUDIED
2015 – 2016
I studied at Northbrook College for two years under two different qualification providers; the latter of which was the UAL Extended Diploma.
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.
EXHIBITION
GradEx 2019
TYPE
Student (Solo)
LOCATION
Staffordshire University
DATE
2019
GradEx is an annual graduate showcase hosted by Staffordshire University. I took part in the Computer Games Design category.
Here I exhibited final year project, Under the Veil, to industry judges, industry visitors and public guests.
EXHIBITION
Game Republic
Student Showcase 2019
TYPE
Student (Solo)
LOCATION
University of Hull
DATE
2019
I volunteered and was chosen as one of six students to represent Staffordshire University at Game Republic’s annual student showcase.
Here I exhibited final year project, Under the Veil, to industry judges and public guests.