Photos: 2022 Video Game Design Challenge

March 23, 2022

Bermuda Island Games recently held their first annual Video Game Design Challenge, saying it is part of their “mission to help build a local video game development industry.”

A spokesperson said, “The event focused on bringing like-minded people together to work on designing a video game. The theme for this year was sharks, and Choy Aming had stepped in to share his knowledge of sharks and how they are connected to Bermuda. Other guest speakers also included Sebastian Finkbeiner, a Bermudian video game developer currently studying abroad, Minister Diallo Rabain and Premier David Burt to share their experience and encouragement.

“Each of the groups of contestants had two days to learn about what goes into designing a video game, and apply it to their own idea. By going through the lessons, they gained a greater appreciation of the work that goes into building a game, and how critical getting the concept or design right is.

“There was a range of participants, aged 7-25 at Warwick Academy and on Zoom. Many of them had never seen a PowerPoint presentation, let alone presented with one, but by the end of the lessons they were adept in video game terminology and how to pitch their game idea.

“As part of the creative process, the participants were able to come up with their own monetization strategy for the particular game they designed, some of which included NFT’s which is one of the hottest areas of fintech today.

Founder Adrian Lodge stated, “We received a lot of interest, both prior to, during, and after the event concluded. I have no doubt that this will only grow from here.”

“There was an amazing amount of support we received for putting something like this on, to encourage the youth to explore their passion for video games and turn that into a potential business.”

“Thanks to sponsors BEDC, Chubb, Government Economic Development Department, John Barritt & Sons Ltd., and Horizon Communications the event was able to be offered for free to all participants.:

For more information on Bermuda Island Games please visit their Discord page at discord.gg/XCUpkqshjd or website at bermudaislandgames.com.