Current employer: Tarsier Studios
Current job title: Senior Narrative Designer
Current location: Malmö, Sweden
ñޜThe course taught me that there are all sorts of cool things lurking under the surface, as long as youñޙve got eyes to see it. When I was a student, it was my job to find it, but now I get to be the one that puts it there for others to find.ñޝ
It began in total panic. From the beginning, all I knew was that I loved studying literature. A job was the last thing on my mind until the last few months of my degree. I started work as a Games Tester in Manchester and, through a series of fantastic stumbles, ended up as a Narrative Designer in Sweden. Iñޙm probably not a very good role model if youñޙre trying to promote preparation!
How has your degree helped/influenced your career path?
I always wanted to be a writer, but I spent most of my time producing awful Plath and Larkin knock-offs; expressing them rather than myself, and doing a terrible job of it to boot. The degree taught me to look for my own voice and how to express it as best I could. Itñޙs not an easy or finite process, but Iñޙm lucky to be able to spend my work time on it, as well as my free time.
Has your career path changed since graduation?
Itñޙs been almost constantly changing; I honestly never knew what was coming next, and itñޙs only looking back that I can see some strange order to the whole thing ñޓ which I guess you could call a path! Somewhere in the middle of the last 16 years I wound up working in marketing, and thatñޙs when I knew Iñޙd definitely taken a wrong turn somewhere. Luckily for me, and the world of marketing, I found my way back to games.
What is the most difficult thing which you have faced in your career?
Moving to Sweden has to be one of the most psychologically taxing things Iñޙve ever done. My wifeñޙs Swedish, so I had a head start in understanding the language and culture, but nothing really prepares you for the alienation you feel in a new country. It took a good while before I wasnñޙt pining for the safety of what I already knew; but, if you can hold on, those types of experiences are often the most worthwhile.
What is the best, most exciting or fun thing that you have done in your career?
Standing in front of a group of journalists to talk about one of our games. Iñޙd been terrified of public speaking for as long as I could remember, so not curling up into the foetal position and weeping felt like a successful first go. Since then, itñޙs grown a little bit easier, a little bit more fun, and has actually become another part of my job. Just a few years back, I never wouldñޙve predicted that.
What, if anything, would you do differently if you could?
I think Iñޙd wait a few extra years before going to university. Thereñޙs a tendency to go as soon as possible, but that doesnñޙt suit everyone. Looking back, I didnñޙt apply myself anywhere near as much as I would now, and some of my opinions wereñަ younger. I regret that I didnñޙt take full advantage of what was on offer at the time, but things have worked out pretty well, so maybe I shouldnñޙt have done anything differently.
What advice would you give to anyone wanting to get in to the same line of work?
An understanding of games is essential. Game storytelling is still evolving, and too often games are approached like movies. For me, the best game stories are felt rather than told. Some of my most memorable experiences have come when the designers had the confidence to know their story would come through unheralded, and that I would feel the consequences of my actions without clunky dialogue. Games like Shadow of the Colossus and Papers Please are perfect examples.
How did studying at ñ help you?
My studies werenñޙt directly related to the career I ended up in, but itñޙs the people I met ñޓ both tutors and fellow students - who pushed me to always keep thinking and not take myself too seriously. All those ideas you love and protect can become a rut if you donñޙt challenge them, and thatñޙs when your work becomes dull. ñޜKill your darlingsñޝ is probably the phrase I hear most at Tarsier. Itñޙs a healthy mentality, figuratively speaking!
What lessons/skills did you gain from your course?
The course taught me that there are all sorts of cool things lurking under the surface, as long as youñޙve got eyes to see it. When I was a student, it was my job to find it, but now I get to be the one that puts it there for others to find. Itñޙs devastating when they donñޙt, but great when they do!
Would you recommend undertaking a course with the University, and why?
It was easily one of the most formative experiences of my life, and something I dearly miss. Itñޙs rare that you get to be surrounded by so many smart, creative people in one place, so you shouldnñޙt pass up the opportunity if it comes along. I very nearly did!
Is there anything else which you would like to share with our current students?
I should warn your students that Iñޙve not set a very good example. I always knew that this is where I wanted to end up, but Iñޙve no idea how I actually managed it. Having some sort of plan for achieving your ambitions would be a great way to start out, but in the absence of that, knowing what you love and doggedly pursuing it can be a good substitute!
For more information about studying BA (Hons) English please visit our BA (Hons) English page. For more information about our range of courses within the School of Society and Culture, please visit the school page.
If you would like to find out what other relevant alumni from the Faculty of Arts, Humanities and Business are currently doing, please visit the humanities and languages interest area.
