BSc (Hons) Games Design and Production
Studio Hônu is made up of six students working collaboratively, who have developed an exceptional interactive game as part of their final project. Between them, Rowan Fitton, Tom Galbo, Adam Lomax, Harry Lynch, Jack Millington and Keelan Smith, have each brought a unique and complimentary perspective across the creative elements of their production. They have successfully collaborated with industry stakeholders, their tutors and fellow students across the School, adapting to the pressures of the pandemic and hybrid digital working, bringing excitement and enthusiasm at every step.
Their game focuses on the preservation of intangible cultural heritage, with an emphasis on language, from the Rapa Nui community on Easter Island. They worked directly with the indigenous culture of Rapa Nui which proved to be a complex undertaking but the entire team showed a high level of cultural awareness, professionalism and technical expertise throughout. They were considerate and respectful to their subjects and the result is an outstanding prototype. The game has now been put forward as part of a larger research project by the University and we can’t wait to see where this adventure next takes them.
Studio Hônu say “It’s both a surprise and a pleasure that we’ve been shortlisted for this award. When we started on this project, we didn’t even know that we qualified. It’s incredible to be given some assurance that we’re doing a good job and doing our course proud. With the struggles and challenges we’ve had this past year, we’ve wondered if we were really up to the task, so it’s gratifying to have been nominated at all. This year’s success doesn’t stop with us though – our fellow nominees and course mates have created some truly incredible work over this past year. The project has put us in touch with people and issues we likely never would have had contact with otherwise and we’re glad that we’ve been given a platform to spread awareness and leave an impact. With thanks to Juan, the people of Chile University and, of course, the people of Rapa Nui. Without them, none of this would have been possible.”