d3t and our sister studio Coconut Lizard are delighted to announce that we have been awarded with silver in Mind’s Workplace Wellbeing Index for 2022/23.
The Index, which is a benchmark of best policy and practice, is designed to celebrate the good work that employers do to promote and support positive mental health, and to provide key recommendations on the specific areas where there is room for improvement.
This year’s silver award builds on the success of last year’s bronze recognition, which was the first time that d3t had entered the Workplace Wellbeing Index.
Speaking on the announcement, Senior Producer at d3t, Jane Mcloughlin said: “d3t and Coconut Lizard continue to be companies that put the wellbeing of its team at the forefront of what they do. What I find incredibly pleasing is that this is a sentiment that is also echoed by our teams, based on the results of the staff survey carried out by Mind.
“Achieving this silver recognition is a great achievement for both studios and is also fitting that the award has been provided to us during our Wellbeing Week – a week designed to promote mental and physical wellbeing amongst our team.
“However, I know that we can’t rest on our laurels as there is always more that we can do to improve our mental health policies and practices. I look forward to seeing where both studios are in 12 months’ time and how these improvements will be reflected within the next Mind Workplace Wellbeing Index.
For further details on the Workplace Wellbeing Index, click here.
d3t is a games studio that not only works to create the best games possible, but also to develop the best talent too. At the core of the business is a focus on people, growth, and retention, and this all stems from the founders’ desire of wanting to create a games studio whereby people feel valued, and without the overshadowing cloud of ‘crunch’ that the industry was renowned for.
It is this focus that has seen the organisation win multiple Employer of the Year awards not only within the games industry, but also from the wider business community too.
But what truly separates d3t from many others, is its focus on nurturing the next generation of games developers, such as through the studios work with Abertay University in Dundee, where d3t has helped to support the DES310 Professional Project module in which students are set the aim of developing a game within the time span of the course.
This year, d3t worked as a client to an eight student-led team under the name of Fruitcake Studios, briefing the team to create an open-ended minimalistic 3D style game.
With the project spanning across 14 weeks, Fruitcake Studios, first had the job of assigning roles to each team member, before then importantly coming up with the game concept that they would be taking forward.
For Fruitcake Studios, their answer to the brief was to create a minimalist 3D isometric game that would take place within a colourful world, which would then be populated by stylised cartoonish assets all under the name of Ray. Key features of Ray included it being targeted towards 12–18-year-olds, alongside the implementation of a unique mechanic that would lead to more complex level design.
The project saw the team working on their game for three days across each of the 14 weeks, with d3t providing support in the way of bi-weekly feedback sessions, where 15 members of the d3t team across Art, Design, Production, Programming and QA would come together with the students, to cover aspects such as what the team should address, and how the team should plan elements across a production-cycle.
Alongside the bi-weekly meetings, the introduction of breakout rooms were also set-up to great effect. This enabled the team at Fruitcake Studios to have more focused 1-2-1 sessions with specific teams at d3t (e.g., Art, Production, Programming etc.), so that department specific issues could be raised and addressed, with focused feedback then being provided to the students.
This was extremely valuable in particular from QA aspect, whereby d3t’s QA team helped to address a variety of bugs that the game was experiencing through the high-level feedback that was passed on.
However, with bugs fixed and feedback received, it is safe to say that the final product that Fruitcake Studios created, met the initial brief and the results of the game speak for themselves.
The neon visuals worked extremely well, and the professional manner in which the team conducted themselves was exemplary.
Talking on the project, Stuart Pentelow, ex-graduate from Abertay University, and now Associate Programmer at d3t said: “d3t is full of compassionate and helpful individuals who want to make games education and industry a better place. Our involvement in the module showcases how much we care for the games education space.
“The DES310 module teaches students the realities of game development as most AAA games are not made by singular people. It also helps hone communication and teamwork skills that are essential in the games industry.
“We encourage healthy working practices such as no crunch, and proper schedules/estimations of work to mitigate crunch for the students. If required, we would suggest descoping the project to ensure that the students are able to achieve a healthy working experience at university.
“Ultimately, everything came together. Fruitcake succeeded in producing a beautiful portfolio piece which we sincerely hope will help them land roles in what we all know to be a highly competitive industry.”
Martin Lynagh, Lecturer in Game Production at Abertay University, also commented on the project, stating that: “It was a pleasure to work with d3t as client to Fruitcake Studios, one of our student project teams. The resultant game Ray is a beautiful piece of work and a testament to the effort and sensitivity they exercised when mentoring our students.
“The opportunity to work with talent from such an experienced and respected studio is one that both staff and students from Abertay relish, and we look forward to collaborating with d3t again next year.”
Why not also take a look at the final build of Ray by Fruitcake Studios, by clicking here, alongside viewing the overall showcase here.
Key to note is that whilst involved in this project, d3t did not take the rights to the project and allows the students to still retain their intellectual property at the end of the course. The goal is solely to give back to education.
Tell us a bit of information about your experience/career background?
I have 15 years in the games industry working as a C++ programmer. However, prior to working in games, I spent eight years working on embedded systems’ software, mainly in C.
Why d3t?
I have heard so many positive comments about the project variation, quality, and culture, from people who’ve moved to studio, and after hearing their response, I was extremely keen to work at d3t.
What do you love about games?
Mainly the nostalgia – my favourite games (Outrun, R-Type, Sonic, Streets of Rage II) remind me of long ago (when I had no responsibilities!).
What games are you currently playing, and what is your favourite game?
I’m currently playing Hogwarts Legacy and GTA V on PC at the moment. However, my favourite game has to be the sit-down arcade version of Outrun – I just love everything about that game!
Do you have any fun facts or hobbies?
I’ll get back to you about fun facts, but hobbies include playing cricket, playing guitar, and playing chess. “Could do better” describes my ability at all three!
I’m also a bit of a coffee enthusiast as well, which often leads me to watching insanely nerdy “how to make espresso properly” YouTube channels.
d3t are delighted to announce that we were selected as Remedy Entertainment’s chosen development partner to bring the remaster of the original, ground-breaking title Alan Wake, to Nintendo Switch.
Launching this October 20th, it is time to step back once again into the shoes of the best-selling thriller novelist Alan Wake, as you uncover the mystery behind his wife’s disappearance.
Discussing the announcement, Producers Joe Borley and Tamsyn Hastings said: “After establishing such a great relationship with Remedy to release Alan Wake Remastered last year, d3t are very proud to have been afforded the opportunity to continue this and help bring Alan Wake to a whole new audience of gamers. This has been an amazing challenge and a great experience for us. We are extremely excited for people to discover what makes Alan Wake such a brilliant story on the Nintendo Switch.”
As big fans of the original game, d3t were privileged to once again be given the opportunity to continue to bring the Alan Wake experience to new audiences and platforms.
For more information about the launch of Alan Wake Remastered on the Nintendo Switch, check out the official page here, or view the full trailer below.
Tell us a bit of information about your experience/career background?
I have recently completed my undergraduate Game Development degree at Abertay university, during which I managed to explore a variety of game systems, programming languages and frameworks. Additionally, before the end of my studies, I was hired as an Intern by Rockstar Games where I was able to exercise and develop my knowledge on gameplay programming.
Why d3t?
d3t was an obvious choice when deciding where to start my career. Their portfolio of world-famous games combined with the multiple “Best Places to Work” awards depict a well operating company which I am proud to be joining.
Moreover, from constant interaction with d3t’s industry professionals, I will be able to expand my skillset and further explore the world of AAA programming.
What do you love about games?
Ever since my 7th birthday, when my parents bought me a Gameboy, I have been captivated by video games. I find that there is always a game for every occasion, from playing a horror game with friends at parties, to relaxing while admiring an open-world RPG’s graphics for hours. The infinite number of possibilities and experiences is what makes playing and creating video games such a magical process.
What games are you currently playing, and what is your favourite game?
I am currently playing Hogwarts Legacy which is one of the most beautiful and engaging games I have ever experienced. I usually enjoy open-world and puzzle platforming games, however, occasional play-throughs of the horror Dark Pictures Anthology with my friends are always fun too.
My favourite game however has always been Minecraft, since it combines everything I love about games into a single creative environment. I have been playing Minecraft longer than any other game and will never be able to forget all the fun memories I have had on it.
Do you have any fun facts or hobbies?
The first hobby I ever had was music; beginning with the violin in elementary school, continuing with the guitar in high school and recently starting piano lessons during the final year of my degree.
Additionally, I really enjoy acting. I have been attending drama classes during my free time in school and have taken part in multiple productions. For the past 2 years, I was also elected as the president of my university’s drama society which provided a fun distraction during the stressful assessment periods.
Tell us a bit of information about your experience/career background?
I’ve come from a creative background having started out in architecture and interior design. However, due to the pandemic I stumbled across the games industry, and since doing so I haven’t looked back.
I’ve spent the last 3 years working mainly with AAA studios on art projects and I’m excited to now continue this journey with d3t.
Why d3t?
Simply, the team here is amazing! I have had the privilege of meeting several members of the studio, both at GDC/Develop and at the summer social, where I was made to feel so welcome!
d3t is extremely dedicated to helping clients build the best titles, and the quality and calibre of the projects the team works on speaks for itself.
What do you love about games?
I feel very lucky to have found working in the games industry through chance. The industry is both inviting and inclusive, and full of creative and passionate people.
Working alongside such talented teams is extremely rewarding, and I get to contribute to this by finding and bringing in these exciting projects for the studio.
What games are you currently playing, and what is your favourite game?
Given that I’m joining d3t, I thought it would make sense to start by playing some of the top titles that the team had worked on. Starting with Hogwarts Legacy and Assetto Corsa Competizione.
Typically, I tend to play FPS, TPS or racing games. Historically my most played game would be Overwatch, having had a brief hiatus, I have recently picked this back up.
Do you have any fun facts or hobbies?
I am borderline obsessed with vintage watches; we now have too many books for the coffee table. Besides the books, I love hunting for vintage gems at any opportunity, travelling with the job allows me to indulge this!
This year I completed my first marathon and I’m hoping to keep this fitness up and check an item of the bucket list in 2024, climbing Kilimanjaro.
In my spare time, I love nothing more than getting out into the countryside, walking/hiking with my girlfriend and our dog Angus.
Tell us a bit of information about your experience/career background?
I’ve recently graduated from Edge Hill University where I was studying Games Programming. During my time there I enjoyed learning the Unity game engine as well as taking part in a game jam, which was extremely fun but also incredibly tiring!
Before university I also held a factory job for nine years, where I was responsible for working on machines, driving forklifts, and carrying out hygiene audits.
Having never coded before going to university it was different to what I was used to and was also quite a challenge. However, after speaking to Phil Owen from d3t after he visited our university in the second year, I just knew I had to apply for the course as I was excited by possibilities and opportunities that lay ahead.
Why d3t?
Once I applied to university, I started looking at potential employers and what I’d need to do to get noticed. I found d3t rather early on and from the moment I saw their portfolio of games I knew d3t was the place I wanted to work.
Throughout my time at university, I kept an eye on the d3t website as they continued to add bigger games to their growing portfolio. After getting in touch with them, I was invited down to the studio in the summer before starting my final year to have a look around, and I loved every second of it, especially the culture that they had instilled.
What do you love about games?
Is it a bit much to say ‘everything’? I just love how some games allow you to escape to far off fantasy lands, killing some goblins as a sorcerer. Or how they can make you feel like a professional racing driver in a race simulator. Or the challenge of working out a puzzle that is for a so called 8 -10-year-old.
Before learning how to programme games it never crossed my mind how certain game mechanics worked. But now after studying and seeing it for myself, it amazes me what’s possible within games. I’ve even got to the stage where I’m playing a new game and just wonder to myself ‘I’d love to know how they’ve coded this’.
What games are you currently playing, and what is your favourite game?
I’m currently writing this while also playing Baldurs Gate 3!!!
I’m quite a varied gamer and love all sorts of genres from action and adventure, to sport and racing. Probably my favourite game of all time is The Witcher 3 – I’ve lost so much time exploring the world. After that I’d probably go with sim racing games like Assetto Corsa Competizione, as I’ve got quite a beasty sim at home!
However, now Baldurs Gate 3 is out, I have a feeling that will quickly take top spot!
Do you have any fun facts or hobbies?
As you might be able to tell from my favourite game, a big hobby of mine is playing Dungeons & Dragons. I DM for a group of my friends and we meet up every two weeks to have a game.
Apart from that I love Formula 1, chess, rock climbing, taking my dog out for a walk, and a recent hobby I’m loving at the moment is go karting.
Tell us a bit of information about your experience/career background?
I am a recent BSC Hons Computer Game Programming graduate from Edge Hill University, where I received a 2:1 qualification after studying for six years.
Why d3t?
d3t is a very welcoming and warm company, and ever since I met some of the team at my university, they have been extremely helpful and incredibly interesting. They have also supported me by mentoring me in my final year of university.
I am really happy to now be part of the studio as everyone makes you feel like not only a teammate but as if you were part of a family. 😊
What do you love about games?
I love the different genres of games and how they work. However, the thing I love the most is how creative you can be when making games and the graphics. Games allow me to play with my friends across the world and have fun!
What games are you currently playing, and what is your favourite game?
I’m currently playing Minecraft, Honkai Star Rail and Dead Island 2. I enjoy these games for different reasons, but the main ones are the action, story, and the creativity you get when building and the adrenaline you get whilst playing.
Do you have any fun facts or hobbies?
I currently create digital art that I sell, I also cosplay characters, attend comic cons, and am currently learning Japanese. I am also a black belt in karate.
Speaking on the announcement, Senior Producer at d3t, Jane Mcloughlin said: “d3t and Coconut Lizard continue to be companies that put the wellbeing of its team at the forefront of what they do. What I find incredibly pleasing is that this is a sentiment that is also echoed by our teams, based on the results of the staff survey carried out by Mind.
For Fruitcake Studios, their answer to the brief was to create a minimalist 3D isometric game that would take place within a colourful world, which would then be populated by stylised cartoonish assets all under the name of Ray. Key features of Ray included it being targeted towards 12–18-year-olds, alongside the implementation of a unique mechanic that would lead to more complex level design.
