Meet Scott Kirkland who joined d3t as Head of Delivery on 6th August 2018.
Tell us about your background and experience prior to d3t?
My games industry career began at Digital Image Design back in 1996 where I specialised in hardware accelerated graphics programming for flight and combat simulation and was an active participant in the Microsoft Direct X advisory board.
In 1999, I became one of the co-founders and Technical Director at Evolution Studios, developing multi-million selling racing games such as World Rally Championship on PlayStation2, the MotorStorm series on PlayStation3 (BAFTA nominated for technical achievement) and DriveClub (PlayStation4).
Following acquisition by Sony Computer Entertainment Europe in 2007, I assumed a cross-studio technical leadership role covering Evolution Studios, Bigbig Studios and Studio Liverpool. This included contribution to the PlayStation Advisory Panel and involvement in PlayStation 4 hardware development, including a trip to Tokyo to share early DualShock4 controller software prototypes.
In 2015, I co-founded Secret Sorcery to develop the critically acclaimed PlayStation VR launch title “Tethered” which was also adapted for Oculus VR and HTC Vive with motion controller support. In addition to running the studio, I also spent some time programming with Unreal Engine 4.
Prior to joining d3t, I was a Development Director at Sumo Digital in Sheffield, responsible for (or supporting) own IP, co-development and conversion projects such as Snake Pass (multi-platform), Forza Motorsport 7 (Xbox One), Crackdown 3 (Xbox One), Payday 2 (Nintendo Switch) and Raid: WW2 (Xbox One and PlayStation4).
Why d3t?
I’ve known Jamie and Steve for many years and have huge respect for d3t’s achievements, professional reputation and the great team and studio culture which includes Steve Monks – my mentor when I joined DID back in 1996!
Last year’s acquisition by Keywords Studios provided a catalyst for accelerated growth to satisfy increasing demand for creative development services. This is a challenge that I couldn’t resist, and I relish the opportunity to help make d3t even more successful over the coming years!
What was the recruitment process like?
Great ?. Lots of clear information regarding the role/interview. Friendly and professional communication.
Tell us an interesting fact about yourself.
I’m a bit of a petrol-head and have recently embarked on a car modification spree (ECU remap, uprated intercooler, induction system, engine mount, exhaust, DV+).If you want to join our talented team, why not check out our vacancies?
d3t attends Siggraph for the first time this year and we’re super excited about it.It takes place 12-16 August in Vancouver and our two lucky delegates are Noel Austin, our Studio Technical Director and Alex Rodgers, Programmer.
The event promises ‘the largest, most comprehensive exhibition of innovative products and services for the computer graphics and interactive techniques marketplace’. And we’re really interested to take a look at the research and new technologies that will be showcased.
The event is also known for its networking opportunities, something that we love to do and something that is really important to us from a business perspective. If you are attending Siggraph and want to meet with us to find out more about how d3t can help your games or interactive project, please drop us a line at [email protected]and we’ll get a date in the diary.
Watch this space – we’ll bring you our highlights and tips when we get back!
Phil Owen joined the d3t team as Head of Engineering on the 9th July 2018. We asked Phil to tell us a bit more about himself…
Tell us about your background and experience prior to d3t?
I started in the games industry in 1994 working in the QA department at Digital Image Design. After completing my degree, I moved into the role of Junior Programmer. From Digital Image Design I went to Rage Games and then onto work at Warthog Games in 2003. I moved from Warthog Games to Juice Games in 2005 to be a Lead Programmer. From Juice Games I then moved to a small company called Embryonic Studios which were, soon after I joined, bought by Traveller’s Tales and became TT Fusion, based in Wilmslow. Traveller’s Tales were then bought by Warner Brothers. I spent 11 years there and worked my way up to be Head of Programming. In total I have 26 released Games.
Why d3t?
I have been aware of d3t since the beginning as I have known Jamie Campbell and Steve Powell for many years. I have seen the company grow and felt the opportunity to be Head of Engineering was too good to ignore. There are also good people here that I have also worked with in the past like Richard Badger and Noel Austin.
What was the recruitment process like?
Very easy and very professional.
Tell us a fun fact, a hobby and a specialism Phil:
Fun fact: I like to wear extravagant shirts, have a big beard and drive a Mustang.
Hobbies: playing games, watching football and growing fiercely hot chilli plants.
Specialism: Daemon Souls, Dark Souls (1 2 & 3) and Bloodborne.
And what’s your driving force?
My driving force is red wine! If you want to join our talented team, why not check out our vacancies?
Jenna Hoyles joined the d3t team as Office Support on 20th June 2018. We asked Jenna to tell us a bit more about her background and here’s what she told us.
Tell us about your background and experience prior to d3t?
Originally starting in retail working for JD Sports I recently decided that a change of career was in order. I knew that office admin was the path I wanted to go down and my first exposure to this type of work was with Adecco working on their Amazon recruitment account. This was a temporary role during the Christmas period when Amazon was opening a new Northwest distribution centre. The position gave me a much-needed insight into the office admin world which has given me good foundations for working at d3t.
Why d3t?
I’ve been aware of d3t for a number of years through knowing someone who works there already and I’d only ever heard positive things. Something that stands out immediately within d3t is the family feel environment, everyone is very much willing to help each other out.
Being part of an award-winning company like d3t is very exciting. And what’s even more positive to see is the high number of females who work at the company, in what is typically a male dominated industry.
What was the recruitment process like?
After initially applying for the position d3t got in touch straight away. An online assessment was sent to me for completion and after passing this they quickly arranged an interview for me with Keri and Sarah, both whom made me feel at ease during the full process. I would say the whole process took less that 2 weeks and upon accepting the position I received a full breakdown of what the first week would look like which helped me prepare.
Tell us some interesting facts about yourself.
I have been to see Westlife 14 times, I also enjoy travelling and my aim is to go to Disney World in Florida. If you want to join our talented team, why not check out our vacancies?
Richard Badger who joined the team as General Manager in 2016, takes the role of Head of Studio following d3t co-founder Jamie Campbell’s departure to Keywords Studios as Engineering Service Line Director.d3t co-founder Steve Powell said, “Over the last 7 years, d3t has evolved into a thriving, vibrant studio and Richard’s appointment as Head of Studio marks the next chapter in our evolution. Richard has vast industry experience and his last 2 years as our General Manager has equipped him with an encyclopaedic knowledge of d3t. Our vision for d3t, coupled with a strong recruitment drive, has equipped us with both the exceptional team talent and the capacity to move d3t to the next level.”
Richard’s appointment sees his remit expand to include finance as well as heading up the studio’s external facing activities. He will continue to oversee the studio’s operations, HR, sales and marketing.
Steve Powell, will remain in his role as Studio Development Director and d3t’s master engineer, responsible for all development disciplines in the studio: engineering, art, QA and design. If you want to join our talented team, why not check out our vacancies?
d3t celebrated turning 7 on 13th July and we would like to thank our amazing team for their hard work and dedication!
Our 7th year has brought some huge changes for d3t, so here’s a quick review…
Major news came in October 2017 as d3t was acquired by Keywords Studios. We are hugely proud to be a part of the global international technical services provider and excited about this new chapter in our evolution.
Since our last birthday we have recruited 14 more talented people to our team, moved to a bigger HQ and will continue our expansion as part of the KWS Group.
And in April we could finally reveal that we are the studio resurrecting Shenmue from its 20-year-old source code, a project we have termed ‘digital archaeology’!
We attended GDC, XDS – for which Studio Head Richard Badger was a guest speaker, Gamescom, E32018 and delivered a series of talks across universities in the region. We became a patron of Grads in Games, launched Internships and had Marlon, our first intern, complete his programme paving the way for our new intake. We delivered a ‘You CAN Work in Games’ STEM talk engaging our youngest audience yet: 9-11year olds at a local primary school.
And in true d3t style, we had a VIP visitor in the shape of a llama!
But no review of our year would be complete without mentioning perhaps the greatest change to d3t since we started in 2011.
Our co-founder Jamie Campbell has officially left d3t to take up post with Keywords Studios, having accepted the position of Engineering Service Line Director. Jamie has been absolutely pivotal in the success of d3t and we look forward to more exciting opportunities under his direction. Thanks for everything Jamie!
Steve Powell, co-founder and our master engineer remains at the helm as Studio Development Director and we congratulate Richard Badger on his new role of Studio Head.
And on a final note, our birthday wouldn’t be complete without a party and cake!
Jamie Campbell, co-founder of d3t Ltd, has been appointed Engineering Service Line Director of the international technical services provider, Keywords Studios. Jamie, who co-founded d3t with Stephen Powell in 2011, will oversee all aspects of software engineering across the Keywords family of studios, directing their global teams to deliver a best-of-class service.
As d3t’s Commercial Director, Jamie was responsible for driving the company’s growth before it was acquired by Keywords Studios in October 2017. From a start-up team of three, d3t now employs 50 highly skilled software engineers. Counting household names like SEGA and BBC amongst its repeat clients, d3t has worked on high profile games such as the multi award-winning The Witcher III and Shenmue.
d3t Studio Head Richard Badger said,
We offer our warmest congratulations to Jamie as he takes up his new post as Engineering Service Line Director with Keywords Studios. As co-founder Jamie has been absolutely pivotal in the success of d3t and he will be missed by the whole of the d3t team. However, Jamie’s appointment marks a really exciting chapter for the Keywords Engineering Service Line and we’re looking at a great future.”
d3t specialises in delivering premium quality work for hire services across the global games industry. Keywords Studios is an international creative and technical services provider to the global video games industry. Established in 1998, Keywords now has over 40 facilities in 20 countries strategically located in Asia, the Americas and Europe.
Irina Hristescu joined our growing team as an Intern Junior Programmer on 18 June 2018.
Find out more about Irina.
Tell us about your background and experience prior to d3t?
I was a Technology Analyst at J.P. Morgan and part time Software Engineer at Biorelate.
Why d3t?
I’ve always wanted to work in games, so when I heard about d3t at a job fair at my university (University of Manchester), I knew I had to apply.
What was the recruitment process like?
Initially, I was sent a test via email and was given 24 hours to complete it. This was very different from what I was used to, as most companies just give you 1 hour coding challenges.
Not only was the challenge a great way to show your skills, it also gave me a feel of what it would be like working here. And as a plus, it was extremely fun!
After I passed the test, I came to the office for a face to face interview, where we talked about my experience and what kind of work d3t does. The atmosphere was relaxed and everyone was very friendly.
A day after the interview I got the job offer, and here I am now!
Tell us some interesting facts about yourself.
I really enjoy hiking and I used to go cave exploring with my father a lot when I was younger. If you want to join our talented team, why not check out our vacancies?
Ryan Buxton joined the d3t team as a Junior Programmer on 11th June 2018. We asked Ryan to tell us a bit more about himself…
Tell us about your background and experience prior to d3t?
I’m a Staffordshire University graduate in BSc (Hons) in Computer Games Programming with a year-long internship as a Simulation Software Developer for Airbus Helicopters in Donauwörth, Germany.
Why d3t?
d3t offered me the opportunity to work on many different projects in different areas of programming which would enable me to taste a bit of everything before deciding exactly where I’d like to specialise.
What was the recruitment process like?
Very straight forward, both interviews were relaxed and enjoyable. I had two interviews and got on really well with the team that interviewed me.
The code test was an enjoyable challenge which gave scope to demonstrate skills which I learned at uni, on placement and in my spare time.
Any interesting facts we should know?
I was a long-term member of the Army Cadets from 2008-2013. In July 2012, I participated in the International Four Days Marches of Nijmegen in Holland. Here alongside a squad, we marched 100 miles all over Nijmegen and the surrounding areas.
It was quite possibly one of the most challenging experiences of my life.
If you want to join our talented team, why not check out our vacancies?
