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Chris Lee, Investor
Chris Lee’s impact on the games industry cannot be underestimated. He co-founded Media Molecule, FreeStyleGames, Delinquent and Playhubs. He has also invested and advised the likes of Future Games of London, Hutch, Space Ape, Gumbug, Hello Games and many more. Fascinated with art and engineering, Lee built flight simulators and oil rig training apps whilst at university, before joining technology firm MultiGen - which had created GameGen and was part of the ‘Dream Team’ of tech suppliers for N64. As the man handling sales and support in Europe (on his own), he worked with Rare, DMA Design and Software Creations. “After that, I joined David Lau-Kee at Criterion to help run RenderWare. That meant spending time with Midway, Rockstar, Activision, THQ , Rage, Eidos, Konami and Sega,” he says. “Working with these exceptional teams gave me the itch to build my own studios.” And build them he did. “Taking on the big boys with a new independent team is always fun,” he says. “There’s nothing more life affirming than working with a small group that’s determined to change the world. In console, Media Molecule and Hello Games did this. Hutch, Playdiation, Gumbug, Space Ape and Armada are destined to do the same on mobile.”
Andy Payne,
Founder, AppyNation Andy Payne is known for his work through AppyNation, Mastertronic, UKIE, GamesAid and more. He has been in the industry for over 30 years, with his influence stretching from digital markets to studios and even eSports. Prior to his life in games, Payne worked in book publishing and ended up on an educational software label “because I was ‘the lad who was interested in computers’.” He then joined the games industry fully, working on hit titles such as The Way of the Exploding Fist in 1986. Never afraid to share advice, Payne says there are three key things to remember when seeking a games industry career. “First up, make sure you can show what you can do or what you have done – and at a moment’s notice,” he says. “Second, network like crazy. Get along to as many industry events as you can and make friends. “Finally, be informed. Read the industry news sites and get to understand how the industry works and where you think you can fit in. Be persistent and be available. Opportunities come to those who search for them.”
“I have a deep interest in politics and business and I also enjoy strategy games. TIGA combines all three interests”
Richard Wilson, CEO, TIGA
Dr Richard Wilson seems to have his perfect job. “I have a deep interest in politics and business,” he says. “I also enjoy strategy games. TIGA combines all three interests. I run political campaigns and engage with policy makers. I manage an awardwinning business. And I engage with studios – including developers of strategy games.” Wilson has been with TIGA for nine years. He has represented the development sector within the media, and also has campaigned for more Government support. He’s most proud for his involvement in securing tax breaks for UK studios. “The campaign lasted seven years, during which time we successfully convinced four political parties, three different governments and the EU Commission to agree to the tax breaks,” he says. Having accomplished this, Wilson urges the industry to keep pushing for an enhanced version of the tax relief, a new games investment fund and the creation of a British Games Institute.
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