Daniel’s inspiration towards games design career

Daniel Gething was inspired by his grandad to return to education to achieve academic success and pursue a career in games design.

Daniel, 33, from Horden, County Durham, graduated from the BA (Hons) Computer Games Design and was awarded the Professor Leni Oglesby Prize for best graduating student from the School of Computing, Engineering & Digital Technologies.

He was among thousands of other Teesside University graduates who celebrated academic success at graduation ceremonies which took place on campus, from July 9 to 18.

During his studies he was also among recipients of a scholarship which included mentorship and financial support, created in partnership with leading games development studio Creative Assembly.

“Gaming provided an escape and became a coping mechanism for me when I was younger,” said Daniel. “My grandad also really inspired me.”

Daniel added: “I lived with my grandparents when I was growing up and my grandad was really interested in computer games, which is something we shared. He also inspired me to return to education as he even went to college to do a computing course when he retired from his job as an electrician.”

As a mature student, Daniel had an unconventional route to the degree, having “gone from job to job” after previously studying sports science course at college and working as an IT apprentice.

He said: “The time for me to complete the degree was right, as I’d developed the maturity to completely focus on my studies. The games design course was perfect for me, as it allows for focus on specific areas of the computer games industry that I want to work in.”

Daniel added: “It is very heartening to know that achieving this academic award means I’ve been recognised for the hard work and dedication I put into my studies.

“I did struggle a bit at times, especially at the start of the second year of the degree when my daughter was born and my partner had some health issues, which all impacted on my studies. I acted on some great advice from a supportive lecturer and mentor to take some time off over the summer, which helped me to return to my studies recharged and focused.

“The butterfly effect that’s come from not quitting my studies has been nothing short of amazing. It is hard studying as a parent, but if you persevere and manage your time well, good things can come from it.”

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