A YOUNG game designer from Blackburn is in the running for a ‘BAFTA’ as one of the country’s hottest future software developers.

The 14-year-old and his defence and strategy game, Elytron, wowed judges from the British Academy of Film and Television Arts’ Young Game Designers competition.

Like any good developer though, it was only when he put his idea to the test with friends, was he able to work out any bugs and improve his original concept.

William, who is competing in the 10 to 14 years game-making section, said: “I am very proud of my game, Elytron.

“The fact that I managed to get a finalist position with the game I created makes me feel incredibly happy.

“I now have a stronger idea of what it is like to be a game developer, like watching people enjoy the game you created or the feeling of achievement once you finish your game.”

In the game, the goal is to defend your position against a marauding horde of beetles, all trying to break down a wall separating you from them. If they breach your defences, then you lose health points.

Killing the insectoids brings rewards of gold, which can then be used to acquire more weapons and shields. As the game progresses, the enemies get gradually stronger, with the odd end-of-tier ‘boss’ to contend with, to advance.

His knowledge of the game development engine ‘scratch’ has also come on in leaps and bounds.

“Due to this being my first game, I improved my skill of being a game developer,” he added, in his official competition submission.

“I have learnt what creating a game is like and some problems which can occur whilst making a game such as game bug fixes, game testing and countless problems mid-game development.

“I have also improved my knowledge of scratch and the new scratch update. Without making the game, I wouldn’t even know half the things about scratch which I currently now know.

“I had trouble coming up with new ideas for my game to improve. To fix this I asked my friends to test the game out and give me feedback. If it wasn’t for my friends, I wouldn’t have a shield, a difficulty system, a boss and the game wouldn’t be as balanced in difficulty.”

His prize includes a trip to BAFTA headquarters and advice from top game developers, before category winners are eventually announced.