Top 100 Women in Games: Sophia George

Like so many of the individuals in the Top 100 Women in Games, Sophia George’s games industry career was kicked into action by her outstanding work as a student.

Stimulated by the inspiring games she explored while growing up, George wanted to work in the games industry from a young age.

Her first position came as part of her work on the app Tick Tock Toys with other students from Abertay University and Norwich University of the Arts.

The highly-regarded title won the Dare to be Digital competition in 2011 and the BAFTA Ones to Watch Award in 2012.

The initial release of the game was followed by a full version in 2013 – the very same year, George was elected as one of BAFTA’s Breakthrough Brits.

Shortly after the launch of Tick Tock Toys, George secured a role at the Victoria and Albert Museum in London as the establishment’s first game designer in residence.

This residency involved researching for a game that had to be inspired by the Britain 1500-1900 galleries, as well as participation in public activities involving games – such as a game jam, workshops and the display of George’s work in progress to the visitors of the museum.

George says that her work with the V&A has made her excited for other possible collaborations between games and other forms of culture.

She adds that she is still very early in her career, so her goals remain to learn and gain experience as a games designer.

However, one particular point of pride is her game, Strawberry Thief, which came out last year – as well as becoming a BAFTA Breakthrough Brit.

George currently works with primary schools in Dundee, focusing on the creative side to games – she hints at some ‘interesting opportunities’ she has lined up for the future.