Overview
About the opportunity
With over 27 years of experience in the creative industries, Andrew Minton has built a career at the intersection of innovation, storytelling, and entrepreneurship. He spent 15 years shaping campaigns and developing brands within creative agencies before taking the leap to scale and successfully sell his own animation business. This experience has given him a unique perspective on what it takes to build, grow, and lead creative ventures that are both commercially successful and creatively ambitious. Andrew’s entrepreneurial spirit drives him to create fun, engaging start-ups, with a particular focus on gaming, character-driven brands, and immersive experiences. His projects often blend entertainment with meaningful impact, reflecting his belief that creativity can be a force for good. This philosophy is most visible in his current work with Hangry Animals, a project that fuses gaming with philanthropy, offering experiences that reward players while supporting charitable causes. Since 2024, Andrew has also served as a Big Ideas Wales Role Model, bringing his expertise directly into schools and community settings. Through workshops and hands-on mentoring, he inspires young people to explore creative careers, think entrepreneurially, and understand the real-world impact of their ideas. His approach emphasizes practical skills, industry insights, and the power of imagination, making his sessions both informative and inspiring for students of all ages. Andrew combines a wealth of professional experience with a genuine passion for nurturing talent and giving back. His work is guided by the belief that creativity is not just about making—it’s about empowering, connecting, and making a difference. Whether through leading workshops, mentoring young people, or developing new brands and games, Andrew’s career is defined by creativity, impact, and the drive to turn big ideas into reality. Session Details: Workshop Title: Designing the Next Big Hit: From Paper to Prototype Duration: 1–2 hours Workshop Overview: This hands-on workshop gives students an insider’s view of the game development process, from the first spark of an idea to a playable concept. Using real-world examples and practical exercises, participants will explore how successful games are built around strong USPs, addictive game loops, engaging hooks, and the right genre-platform fit. The session emphasizes that all great games start with a pen and paper, and that creativity, clarity, and iteration are key to bringing ideas to life. Learning Objectives: By the end of the session, students will: • Understand the process of turning a game idea into a playable concept. • Identify the elements that make a game engaging: USP, hooks, genre, and platform. • Learn the value of storyboarding and prototyping in shaping gameplay. • Experience how to pitch a game concept effectively. Workshop Structure: 1. Introduction & Inspiration (15 minutes) o Quick overview of the game development process. o Examples of games from concept to completion. o Discussion on what makes a game memorable and successful. 2. Brainstorming & Concept Development (20–30 minutes) o Students generate ideas individually or in small groups. o Identify USP, target audience, genre, and platform. 3. Storyboarding & Paper Prototyping (30–40 minutes) o Students sketch characters, levels, and core mechanics. o Translate ideas into a simple paper prototype to simulate gameplay. o Iteration encouraged: test, tweak, and improve the concept. 4. Pitch & Feedback (20–30 minutes) o Groups present their game ideas and paper prototypes to the class. o Peer and facilitator feedback to reinforce learning. Takeaways: Students leave with a practical understanding of how games are conceptualized, designed, and prototyped, as well as the confidence to continue developing their own ideas. They’ll see first-hand that every successful game starts with imagination, teamwork, and a simple pen and paper.Contact the company about this opportunity
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