Brenda Romero will gain recognition at the BAFTA gaming awards, receiving a ‘special award’ for her career in game development.
Armed with more than 35 years of games development experience, Brenda Romero is beginning to see the awards flow in. Due to collect another award alongside her husband John this July, the latest accolade means that her trophy cabinet is set to bulge.
BAFTA’s Special Award acknowledges individuals for their creative contribution to the industry, choosing Brenda for this year’s gong.
Brenda’s gaming experience began in 1981, taking her to titles including Wizardry, Jagged Alliance, Ghost Recon and Dungeons & Dragons. The award also celebrates her advocacy for the art and creative process behind game-making, and her commitment to encouraging the next generation of talent in the industry.
“This recognition is culturally critical for games overall,” she said, “so for that, I am profoundly thankful.
“As for me? Genuinely, I am still in a state of shock, having been chosen. I’ve devoted my life to games – making them, teaching them, playing them – and to receive any honour from the community is incredible. But a BAFTA? It’s well beyond anything else.”
Brenda, who will receive the award at the flagship event on 6 April, is course director of UL’s new MSc in Game Design and Development, which she designed herself. It will begin its first ever term in the autumn of this year.
Brenda will be returning to the Inspirefest stage this July, following her successful appearance last summer. She co-owns Romero Games with her husband, with the company based in Galway.
The duo will be presented with 2017 Industry Legend awards at the Develop Industry Excellence Awards in Brighton in July.
“To be honoured by the game development community is one of the best honours any game developer can receive,” said Brenda.
“I’m grateful that UL lets me continue my work in the industry. It’s critical to the quality of the education we’re offering, especially in game development, where things move so fast.”
John’s history in gaming is just as impressive, with iconic games such as Wolfenstein, Doom and Quake part of his illustrious portfolio.
Last year, it emerged that Blackroom was the name of the newest creation from John and his colleague Adrian Carmack, with the highly anticipated release featuring Irish influences throughout.
In development with Night Works Games – a “dark and violent subsidiary of Romero Games”, according to its website – the storyline is set in a world of extreme biological advances. “Visceral, varied and violent”, the game will pay homage to Irish imagery, such as castle ruins and the like.
Carmack, who worked with John on Quake, Doom, Doom 2, Wolfenstein and many more successful games, is the art director.
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