Sally

Game Dev

“Demystifying game development is the only way we will encourage more people to join the games industry - and as a result, have more voices in the room to make even better games.”

Founder & Ceo

Wyrdren Games

Foundation Games Pathway Lead

University for the Creative Arts

Ex-Art Director

Arrogant Pixel


Speaker

  • GDLX 2025 - Fireside Indie Games Panel & Solo talk on the Into Games Career Stage

  • Into Games Masterclass 2024

  • Debug U 2024 - Recording Here

  • Konsoll Connect 2023

  • Develop: Brighton 2023 - Recording Here

  • EGX Rezzed 2023

  • WASD x IGN 2023

  • Game Dev London Expo (GDLX) 2023

  • Limit Break Opening Ceremony (Online) 2023

  • Rapture Gaming Festival 2023

Awards & Nominations

  • Best representation of Women in a video game - women in Games Awards 2022 - Spellbound: The Magic Within (nominated)

  • Game Dev Hero Awards 2022 - Progression advocate (finalist)

  • Narrative Excellence - London Games Festival 2022

  • Tech Women 100 2023 (finalist)

  • Highlighted in Safe in our Worlds Devcember 2024 Industry Stars.

As the Founder and Creative Director of Wyrdren, Sally has led the charge in crafting immersive stories and experiences. Her work on titles like "Spellbound: The Magic Within" showcases her knack for pushing the boundaries of interactive storytelling and captivating audiences with rich narratives.

Sally's commitment goes beyond game development. She's a passionate advocate for diversity and inclusivity in the gaming industry, actively serving as a 'Women in Games' Ambassador and an 'Into Games' Video Games Ambassador. Her dedication aligns seamlessly with her mission to shape a more inclusive gaming community.

In academia, Sally dons the hat of a Game Design Lecturer at the University of West London. Her role involves nurturing the next generation of game developers, effectively shaping the future of the gaming industry through education.

But that's not all. Sally extends her mentorship to underrepresented individuals in the UK games industry through the Limit Break Mentorship committee, fostering a strong sense of community and support.

As Art Director at Arrogant Pixel, she enhances the visual aspects of games and manages the largest department, championing her team's growth from juniors to seniors.

Sally is a sought-after speaker at gaming conventions and events, addressing vital topics like Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI), the importance of diversity in character design, practical guidance for entering the gaming industry, and setting up effective portfolios.

Sally's journey through the digital arts, gaming, and advocacy is a commitment to making the gaming industry more inclusive, diverse, and empowering for all. Join her on this adventure.

 Art Director, Indie Company CEO, University Lecturer & Public Speaker.

 

Achievements, Partners and Awards

UK Games Fund Round 8

Wyrdren is proudly a recipient of Round 8 funding by the UKGF in 2022.

BAFTA

Sally is a BAFTA Connect Member.

Tech women 100

Sally was a finalist in the TECH Women 100 list in 2023.

Limitbreak mentoring

In 2023 was selected as part of the Limit Break committee and has been a mentor every year since 2022.

THE GAME AWARDS FUTURE CLASS 2023

Sally was selected to be a part of the 2023 The Game Awards Future Class cohort.

Into Games

Sally is a Video Games Ambassador volunteering on the program set up by IntoGames.

Game Dev Heroes Nominee 2022

Sally was a Game Dev Hero 2022 finalist ‘Progression Advocate’ for her work around inclusion in the industry.

#Raisethegame

Wyrdren Games is a Pledge Partner of #RaiseTheGame Diversity Pledge

Women in Games Ambassador

Founder Sally has passionately and proudly been a Women in Games Ambassador since 2019.

London Games Festival Offical Selection

Spellbound: TMW was chosen for the category of narrative excellence in the London Games Festival Offical Selection.