Games Professionals in Residence

Learning games development alongside industry leaders 

At the Staffordshire Games Institute, industry is not separate from education - it is embedded within it.

Our new Games Professionals in Residence initiative brings together a cohort of established industry professionals, studio leaders, and successful alumni who actively contribute to the student experience, helping shape the next generation of game developers. 

The scheme reflects a philosophy that defines our identity as a department: education and industry should operate as interconnected parts of the same creative pipeline. 

Through direct engagement with professionals working across the games sector, students gain insight into contemporary practice, professional expectations, and the realities of modern game development - from art and design to programming, production, and leadership. 

Staffordshire Games Institute is a place where industry and education work together to develop future talent. 

A male student is using the visual and motion equipment in the gaming studio

A community built with industry

The Games Professionals in Residence programme recognises individuals who have made a significant contribution to the Staffordshire Games Institute community through mentorship, collaboration, teaching support, and industry partnership. 

Many members of the cohort are graduates of University of Staffordshire - a reflection of the strength of our alumni network and the long-term relationships we continue to build across the games industry. 

Their involvement helps create an environment where students are connected to current industry thinking throughout their studies, not just at the point of graduation. These interactions help our students better understand the journey from education into industry. 

Gaming students are gathered around a large table collaborating on projects

Industry credibility that shapes student futures

The games industry is competitive, and students benefit enormously from learning within a community that is deeply connected to professional practice. 

The Games Professionals in Residence initiative is part of our ongoing commitment to ensuring students learn in an environment informed by real industry experience, expectations, and standards. 

By building lasting relationships with developers, studios, and creative leaders, we continue to strengthen the bridge between higher education and the games industry -helping students develop not only technical skills, but also the professional awareness and networks that support successful careers. 

Our first cohort of games professionals in residence 

We are proud to introduce the inaugural cohort of Games Professionals in Residence at the Staffordshire Games Institute: 

  • Gary Napper, Game Director, Great Ape Games
  • Jake Hayton, Senior Server Engineer at Forthstar
  • Laurence Oldam, Former Head of Design at Frontier Developments
  • Rich Harper, Principal Technical Artist at Rare
  • Ryan Buxton, Senior Programmer at MTX Solutions
  • Abbygale Dunn, Director, Founder and Lead Programmer at Astral Forge

Developing the next generation of games talent 

Our Games Professionals in Residence play an important role in supporting the future of the industry. Their contribution strengthens the learning experience, informs our teaching practice, and reinforces our commitment to delivering industry-connected games education. 

At the Staffordshire Games Institute, students do not simply study games - they become part of a professional creative ecosystem built alongside the industry itself. 

University of the year

Academic Employability Awards 2026, Graduate Futures Institute

for Social Inclusion

The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2026

for First Generation Students

The Mail University Guide 2026

in the UK for Games Education

Rookies Games Design and Development 2023, 2025

TIGA Best Games Institution 2024, 2025

of Research is “Internationally Excellent” or “World Leading”

Research Excellence Framework 2021

of Research Impact is ‘Outstanding’ or ‘Very Considerable’

Research Excellence Framework 2021