NFTS appoints new head of games

The National Film and Television School announces it has appointed experienced game developer and author, Alan Thorn as Head of its ground-breaking Games Design and Development MA. The unique MA combines input and tuition from leading games industry experts with the School's filmmaking expertise in disciplines including screenwriting, animation, sound design and composition, to pioneer unique and innovative games.

Alan Thorn has worked as a multidisciplinary game developer, author and educator for the past 17 years. He has made games and simulations for PC Desktop, Mobile and VR. He founded 'Wax Lyrical Games'​ and created the award-winning game 'Baron Wittard: Nemesis of Ragnarok'​, working as designer, programmer and artist. He has worked on over 33 games, written twenty-three technical books on game development and presented eighteen video-training courses for many companies including Microsoft, LinkedIn, Disney, Focal Press and Packt Publishing. He was previously a Senior Lecturer at Teesside University and a Visiting Tutor for Games Design and Development at the NFTS.

Alan says: "I'm delighted to be a part of the NFTS and excited by the challenge of building on the incredible games course we have here. Design and development skills within games are in high demand worldwide. From our interconnections across the school, our students are uniquely positioned to help others reimagine what games are and can be, as well as push creative boundaries for new types of interactive experiences."

NFTS Director, Nik Powell says: "We are thrilled to have Alan on board as leader of our pioneering Games Design and Development MA. He is well loved by the students and staff and his experience speaks for itself. I look forward to working with Alan to continue pushing the boundaries of the games industry through our unique approach of combining filmmaking disciplines with games design and encouraging a broad range of applicants from varied backgrounds."