Winners’ Stories

Daniel Slater

"It is a fantastic opportunity and I would encourage anyone who is thinking about it to apply."

"It is a fantastic opportunity and I would encourage anyone who is thinking about it to apply."

Daniel Slater has been fascinated by game design since childhood. Now, after years of study and dedication, he's gone from learning about games to teaching others how to make them. Growing up in Middlesbrough, Daniel followed his passion through Darlington College, Middlesbrough College, and eventually Teesside University, where he graduated with first-class honours in games design. But while he was building skills, one thing kept holding him back: visibility. Daniel's portfolio showcases his strength in level design and advanced mission structures. But it also reflects his other passion: education. During his master's degree, he worked with Into Games as an after-school club leader, developing lesson plans to guide young students through the game development process and help them create their own concepts. He even visualised a twelve-week programme to teach service design. That combination of design expertise and educational experience paid off. Daniel is now a programme leader and lecturer in games design, shaping the next generation of developers. His advice to anyone considering applying? "It is a fantastic opportunity and I would encourage anyone who is thinking about it to apply."

Daniel Slater has been fascinated by game design since childhood. Now, after years of study and dedication, he's gone from learning about games to teaching others how to make them. Growing up in Middlesbrough, Daniel followed his passion through Darlington College, Middlesbrough College, and eventually Teesside University, where he graduated with first-class honours in games design. But while he was building skills, one thing kept holding him back: visibility. Daniel's portfolio showcases his strength in level design and advanced mission structures. But it also reflects his other passion: education. During his master's degree, he worked with Into Games as an after-school club leader, developing lesson plans to guide young students through the game development process and help them create their own concepts. He even visualised a twelve-week programme to teach service design. That combination of design expertise and educational experience paid off. Daniel is now a programme leader and lecturer in games design, shaping the next generation of developers. His advice to anyone considering applying? "It is a fantastic opportunity and I would encourage anyone who is thinking about it to apply."

Applications for this year's IG50 are now open. If you're from a working-class or low-income background and you're trying to break into the games industry, this is the award that was built for you. Apply now.

The IG50 2026 awards are sponsored by Ubisoft

Into Games Supporters & Partners

© 2026 Into Games

The IG50 2026 awards are sponsored by Ubisoft

Into Games Supporters & Partners

© 2026 Into Games

Into Games Supporters & Partners

© 2026 Into Games

The IG50 2026 awards are sponsored by Ubisoft