A University of Gloucestershire graduate has won an illustrious award from the national trade association representing the UK video games industry.

Sam Carrier, who graduated with a first-class honours degree in BSc digital media and web technologies, was named Outstanding Graduate of the Year (Artist) at the TIGA Games Education Awards 2023, which promote outstanding students, education providers and best practice.

Sam is now employed in the video games industry as a junior artist with video game developer Flix Interactive, based in Bromsgrove.

The TIGA Education Committee's decision to award Sam the prestigious prize was based on examination results, module grades, showreels, portfolios and project, as well as improvement made during the course.

Andre van Rooijen, course leader for games art, said: "We're absolutely thrilled for Sam that he has been named as the Graduate of the Year (Artist) at the TIGA Games Education Awards - it's an outstanding achievement.

"Sam has produced some outstanding artwork in his final year and we're extremely proud to see his dedication and commitment rewarded with this excellent result in such a strong category."

Four other university graduates were finalists at the TIGA Games Education Awards 2023: Danny Lee, Outstanding Graduate of the Year (Artist); Devon Gritton, Outstanding Graduate of the Year (Designer); Phoebe Pudge, Outstanding Graduate of the Year, (Programmer); and Zac Peel-Yates, Outstanding Graduate of the Year (Programmer).

The university's previous TIGA Education Award winners include Lewis Hammond (TIGA Graduate of the Year 2022: Programmer), who is now a software engineer in the platform systems team at Unity.

The university has also been shortlisted for the Educational Institution of the Year Award at the TIGA Industry Awards 2023.