AJ is the Co-Founder and CEO of Dlala Studios making video games in Witham in Essex. Dlala Studios made the Battletoads sequel in 2020 and more recently Disney Illusion Island starring Mickey Mouse, Donald Duck and Goofy. Illusion Island is available on the Nintendo Switch. How did AJ start a computer games studio from his Mum’s garage in 2012? Starting as a programmer as a Game Content Developer at Jagex, then at Bossa, then winning a BAFTA, then starting Dlala Studios with Craig. Dlala have now been nominated for two BAFTAs for Illusion Island - Best British Game and Best Family Game. What are the rules for working with Mickey Mouse? There is no Mickeypedia! The ears on Epic Mickey on 3D vs 2D Mickey now. (Nick was wrong about Megadrive, that was Mickey Mouse and Castle of Illusion). New Mickey games are hand drawn animation! 2012 and the Indie Game Boom where the small game studios could release their own games. Indie games were a bit like the punk music of video games when distribution and publishing models changed. How Valve changed the industry. It can take over 3 years to make a video game, even with a studio of 43 people like Dlala, and 5 to 10 years for bigger titles like Grand Theft Auto. Working with Microsoft in their incubator. A chance encounter at a developer conference lead to creating a Windows 8 launch title, which lead to a cover article in Develop Magazine, which landed on a desk at Microsoft incubator, which lead to a paying gig just as AJ and Craig were about to run out of money. Getting out there, making an impression on people, and making connections. Pulling the best talent from all over the world to work in Witham, Essex. What does someone from California think when they move to Essex? AJ works with local education as a stakeholder at Chelmsford College, Colchester Institute, and as Cultural Ambassador for Essex. AJ didn’t excel at school or uni, but still found creative success. Nick’s game he made with his kids on Scratch ‘Mega Bum Poo’. AJ taught himself visual basic from ‘for Dummies’ books that he got from the library - pre-internet - inspired by his uncle. He made a South Park wrestling game at home - oh my god they suplexed Kenny! Getting work out quickly and get fast feedback and experience. AJ’s wrestling manager game. Finding projects to do based on your passion points. If you’ve got enough time to play games, you’ve got enough time to make them! Play testing games with user testing. Using testing feedback to refine games. AJ’s job as director making the games perfect and improving the play experience. Making marginal gains and nudges to perfect something, and caring about getting the product perfect for players. Getting reviews in the media, and the impact they can have. AJ’s philosophy is ‘negatives i can action, positives don’t help me.’ Dlala Studios have received over 40 awards and nominations for Illusion Island, including BAFTAs, Game Awards, Dice, Webbys. All awards for Essex! Working with Emmy award winning writers from Rick & Morty and Clarence for dialogue. Getting to work with incredible Disney voice talent recording dialogue that AJ has co-written for games. The importance of finding varied opinions and life experiences in employees and keeping it fresh with new voices. What does AJ do as an Essex Cultural Ambassador? And does he get Ferrero Rocher?

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Thanks to NGDA, City Sound and Essex County Council for their support

Recorded in Chelmsford, Essex, UK