Hullo there!
I’m Daniel Saunders and I’ve found myself in the fortunate position of being a full-time game designer; with a passion for discovering what makes games truly fun and engaging to play.
For five years I studied design, art and a teeny-tiny bit of programming for games in full-time education, eventually finding a passion for game design that has stuck with me since.
I’ve met many folks who have inspired my way of working, from industry newcomers to veterans alike. I’m keen to stay involved by attending games industry events and participating in educational talks and events.
When I’m not dedicating time to the playing and making of video games, I spend time keeping fit and healthy at the gym. As an avid fan of powerlifting and strongman, I’m inspired to stay strong and to take care of my health.
Alongside this, I also like to spend time with friends playing tabletop RPGs and board games, running fortnightly sessions.
Experience
Frontier Developments
Game Designer | 01/06/2021 - Present
Graduate Designer | 02/09/2019 - 01/06/2021
My tenure at Frontier has been spent working alongside multiple talented teams on two major projects. As a designer, my role is primarily to design, implement and iterate upon content and systems that will be implemented in our games. My focus has primarily been on the design of missions and quests.
Education
Staffordshire University
BSc (Hons) Computer Game Design | First Class Honours | Class of 2019
I studied a full three years at Staffordshire University, learning about multiple industry disciplines and in that time; I found my passion for game design.
I volunteered as a student representative for the University for two of the three years I studied there, giving student feedback to lecturers and helping to improve the overall student experience.
I graduated on the 11th of July 2019 with a First Class Honours degree.
I studied at Northbrook College for two years under two different qualification providers; the latter of which was the UAL Extended Diploma.
My time at Northbrook built a confidence that I took forward into Staffordshire University and still carry with me today. It opened my eyes to how I could make my way into industry, and the teaching staff there built the foundations for me to take that first giant step toward university.
UAL Extended Diploma in Creative Media Production and Technology | Merit | 2015-2016
BTEC Subsidiary Diploma in Creative Media Production and Technology | Distinction | 2014-2015