AN ASPIRING young game designer has reached a final of a prestigious award for developing a survival horror game.

Talented Joseph Sheehy, a student at South Devon UTC in Newton Abbot, has been named a finalist in the prestigious BAFTA Young Game Designers Awards.

His game concept, Subject 19, was shortlisted in the 15 to 18 age category and Joseph attended a special BAFTA event in London last month.

His concept is a 2D survival horror game set in a 1960s government research facility hidden beneath a working hospital.

The game focuses on exploration, psychological tension, and narrative discovery, featuring branching paths, immersive storytelling, and striking visual effects that reflect the protagonist’s unravelling reality.

While exploring, Test Subject 19 uncovers hidden audio logs and notes left behind by Dr. Beau Walker. These clues slowly reveal the unsettling truth behind what happened.

Gameplay focuses on exploration, with moments of intense tension.

Reality and illusion blur together, leaving players to question what’s real and what’s not.

The Young Game Designers Awards celebrate the most promising young minds in game design across the UK.

A UTC spokesman said: ‘Joseph’s nomination places him among the top emerging talents in the field, an incredible honour and a testament to the strength of digital and creative education at South Devon UTC.’

Claire Plumb, Headteacher at South Devon UTC, said: ‘Joseph’s creativity, storytelling and technical vision are truly exceptional.

‘To be recognised by BAFTA at this level is an extraordinary achievement, and we are so proud of the hard work, imagination and dedication he has shown. His future in game design looks incredibly bright.’

Matthew Shanks, CEO of Education South West, said:

‘This nomination demonstrates the powerful role schools can play in nurturing creative talent. Joseph’s concept shows a remarkable level of maturity and originality, and we are delighted to see a student from our trust reach such inspiring heights.’