My programming career started at the tender age of 12; developing simple games in BASIC on the Sinclair ZX81. I quickly moved onto developing games in assembly language.
My first professional quality game was created on the Sinclair Spectrum before I hit 16 and, whilst this was not published, formed part of the portfolio that helped me find employment after leaving college.
I’ve been fortunate to have worked during the fledgling years of the home computer revolution working for Software Creations, Malibu Comics and Time Warner Interactive.
I’ve had the pleasure of working with some of the best retro computer systems of the ’80s; the Sinclair Spectrum, then Amstrad CPC, Nintendo Gameboy, NES and Sega MegaCD finally ending up developing on the original Sony Playstation.
After a fun few years working in the games industry I decided to move on, working at Barcrest briefly (a subsidiary of IGT), then onto developing bespoke GPS tracking solutions for heavy plant gear, which was tremendous fun.
My career then led me into the world of digital outdoor signage, where I spent 13 years developing cutting edge solutions for various well known names in the retail sector, including Clear Channel, WHSmith, The Post Office, Westfield and Intu.
I’m currently working for SureCloud as a technical architect², and enjoy repairing and blogging about retro computers in my spare time.
Happily married with three fantastic children, I drive a bright orange Mini Cooper convertible¹ and know no shame.
Gameography
A selection of games I’ve worked on in my short career as a professional games developer.
- VIS: Spectrum (unreleased)
- LED Storm: Amstrad
- Ghouls n Ghosts: Amstrad
- Sly Spy (Secret Agent): Spectum / Amstrad
- Gauntlet III: The FInal Quest: Spectrum / Amstrad
- Solar Invasion: Spectrum + Magnum Lightgun
- The Incredible Crash Dummies: Gameboy
- Thomas the Tank Engine and Friends: NES
- Time Trax: Sega Megadrive (Music Driver)
- Firearm: Sega Mega-CD (unreleased)
- Pitball: Playstation
NB
- I’m technically driving a Vauxhall Zafira, having swapped cars with Mrs B for the sake of the school run. I would get rid of that line for sake of clarity, but love it too much.
- Any opinions expressed in this blog are solely my own and do not express the views or opinions of my employer.