First-Class Jole shooting it up in games industry

Liverpool has been ground-breaking in the games industry for decades, from Psygnosis and Bug-Byte in the ‘80s to Firesprite, Citrus and Ripstone today.

Jole Challinor, a recent graduate of LJMU’s Computer Games Development course is the latest in a long line of talent creating fun and games for his generation!

The Rock Ferry based entrepreneur, 23, grew up on Sonic Rush and outdated consoles because “we didn’t have much money” and planned his first games at the age of 12!

Fast forward 13 years and Jole is the inaugural winner of Liv Game Summit, the Liverpool Game Development Network’s biggest event of the year, bring together studios, educators, talent and communities from across the city-region.

His hit game Blade Rush, under his own company Noba Games Ltd, is a frantic top-down shooter where you pilot your ‘Blade’, shooting and boosting through waves of alien creatures

Observers say his talent lies in creating simple, fun games that are ‘easy to jump into’, even though Joel himself struggles to put his finger on the secret of his success.

“I guess it’s fast paced, has bright colourful visuals and funky music but it’s instinctive, I don't consider myself an artist.”

Blade Rush, was released in May, and was an instant hit with Jole receiving impressive feedback from gamers and the industry with local developer Milky Tea offering to help promote it for him.

“I can't really say why it's been popular," mused Jole. "Most people who've played it told me they don't usually like arcade games but loved Blade Rush, which surprised me but I'm very happy about.

“As long as people have fun with it then that's what matters,” says the former Wirral Met College student, who earned First-Class Honours at Liverpool John Moores.

I knew one day Jole would be a successful games developer

Dr Sud Sudirman, Senior Lecturer in Computer Games Development 

While at uni, Jole was supported by the LJMU Student Start-Up Hub and is rolling with his own enterprise and freelancing.

“I have a couple of things in the works which I'm excited about, but it's still up in the air whether I'll decide to do a full time job or not.”

So what’s the next game idea?  “I've had a lot of ideas. More arcade games, horror games, I'd love to make a game that is based around the Wirral or Liverpool since I have a big interest in abandoned buildings and history.

“Something focusing on that would be cool, but I don't know what form it will take yet. All's I know is I want it to be 3D.”

“LJMU was great, I loved my time there and wish it lasted longer. It was stressful at times but I suppose that's the same for anyone.”

Senior lecturer Dr Sud Sudirman said he knew from day one that Jole had a bright future in games: “Jole was a very dedicated and capable student from the get-go. Skilful in computer programming and very quick in grasping complex concepts.

“He followed the tutors' suggestions to create an online portfolio, and it looked amazing.  I was very impressed by his game ideas, especially the Blade Rush game he did. I knew one day, he would be a successful game developer. Good luck Jole!”