NIALL TAYLOR
GAME DESIGNER
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Some of my favourite recent projects are...
Collectable toys, brought to life through augmented reality.
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AR apps and experiences for a wide range of high-profile clients.
Fast-paced BAFTA-nominated local multiplayer chaos.
KEY PROJECT: SWAPBOTS
Swapbots is a ground breaking augmented reality toy for kids aged 6-13. Players create their perfect Swapbot by building and swapping the modular parts of 9 cool and cute characters. Then, using the app - they scan their toy and bring it to life, ready to explore the world and face its dangers together.
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Gameplay in Swapbots is a simple mix of multiplayer battling, completing missions, and crafting new skins and customisations for your Bots! There are also a host of AR minigames to play to earn even more cosmetic upgrades!
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I have been working with award-winning AR studio Draw and Code as lead designer on the gameplay side of Swapbots, overseeing all aspects of the game. This has primarily taken the form of game design, systems design, ux design and narrative design work for the initial release to kickstarter backers.
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The physical nature of swapbots as a toy means that it has been the most challenging project I have worked on to date.
KEY PROJECT: SERIOUS AR
Recently, I have been exploring the possibilities of XR technology outside of games. I've worked with a number of businesses to elevate their products, services and marketing with amazing digital experiences. Highlights include;
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- Working with Marmite on their Gene Project, on which I helped create a Marmite treasure hunt in the popular app Snatch, where players raced to win a solid gold jar of Marmite.
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- I worked with Warner Brothers and Snatch on a Ready Player One experience, where players step through portals into the world of the OASIS.
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- Most recently, I worked with John Lewis & Partners to create an AR sofa customisation app, as part of their 2018 rebrand . It can be seen and used in their flagship Oxford Street store in London.
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Working with both big name brands and huge user bases has made me a much sharper, more detail-focused designer.
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KEY PROJECT: GLITCHRUNNERS
Glitchrunners is a mapcap asymmetric local multiplayer game that uses a second screen technology to create a truly chaotic experience.
Up to four players, using a PC/Mac, run an action-packed side scrolling 3D gauntlet, contending with treacherous team mates, hair-raising hazards and a whole lot of explosions. A final player takes on the role of the Architect – and uses a second screen to dynamically control the game environment itself. With the world at their fingertips, the Architect can collapse buildings, throw stuff around and unleash mind bending special powers in real time as they attempt to stop their friends from escaping.
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Glitchrunners was originally named Don't Walk: RUN!, and was a winner of the prestigious Dare To Be Digital competition in 2014, earning a BAFTA nomination. It was granted further funding by Channel 4 and Green Man Loaded, and was released in 2016.
