Leah Philpot
Game Level & Narrative Designer
Hi! My name is Leah Philpot, I am a level and narrative designer and a Game Arts and Design graduate from the University of Plymouth! Previously, I was a game design intern at Criterion games for over a year, working on level, narrative and systems design for an unannounced project!
Using my online alias Lolon, I have built my skills in narrative design in my own game projects using my experience in Unreal Engine 4 & Unity, 3d environment creation, illustration and music. One of these projects is the game jam entry The Empty City, which has been described by Alpha Beta Gamer as "...a captivating experience with a very atmospheric soundtrack and fantastic use of its retro PS1 aesthetic." as well as more recently the collaboratively produced game jam title Maestro. I am always interested in working on more games that build a story through sights, sound and interaction!
Alongside this, I have taken 3d animation commissions for clients such as No Walls Creative Arts and the University of Plymouth Musical Theatre Society. I also have been improving my skills in illustration and have a long relationship with composing music.
ROLES & EXPERIENCES
Build A Rocket Boy - Content Designer
Up to present, I am a Content Designer for Build a Rocket Boy, where I test tools and create authored experiences for players and work closely with the content team and directors on the project.
Spider Lily Studio
Contract Narrative Designer
I worked with Spider Lily Studios on their current project, Schrodinger's Catgirl, a non linear mystery visual novel. I worked with the project lead to plan and prototype the progression flow of the game from a narrative standpoint, and also worked with the artist to create a production plan for the needed sprites and artwork needed to effectively present the story.
Story Juice - Game Developer
I was a general game developer for Story Juice, a small remote team focused on narrative lead experiences. I was a project manager for our client projects, maintaining our Jira and supporting our team of five in outlining their tasks and timelines. I was also a designer for all our projects, writing and maintaining our documentation and speaking with our client to discuss how best to deliver their vision.
Criterion - Game Design Intern
For my university work placement year, I was offered a role at Criterion, a part of Electronic Arts, as a game design intern for fourteen months. As a general design internship, I worked in level, narrative and systems design for an unannounced project. I was also a part of the women’s and LGBTQ+ employee resource group where we discussed representation and working not only in Criterion, but in Electronic Arts globally.
Trans Game Dev - Moderator
I am a moderator for Trans Game Dev, an online community of transgender game developers aimed to raise awareness of gender diversity in the game development sector as well as to deliver a safe and secure space to socialise and network.
I manage new member enquiries, organising community events and working with both the administrators, other moderators and the community itself to deliver on the goals and shape what Trans Game Dev can be.
QUALIFICATIONS
University of Plymouth
2017 – 2021
BA(Hons) Game Arts and Design
First Class Honours
Bridgewater and Taunton College
2015 – 2017
BTEC level 3 extended diploma Creative media production (Games Development)
Triple grade Distinction+, Distinction, Distinction
