30
under 30 2024
SPOTLIGHT
JUPITER HADLEY
Jupiter Hadley, Head of Community at Toya Play Studio, tells Vince Pavey about what attracted her to a career in the video game industry, and about the benefits of the 30 Under 30 for lesser-known developers
What made you love video games enough to want to work in the industry? There has always been something magical about video games - a thing that takes you into your own little world. I was always impressed with game developers, and though I do not have the talent to create games, I wanted to be a part of this magical space and help highlight games.
How did being recognised by the games industry last year feel?
After working in the games industry for over 10 years, it felt fantastic to be seen. I have always worked within the smaller, less known indie gaming areas of the industry, so it’s great to know someone sees me working hard.
Why do you choose to mostly work in the independent video game space? The indie gaming space is the first one I saw, through game jams. I was obsessed and amazed with the idea that people can create games in a short amount of time, and I wanted to play them all. When I started playing them and talking about them, it meant a lot to the developers, who hadn’t received feedback at all before.
Did winning the 30 Under 30 back in 2023 open any doors for you? Not really, if I’m honest. I don’t think I am actually the target for the 30 Under 30. I think it’s more for people who have not been in the industry for very long.
What makes you say that?
Looking at past winners and the people that make it into the 30 Under 30, they tend to be people who just started at companies, or who haven’t been around for very long, compared to myself. Highlighting lesser-known people will provide them with opportunities, just like highlighting lesser- known games will showcase them to more people. I was already known very well in games when I got the award, so it’s not surprising that I didn’t get new opportunities - but I can see how this would really help those who are not so known in games and I did gain a lot personally from feeling seen.
It’s a hard time financially, particularly for young people. Do you see yourself continuing on in games long-term? Yes. It’s all I know.
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30 under 30 2024
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