Since it was founded in 2010, Auroch Digital has been committed to being a studio that does things differently. From its dedication to making games that reflect on real-world issues, to its work on developing an inclusive and kind culture.
It’s been a busy couple of years for the Bristol-based studio, which has announced and released a bumper number of titles since October 2021, including: Mars Horizon: Daring Expeditions, MegaQuarium: Freshwater Frenzy, Brewmaster, Ogre and Warhammer 40,000: Boltgun.
With such a variety of titles ranging from space-themed strategy games to relaxing city-build sims, how do UI/UX teams at Auroch Digital continue to deliver exceptional experiences for their players?
A new approach to UI/UX
Here Alix Briskham, UI/UX Director at Auroch Digital, discusses how the studio does things differently:
“When artists join the games industry, they often go straight to the pathway of Concept Artist without exploring other avenues they could go down. When I first met Auroch Digital at the start of my career, I worked with Art teams around me and got to know the opportunities I had available – that’s when I fell in love with UI/UX. I discovered that a game can be the most beautiful in the world with a fantastic story, but if it’s a nightmare for players to use or the UI makes no sense then none of that matters.
“My time at Auroch Digital in those early days really gave me the tools I needed to explore other areas of game development (all somewhat tied to user experience) and when the chance to re-join came up last year, I jumped at the chance.
“Auroch Digital is a studio that holds its values close, and I’ve constantly been so impressed by how Studio Director Tomas Rawlings and Operations Director Nina Adams maintain the quality and creativity of the games whilst also connecting them back to the world around us.
“UI/UX roles at Auroch Digital are really valued and respected by the whole team and it really does feel like we’re all working towards the same goal, celebrating each other as we go. I’ve worked for companies where UI and UX roles are split but at Auroch, they’re combined to give us more autonomy and a smoother workflow for our teams, allowing us to take ownership of our projects.
“When it comes to the work, Auroch Digital titles provide a range of challenges for a UI/UX Designer as the genres and pacing of Auroch’s titles are so varied, for example; Brewmaster – a cosy hobby simulator – requires a much different User Interface to something like Warhammer 40,000: Boltgun, which is a first-person shooter. We’re presented the opportunity to get creative with colours, shapes and experience – always matching the style with the genre or theme of the game.
“Not only that, but Auroch Digital is a studio that takes accessibility incredibly seriously and it’s always looking to improve and develop new ways of working, which presents UI/UX Designers with many unique and interesting opportunities. For example, looking at the way colour-palettes look for those with colour-blindness or ensuring the menu screen isn’t too overwhelming for players with ADHD or sensory needs.
“I’ve worked in many roles in the games industry, but I’ve found something amazing in UI and UX at Auroch Digital: variety. Tech, science and games are all so interesting to me and UI/UX blends and finds application for all three. When I was at the start of my career, I would have never imagined I’d end up working in UI/UX and have the opportunity to make games more accessible and inclusive for all – but I wouldn’t change a thing.”
Alix (pictured left) began their journey at Auroch Digital as a Junior and returns as a UI/UX Director – something Auroch is incredibly passionate about for its people: “Auroch is a people-first studio and is dedicated to the long-term development of its people and proudly offers lots of opportunity for training, reviews, mentoring and a bottom-up approach to development – you’re in charge of your own Auroch Digital destiny.”
Auroch Digital is currently looking for talented UI/UX Artists to join its team and work on a range of exciting titles – could it be you? All opportunities can be found on the Careers Page.
Alix – along with Auroch Digital Operations Director Nina Adams and Producer Hannah Corcoran – were a part of the Bristol Game Hub networking event on 30th June at 7pm – further information can be found here.
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