Computer game maker Arlo Freer from Herriard has won the Game Making Award for those aged 15 to 18 in the BAFTA Young Game Designers competition.

Arlo, 15, won the award for demonstrating the most technically impressive computer programming skills in his age group in his game Bird In The Woods.

This is an archery-themed game in which players must manoeuvre their way through a range of puzzles, using as few shots as possible from their magic bow.

Arlo used YouTube to teach himself programming, and drew inspiration from his home in the Hampshire countryside for the woodland setting of his game.

Four winners were announced from 45 finalists in a digital ceremony hosted by actor, comedian and presenter Inel Tomlinson. The others were Alex Phillips, 13, from Bristol – who won the Game Making Award for those aged ten to 14 – and Ava Rogerson, 17, from Amersham, and Max Whistlecraft, 14, from Todmorden, who won their respective Game Concept Award titles for showing unique and creative game ideas.

They were picked by a jury of industry experts chaired by Nick Button-Brown, Tara Saunders, Des Gayle and Catherine Woolley.

Inel Tomlinson said: “Massive congratulations to the winners of BAFTA’s 2023 Young Game Designers competition.

“The quality of entries this year has been so strong, with 45 brilliant finalists from across the UK exploring the craft of game design across four categories. Two of this year’s winners are prior finalists who have continued to hone their gaming skills in their spare time, and we hope that will give confidence to anyone thinking of applying in the future.”

BAFTA chief executive Jane Millichip said: “I am so impressed by the sheer talent of emerging game creators. Our four winning games draw inspiration from the world around us; from the beauty of the British countryside and wildlife to computer circuitry and science.”