Summary
MediEvilco-creator Jay Gunn has taken to Twitter to announce the sale of his personal Game of the Year BAFTA award. The decision, driven by financial struggles and job search challenges, sheds light on the harsh realities faced by creative minds in the gaming industry, despite having a remarkable background with a game likeMediEvil.
MediEvilis a series of action-adventure video gamesthat began in 1998 with the release of the first game developed by SCE Studio Cambridge and published by Sony. Subsequent titles includeMediEvil 2in 2000 and a reimagining calledMediEvil: Resurrectionfor the PSP in 2005. In 2019, a PS4 remake was released, aiming to bring the classic game to a new audience. Despite the notable success of this classic title, one of its co-creators is going through a very hard financial time.
In a heartfelt Twitter thread, Jay Gunn opened up about his recent hospitalization due to stress, anxiety, and financial worries. Struggling to secure interviews for game art and design positions and, after puttinghis complete archives ofMediEvilup for sale, Gunn has made the difficult choice to sell his personal BAFTA award. Gunn’s Twitter thread details the personal and professional challenges he has faced, leading to the decision to put it up for sale. The award, obtained forMediEvil’s achievements, is a symbol of Gunn’s contributions to the gaming industry. “I know I still have a lot to offer and to give but the doors are firmly shut and I’m super worried,” Gunn stated.
The BAFTA sale includes the personal award, the official BAFTA broadcast tape capturing the winning moment, and an additional promotional “Sir Dan Hand” statue. Gunn is asking for £6,000 and is open to higher bids. As a bonus, he is alsoincluding theMediEvilFunko Pop figure.
Gunn has also pinned a tweet in his profile searching for work, where he emphasizes his extensive experience in the gaming industry, showcasing skills in game design, concept art, gameplay design, writing, and illustration. Despite his notable track record, he highlights the challenges of securing employment, expressing frustration at the lack of responses to his job applications.
I know I still have a lot to offer and to give but the doors are firmly shut and I’m super worried.
Given thewave of layoffs across major companies in 2023, Gunn’s struggles to find new employment could be further exacerbated. The competitive nature of the industry, coupled with the aftermath of widespread layoffs, paints a challenging landscape for experienced professionals seeking opportunities. Jay Gunn’s decision to part with his BAFTA serves as a reminder of the challenges faced by individuals in the gaming industry, even those with notable achievements.
MediEvil
A Gothic Tale Straight from the Grave
Challenge the powers of darkness and untold magic as Sir Daniel Fortesque returns from the grave to battle an evil sorcerer’s plans of demise. (As if being dead wasn’t bad enough!) Follow the mystical trial of darkness and land in the journey of a lifetime.
A mighty arsenal of weapons awaits: swords, daggers, crossbows, hammers, the occasional chicken drumstick and more!
Fiendish puzzles and riddles to solve.
Ghoulish enemies that will strike fear in the bravest of players.
