Stay a while, and listen
Hello! I'm Tilly, a 32-year-old gamer turned programmer with a passion for creating meaningful player experiences. I’m naturally curious and analytical, with a knack for spreading joy and problem-solving. I have vast knowledge of games and game mechanics, rooted in first-hand experience.
(Aka being a huge nerd 😉)
I prefer gameplay programming, as I am deeply invested in the player experience. However, I enjoy all aspects of game development, including QA, game design, team management, narrative, sound design, and more.
For as long as I can remember, games have been a major part of my everyday life.
From eagerly waiting for the neighbor kid to ring the doorbell so that we could play Harvest Moon on the Nintendo 64, or sitting under the covers in bed with a tiny lamp secretly playing Golden Sun on my Gameboy, to wide-eyedly entering the World of Warcraft at age 11, unaware that I was about to start a decade-long magical adventure that would help shape me into the person I am today.
Somehow, it never occurred to me that I could be part of creating these incredible experiences, and for a long time, I struggled to find a path forward.
A small homage
I would go as far as to say I grew up in World of Warcraft. ‘Twas the early days of the internet, both innocent and unhinged.
I learnt to love in Goldshire Inn, speaking to fellow adventurers throughout the nights.
I learnt to hate in Strangethorn Vale, slamming my desk as a high-level player killed me for the 46th time.
I overcame my shyness and came out of my shell through voice chat.
I grew open-minded and tolerant by teaming up with players from all over Europe, discovering that wonderful people exist in every corner of the world.
I found second homes in guilds, many of which still hold a place in my heart.
I grew curious, reaching out to shy, quiet people in the real world—wondering if they, too, were hiding colorful personalities, just like my friends online.
I developed resilience, navigating the challenges of being a girl in a male-dominated space.
I grew even tougher, learning to swallow my pride and apologise as my raid leader shouted at me for my mistakes.
I learnt to lead and to follow, to adapt and to overcome.
I learnt that failure wasn’t the end, but a necessary step toward greatness.
I grew determined, I grew competitive. A fire was lit within me—I wanted to become the best.
I soon found myself amongst the top ranks worldwide, with a deep sense of accomplishment and an unshakable belief in myself.
I learnt that I could do anything I set my heart to.
And for that, I am forever grateful.
After WoW, I found that games of quality were in short supply. Most games felt shallow and mass-produced, lacking the magic that once captivated me.
And so, a new goal took root in my heart.
My name is Tilly, and I will create game experiences as impactful as those that helped shape me. I want to pass on the journey that defined me, because I firmly believe that good games help create wonderful people.
I am part of The Game Assembly’s internship program. As per the agreement between the Game Industry and The Game Assembly, neither student nor company may be in contact with one another regarding internships before April 23rd. Any internship offers can be made on May 5th, at the earliest.