ACM Games Academy

Tony Briscoe

Tony Briscoe is a highly accomplished professional in the music industry, excelling as a music producer and composer with chart-topping hits alongside renowned artists like Craig David and Beverley Knight. Their portfolio includes UK chart successes and compositions for acclaimed projects like David Attenborough’s TV series “Life in Cold Blood.” As a tech entrepreneur, they founded One In A Billion Applications, specialising in innovative solutions for music professionals. With a Ph.D. in Sound & Vibrations, Tony shares their expertise through teaching music technology courses across the UK, guiding aspiring producers and developers. They serve as the Module leader for Game Audio ACM and a Wwise Certified Instructor, equipping students with industry-relevant skills.

Huda Mahdi

Huda Mahdi is a dynamic entrepreneur and accomplished games and software engineer. Graduating with honours, Huda obtained a BSc in Games Development from Stockholm University in 2010, followed by an MSc in games programming from City University, London in 2012. Leveraging their expertise, Huda established a thriving freelancing company, collaborating with industry giants like Sony Interactive Entertainment (SIE) and Adidas, as well as innovative startups, to develop cutting-edge PlayStation applications and provide invaluable IT consultancy services. In 2021, Huda expanded their academic horizons, earning a BA in Islamic Studies, while concurrently imparting their extensive knowledge in games, programming, and business as a dedicated educator at ACM. As the driving force behind the FE Games Development Diploma, Huda is committed to fostering immersive learning experiences that bridge the gap between games and education, reflecting their visionary approach to teaching and technology

Elise Plans

Elise is an accomplished musician and scholar specializing in adaptive music. With a Master’s degree in Electroacoustic Composition and a PhD in Music, Elise has made significant contributions to the field of music technology. Before rejoining academia, she enjoyed a successful career in broadcasting as a technician/engineer, providing valuable experience and perspective to their current work.

Elise has taught in higher education since 2012 and holds an Associate Fellowship with Advance HE. Her research focuses on adaptive music and how it can be used in apps, installations, and video games to create immersive and engaging experiences. Her work has garnered attention from the sonic arts community, including commissions and funding from Sound and Music through the Sonic Arts Network and the Francis Chagrin Award.

David McGreene

David McGreene brings extensive experience in the game industry to ACM, having commenced his career after graduating from the University of the Arts London in 2011. David began at Hooplo Media, one of the UK’s largest independent social games developers and publishers at the time, where David contributed to various social network games, some in collaboration with renowned brands and athletes like Cristiano Ronaldo and Usain Bolt. Transitioning to casual mobile games later, David’s projects achieved significant user downloads, showcasing his proficiency in game development. Now serving as the course leader and subject specialist for ACM’s games development futures programme, David focuses on preparing students for the industry’s real-world demands. David’s top tips for students include actively seeking opportunities to enhance their portfolios and personal growth, emphasising the importance of seizing valuable experiences for professional development.