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Rob Elsworthy Makes Keynote Appearance at Scottish Games Week 2023

Rob Elsworthy SGW23

Toronto Film School’s Rob Elsworthy recently delivered a keynote speech at Scottish Games Week 2023 (SGW23).

Held in Edinburgh from Oct. 30 to Nov. 3, SGW23 is an annual five-day conference bringing together the Scottish gaming community for a celebration of its successes, an opportunity to learn from its challenges, and a showcase of its talent.

Rob Elsworthy at SGW23
Photo by Maxime Ragni

“I had the opportunity to speak at Scottish Games Week to discuss and share insights on AI and the future of gaming,” said Elsworthy, whose resume includes a variety of roles on such high-profile games as Metal Gear Solid, Max Payne, Grand Theft Auto, The Warriors, and Red Dead Redemption.  

“Years ago, I had the pleasure of working in this incredible city, and revisiting the thriving gaming community in Scotland was a great experience!”

Elsworthy, Director of TFS’s Video Game Design & Animation program and founder of Resistr Interactive, spoke during the conference’s opening day segment entitled Game Changers: Navigating the Future of Games – an hourlong address that delved into the exciting and ever-changing landscape of video games.

Rob Elsworthy at SGW23
Photo by Maxime Ragni

Elsworthy drew on his nearly 20-year career in the games industry to lead an insightful discussion exploring where games are headed, the need to adapt to the lightning-fast pace of progress, the emergence of ground-breaking technologies, and strategies to educate the workforce and students for this dynamic industry.

He also had the honour of being interviewed by The National, a Glasgow–based national newspaper, about the Scottish gaming sector – something he experienced first-hand while based in Edinburgh during the making of Rockstar Games’ Grand Theft Auto IV.

“(Scotland) has a very high status in the games industry. Some of the most beloved games come out of Scotland…I can’t say enough good things about it,” he told the paper, characterizing his own experience working in the country a “fantastic” one.

“I would highly recommend for people to come here to work.”

Read Elsworthy’s entire interview with The National HERE.

Learn more about SGW23 HERE.

Cynthia Reason

Cynthia Reason (she/her) is a former newspaper journalist turned communications professional who currently works as Toronto Film School’s Manager of Communications. Prior to joining TFS, she spent 13 years working as a reporter for Torstar/Metroland Media Toronto, writing for publications including Toronto.com, the Etobicoke Guardian, and the Toronto Star, among others. Her byline has also appeared in the National Post. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Guelph and Post-Graduate Diploma in Journalism from Humber College.

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