An Abergavenny firm was among those nominated for a BAFTA Cymru gaming award at an event at Techniquest in Cardiff, which was sponsored by among others Newport's Tiny Rebel Brewery.

Squarehead Studios Ltd, which was set up in Ebbw Vale before moving to Abergavenny, was nominated in two categories for its game Star Ghost, at the event, hosted by Angharad Mair, chairman of BAFTA Cymru.

Rhys Lewis, founder/director of Squarehead Studios Ltd, said: “BAFTA recognition helps to legitimise the tremendous amount of effort that went into the creation of Star Ghost. As a one-man studio, building awareness in the marketplace can be a challenging prospect. Nominations such as this help to shine a much needed spotlight on the studio and its games.

“BAFTA's prestigious support brings attention to an exciting and forward looking area of our economy. It's wonderful to see the Welsh games industry gaining traction and blossoming onto the global stage.”

The firm was nominated for Artistic Achievement Commendation, sponsored by Ubisoft and Game Play Design Commendation.

Angharad Mair said: “The games industry in Wales is expanding to become a real success story, and we’re delighted at BAFTA Cymru that tonight we are showcasing great talent and amazing new innovative work. This year we received a record number of entries, an increase of 25% on last year’s figures, which is truly remarkable. I’d also like to encourage all of those who work in this exciting industry to join BAFTA Cymru, as the more members we have, the more we can ensure that we can really support the industry. Congratulations to all those nominated here tonight, as individuals and companies, we’re very proud of all that you achieve.”

Other nominees included Cube Kids, Rantmedia/Rantmedia Games, Wales Interactive, Thud Media, TELL Player, and Online & Learning, BBC Cymru Wales.

Aled Parry, creative director at Cube Kids, said “We’re delighted with the nomination; a first for our new kids venture, Cube Kids.

“We hope this will be the first of many more as we continue our pioneering games and television work in the kids market. The games industry in Wales is in its growth stage and still requires a lot of nurturing; talent development, access to capital and other critical issues are still a challenge. The BAFTA award helps to shine a spotlight on the great work being done here in Wales and that in turn helps the entire industry to move forward and to be able to compete in the global games marketplace.”

The winner of best game and the 4 BAFTA Cymru commendations will be announced at the Wales Games Development Show on June 18 at the Tramshed in Cardiff.