Glasgow Caledonian colleague wins prize for horror game
One of our colleagues has picked up a runner-up prize for an indie horror game inspired by the Glasgow Subway.
Thomas Welsh, an Assistive Technology Advisor in our Disability Team, studied BSc Computer Studies with us before completing a PgD in Games Studies. He is also the lead developer behind Loop, which is being created by five-person studio Box of Greebles.
The team was recognised in the Create Change Challenge at Converge 2026, which supports creative, cultural and social-impact projects with commercial potential.
Set in the Glasgow Subway as the world is coming to an end, Loop puts players underground and leaves them to discover what has happened above ground.
The game has grown from an idea into a playable build, with support from the Scottish Game Developers Association (SGDA) Accelerator programme and industry mentors along the way.
Thomas said the award came as a surprise and was particularly meaningful because of his long connection with the University.
Thomas said: “I was overjoyed to receive this award. I really didn't think we had any chance, so this is a huge surprise.
“I have to say a big thank you to Glasgow Caledonian, where I have worked for a LONG time, and to all my colleagues in the Wellbeing service too.
“GCU has been a place that has offered me stability and nurtured me since I was a student here.”
The team is now working towards a demo of Loop that can be released on Steam and other digital games storefronts.
Getting the game in front of players would give Box of Greebles the chance to build a community around Loop, generate wishlists and potentially attract a publishing partner.
The team is also considering completing the game independently, building experience that can be taken into future projects.
Thomas is looking forward to sharing the news with colleagues and continuing to develop Loop alongside his role at Glasgow Caledonian.
He said: “I'm looking forward to seeing my colleagues today and sharing the good news this morning!”