From GCT Gaming Social to BAFTA Finalist
- May 28
- 2 min read
We’re incredibly proud to celebrate a very special member of our GCT Gaming Social community, Marcella Godoy, who has been selected as a finalist for the BAFTA Young Game Designer Award for her game Chroma’s Wish.
This is an amazing achievement, and one that feels especially meaningful to everyone at Gosforth Civic Theatre because Marcella has been part of our Gaming Social for several years. Watching her creativity and confidence grow has been a joy, and it’s wonderful to see her talent recognised on such a prestigious stage.
Marcella’s mum, Christine, recently got in touch to share the exciting news and to thank the Gaming Social team for the role the sessions have played in Marcella’s journey.
“She has been attending the Tuesday gaming sessions at Gosforth Civic Theatre for the past several years, and I genuinely feel the welcoming, creative environment there has been a meaningful part of her journey.”
Christine spoke about how important inclusive creative spaces can be for young people:
“Being around other gamers of all ages, sharing ideas, playing, laughing, and enjoying games in such a positive space has helped nurture her confidence and creativity over the years.”
Our weekly GCT Gaming Social is designed exactly for this purpose: to give young people a welcoming space to relax, connect, and explore their interests. The sessions run every Tuesday on a pay-what-you-can basis, making them accessible to everyone, free of charge if needed. With a huge range of consoles and games available, the sessions bring together gamers of all ages in a friendly and supportive environment.
Christine’s words beautifully capture why spaces like this matter so much:
“It is easy to underestimate how much these spaces matter, but for young people who love games, creativity, and storytelling, having somewhere they feel comfortable and encouraged can be incredibly valuable.”
Marcella’s game, Chroma’s Wish, has been recognised as part of the BAFTA Young Game Designer Awards. The vibrant fantasy pixel-art side-scroller allows players to choose from three unique heroes as they battle through dangerous worlds to stop the powerful God of Shadow from rewriting reality itself.
As parents, Christine says the family are “absolutely thrilled” by Marcella’s nomination, but also wanted to recognise the role community spaces can play in supporting young people’s ambitions:
“The Gaming Social has meant far more to Marcella than simply attending a session each week. It has been a place where she has felt inspired, welcomed, encouraged, and surrounded by people who share the same passion.”
At GCT, we believe creativity thrives when young people feel safe, supported, and able to be themselves. Stories like Marcella’s remind us why community spaces are so important and why accessible creative opportunities matter.
We couldn’t be prouder of Marcella and all she has achieved so far. Huge congratulations from everyone at GCT. We’ll all be cheering her on when the BAFTA winners are announced in June!
Find out more about the BAFTA Young Game Designer Awards here: https://www.bafta.org/stories/2026-young-game-designers-game-making-finalists/
You can also learn more about our GCT Gaming Social sessions here.
