Nelson Sexton, the mastermind behind the popular game Unturned, is a remarkable figure in the indie game development community. Born and raised in Calgary, Canada, Sexton’s journey from a young game enthusiast to a successful developer is nothing short of inspirational. This article delves into his early life, the development of Unturned, and his future aspirations.
Key Takeaways
- Nelson Sexton began his game development journey with projects on Roblox, including the popular games Battlefield and Deadzone.
- Unturned, Sexton’s most successful project, was released when he was just 16 years old and has since gained a massive following.
- Sexton is the founder of Smartly Dressed Games, and he continues to work on new projects and collaborations while planning future endeavors.
Early Life and Background
Childhood in Calgary
Nelson Sexton, born on July 27, 1997, spent his formative years in Calgary, Alberta. Growing up in this vibrant city, he developed a keen interest in technology and gaming. Calgary’s dynamic environment provided a fertile ground for his budding curiosity and creativity.
Initial Interest in Game Development
From a young age, Nelson was fascinated by the world of video games. His initial foray into game development began with simple projects, where he experimented with basic coding and game mechanics. This early exposure laid the foundation for his future endeavors in the gaming industry.
First Projects on Roblox
Nelson’s first significant projects were on the Roblox platform. Here, he honed his skills by creating various games and interactive experiences. These early projects not only helped him understand the intricacies of game design but also allowed him to engage with a community of like-minded individuals. This period was crucial in shaping his approach to game development, emphasizing creativity and community feedback.
Development of Unturned
Inspiration and Concept
Nelson Sexton, the mastermind behind Unturned, was inspired by his love for survival games and the desire to create something unique. He wanted to develop a game that combined the thrill of survival with the creativity of sandbox gameplay. This vision led to the birth of Unturned, a game that allows players to fortify locations, scavenge for supplies, and survive in a zombie-infested world.
Early Access and Full Release
Unturned was initially listed on Steam Greenlight as ‘Unturned 2.0’ in May 2014. The game entered early access on July 7, 2014, and quickly gained a dedicated following. After three years of continuous updates and improvements, Unturned was officially released out of early access on July 7, 2017. During this period, Nelson Sexton was only 16 years old when he first launched the game, showcasing his remarkable talent and dedication.
Community and Reception
The community played a crucial role in the development of Unturned. Nelson actively engaged with players, taking their feedback and suggestions to improve the game. This collaborative approach resulted in a game that resonated with its audience. Unturned has since amassed tens of millions of downloads and over 280 thousand player reviews on Steam, with the majority being positive. The game’s success is a testament to Nelson’s commitment to creating a game that players love.
Smartly Dressed Games and Future Projects
Foundation of Smartly Dressed Games
Smartly Dressed Games Ltd. (SDG) is a Canadian video game studio founded by Nelson Sexton. The studio, based in Calgary, Alberta, is best known for developing the popular game Unturned. Nelson Sexton established SDG with a vision to create engaging and community-driven games. The studio’s foundation marked a significant milestone in Nelson’s career, transitioning from a solo developer to leading a professional game development team.
Other Projects and Collaborations
Beyond Unturned, SDG has explored various other projects and collaborations. While Unturned remains the flagship title, the studio has been involved in several smaller projects and has collaborated with other developers to expand its portfolio. These collaborations have allowed SDG to experiment with new ideas and technologies, contributing to the studio’s growth and innovation.
Future Plans and Aspirations
Looking ahead, SDG has ambitious plans for the future. The studio aims to continue supporting Unturned with regular updates and new content while also exploring new game concepts. Nelson Sexton has expressed interest in developing games that push the boundaries of creativity and interactivity. The future looks promising for SDG as they strive to deliver unique and memorable gaming experiences.
Conclusion
Nelson Sexton’s journey from a young game developer on Roblox to the creator of Unturned is a testament to his dedication and talent. At just sixteen, Sexton launched Unturned, which has since become a beloved title in the zombie survival genre. His ability to continually update and improve the game, while engaging with the community, has solidified his reputation in the gaming industry. As the founder of Smartly Dressed Games, Sexton’s story is an inspiring example of what can be achieved with passion and perseverance.
