MDS student game Bronzebeard's Tavern goes from strength to strength in 2024
With 1 million+ 'Added to Library', a ‘Very Positive’ rating and over 600,000 downloads as of January 2025, Bronzebeard's Tavern, a game made by Media Design School students, continued its growth and success on Steam last year, as well as picking up the Student's Slice at the Pavs NZ Game Awards.
Created by a team of Game Development students - Darren Contreras, Christian Logoia, Ethan Buot, Ethan Uy, and Wilbur Arnott - under the studio name The Mermaid MenZ, the game has exceeded all expectations.
Despite their confidence in their project, The Mermaid MenZ were initially surprised by the overwhelming support for Bronzebeard's Tavern. The community’s enthusiasm ignited their passion for the game, pushing them to continue updates and improvements even after launch.
The Role of Media Design School in Their Journey
Reflecting on their time at Media Design School, the team acknowledged the importance of the fundamental skills they learned. The industry connections and networking opportunities at MDS also played a crucial role in their success, fostering friendships and collaborations that continue beyond graduation.
The team’s connection with MDS alumni extended beyond their own studio. They collaborated with Cloud Road Music - another group of MDS graduates - after attending a guest talk, highlighting the strong, supportive community built at the school. Seeing the games that had been made by previous Media Design School students was a huge source of inspiration and motivation.
The Team’s Reflections
Here’s what the team had to say about their journey:
Darren Contreras, Main Character Animator and VFX Artist:
"I didn’t know how studying games would turn out, but it has all led to creating artistic pieces I never thought possible. Seeing our game shine among the gaming community is surreal, and it all comes down to passion and determination from my teammates."
Ethan Buot, Environment Artist:
I was often told to keep creative ambitions as just a hobby, but after my first year at MDS, I knew I'd made the right choice. I think the gaming industry has a really bright future in New Zealand."
Wilbur Arnott – General Programmer and Game Designer:
"The team I’ve worked with made this game what it is. It’s heartening to see so many people having fun with what we created. Thank you to everyone who has played, given feedback, and supported us."
Christian Logoia – Technical Artist, Character & Prop Designer:
"Seeing the reach our game has had worldwide is surreal, but it wouldn't have been possible without each and every member of The Mermaid MenZ. I’m excited for whatever projects the future holds!"
Ethan Uy, Project Manager, Back End & System Programmer:
"The most valuable lesson I’ve learned is the importance of teamwork and communication. Tight deadlines and high quality wouldn’t have been possible without collaboration. I appreciate the talents and efforts of everyone in our team and the guidance from our lecturers, particularly Ivan Khmel in refining our game throughout its development."
The success of Bronzebeard’s Tavern is a testament to the creativity, dedication, and collaboration fostered in our Game Development programmes. If you're passionate about making games and want to turn your ideas into reality, MDS provides the skills, industry connections, and supportive community to help you get there. Find out more about studying Game Development at Media Design School and start your journey today!
