Blacksquid is a narrative studio blending compelling storytelling with games designed to captivate and engage!
Play your imagination!
Blacksquid are incredibly proud to have take part in GAME CHANGER - an accelerator run by Games London for female led and under represented Games Studios. We had an awesome time being part of the cohort and loved every moment of attending SLUSH in Helsinki!
WHO ARE WE?
Blacksquid studios are a group of filmmakers and gamers who have come together to make games and tell compelling stories.
C'mon meet the team!
Jo Lewis - Creative Director
Jo brings an entrepreneurial spirit to creativity, working at the intersection of film, television, and narrative games. With a passion for uniting cinematic storytelling with innovation and interactive design, Jo’s work consistently pushes the boundaries of how stories are told and experienced across multiple platforms.
Jo’s previous credits span a wide range of acclaimed productions for major broadcasters such as ITV, Channel 4, BBC, and Discovery Channel. Jo has also contributed to films by renowned directors including Mike Leigh, Anthony Minghella, Ridley Scott, and Andrea Arnold’s Oscar-winning short "Wasp." This diverse experience has honed Jo’s skills in both documentary and dramatic storytelling, as well as in collaborating with leading creative talents.
In the world of games, Jo is a founder and Creative Director of Blacksquid Studios, where the focus is on blending narrative depth with interactive gameplay. Jo is currently producing "Blue Note," a debut narrative-driven game that has already garnered industry recognition. "Blue Note" was selected for the prestigious Games London Game Changer Accelerator and was recently showcased at SLUSH in Helsinki, highlighting its innovative approach and Jo’s vision for the future of interactive storytelling.
Through a career that bridges film, television, and games, Jo continues to champion new ways of engaging audiences, combining a love of cinematic craft with a drive to explore the possibilities of interactive media.
Ann de Vries - Narrative Designer
Ann is a talented writer and narrative designer with a passion for storytelling and interactive experiences. In her most recent position at Tripledot Studios, she began her journey as a contract dialogue writer for the popular game 'Piper's Pet Cafe.' Through her dedication, creativity, and keen understanding of narrative structure, Ann quickly distinguished herself within the team. Within just two years, she advanced to become the narrative design lead for the entire studio, overseeing story development and guiding the creative vision for multiple projects.
Ann draws on her diverse background in literature, technology, and art to approach the unique challenges of crafting engaging and immersive stories for games. She thrives on blending traditional storytelling techniques with innovative interactive elements, ensuring that each narrative resonates with players and enhances their gaming experience. Her commitment to pushing the boundaries of narrative design continues to inspire those around her and drive the success of the projects she leads.
Adam Rees - Toolchain Development and Q and A
Adam brings a unique blend of analytical precision and creative insight to his role in Toolchain Development and Q and A.
A lifelong gamer, Adam formally entered the industry in 2010 as a consultant for Blackout Classic. This role allowed him to merge his technical aptitude, legal rigour, and creative sensibility within a development environment. His ability to identify inefficiencies, streamline processes, and implement structured solutions quickly distinguished him within the team.
Today, Adam focuses on developing and refining internal toolchains that enhance productivity, stability, and cross-team collaboration. Alongside this, he leads QA strategy and implementation, ensuring robust testing frameworks, clear reporting structures, and consistent quality benchmarks across projects.
His methodical approach, attention to detail, and deep understanding of both creative and technical workflows make him instrumental in maintaining high development standards - ensuring that every release is polished, performant, and production-ready.
Paul Carter - Project Lead
Paul brings over 30 years of experience across the media industry to his role as Project Lead. Beginning his career on the camera floor, he developed a strong technical foundation and a deep understanding of complex production workflows - experience that now underpins his structured, solutions-focused approach to game development leadership.
He went on to successfully manage a high-performing camera rental facility, demonstrating exceptional operational leadership, team coordination, and client service excellence. This background sharpened his ability to oversee large-scale projects, manage resources efficiently, and deliver under pressure - skills directly transferable to guiding multi-disciplinary game development teams.
In recent years, Paul has worked extensively within the studio sector, closely tracking and integrating emerging technologies to enhance production quality and workflow efficiency. As Project Lead, he combines technical insight, strategic oversight, and decades of industry relationships to drive projects forward - ensuring creative vision, technical execution, and delivery timelines remain fully aligned.
With a wealth of operational expertise and a reputation for reliability, Paul leads with clarity, collaboration, and a commitment to excellence from concept through to launch.