CBBC Genie Games
BBC
Designed three modular HTML5 game systems for the CBBC website using the BBC’s Genie framework and Phaser, including Bubble Pop, Tower Defence, and Tools & Activities. Built to support a wide range of branded experiences, the components powered multiple CBBC games, including one for Blue Peter.
The Challenge
The BBC tasked us with creating three modular game components that could be easily re-themed by third-party developers, balancing creative flexibility with scalable, accessible, and easy-to-configure gameplay.
My Role:
Lead UI/UX Designer, Game Designer
Product:
Games
Produced at:
Aer Studios
Target Audience:
Children aged 6–7, engaging with educational and entertaining games through the CBBC website.
The Solution
I led the design of each gameplay component, from early concepts and game flows through to detailed mechanics, wireframes, and Game Design Documents.
Working closely with developers, I helped shape flexible, accessible systems with features such as adjustable difficulty and assisted gameplay. Following delivery, I collaborated with the BBC to create themed showcase games that demonstrated the versatility of each component.
Bubble Pop Gameplay Component
A vibrant puzzle mechanic focused on matching and popping clusters of coloured bubbles. The gameplay was enhanced by Powerballs, which introduce strategic and explosive variations, alongside accessibility features such as motion toggles, auto-aim, and adjustable difficulty settings.
A layered reward system provides immediate feedback through animations and sound, while also supporting longer-term progression and unlockables.
Themed Game: Plastic Planet: Marine Rescue
Players take on the role of a marine biologist rescuing sea creatures trapped in plastic pollution. I developed the concept, designed the UI, art directed the underwater environments and animated the diver character and effects.
Tower Defence Gameplay Component
As this was for the BBC, I reimagined tower defence game that replaces traditional combat with positive, nature-focused mechanics. Players use modular towers and traps with varied behaviours and effects, focusing on helping characters reach their goals rather than destroying enemies. The gameplay combines strategic placement with accessible controls, making it both engaging and easy for younger players to understand.
Themed Game: Let It Grow
Created as part of a BBC campaign encouraging people to repurpose everyday objects for planting. Players grow ecosystems and attract wildlife. I worked closely with the BBC Natural History team to align gameplay with educational goals.
Tools & Activities Gameplay Component
A flexible system designed for creative, task-based, and role-playing experiences using interactive tools. The component supports a range of mechanics such as scrubbing, tapping, pouring, and placing, enabling varied and engaging gameplay.
Players complete order-based tasks that require accuracy and timing, while upgrade systems introduce new tools and features that encourage progression and replayability.
Themed Games
This component was used across several different game concepts. In Perfect Pizzas, players prepare pizzas through a sequence of interactive steps, from rolling dough to adding toppings and slicing. Monster Mouth Makeovers offers a funny dental experience focused on cleaning, fixing, and decorating teeth.
Results
The Genie Games project delivered three reusable flexible components that continue to support a wide range of games on the CBBC website. These systems enable the BBC and external developers to create new content efficiently while maintaining quality and consistency.
A proud moment for me, was when Let It Grow was featured on the Blue Peter live TV show, helping bring the project to a national audience and encouraging children to engage with the campaign.
