Building blockbuster games from Penryn: The Cornishman working on Atomfall

Ross Everson always knew he wanted to make games — but his journey into making some of the gaming’s hottest titles has been slightly unusual. After completing a top-up year in Animation, Ross returned to study a master’s in Entrepreneurship through the University’s Launchpad programme, where he co-founded companies before seeking out further industry experience in a AAA studio.

We caught up with Ross as the hotly anticipated new title Atomfall is released by the studio he now works for, Rebellion.

Tell us about your time on the Animation course at Falmouth

I first came to Falmouth in 2016 for a top-up year to complete my degree, and returned in 2018 to study for a master’s in Entrepreneurship through Falmouth’s Launchpad programme. The highlight of my time here was getting to found companies alongside other creative people; it gave us the chance to innovate in a safe, supportive environment where we could really focus on developing ideas.

I chose Falmouth because I’m Cornish. I grew up near Marazion, just south of the town — and I’ve always loved living in Cornwall. I didn’t want to leave, and I haven’t! I’m still here today.

How did you find getting a job when you graduated?

Working for someone else after graduating was never my plan — I always wanted to create my own games. I founded two companies, but eventually realised that I needed more experience. That’s when I decided to try and break into the games industry. I graduated from my BA in 2018 and landed my first industry job in February 2021. It took time, and there were a lot of rejections along the way, which were tough to deal with — but I learned something from every one of them. I kept refining my animation reel until it was good enough to get noticed, and made sure I was applying to every studio I could find.

Even though my goal was always to build my own games, I’ve found that I really enjoy working in the AAA industry. My first role was at Firesprite, a studio based in Liverpool, and I got the job thanks to a referral from my friend Oscar, who I met during my master’s at Falmouth. After nearly two years at Firesprite, I moved to Frontier Developments, where I spent about a year working on Warhammer Age of Sigmar: Realms of Ruin. At the start of 2024, I joined Rebellion — and that’s where I’m working now. In March 2025, I was promoted to Senior Animator, and I’m currently working on Atomfall.

I’ve been working remotely from Falmouth for my entire career.

What work are you most proud of?

I’d say I’m most proud of my work on Sea of Thieves and Warhammer. Both games required completely different animation styles, but both were a pleasure to work on.

In 2022, Sea of Thieves: Legend of the Veil was released, featuring the new Ancient characters I worked on.