THREE young technology fanatics have been shortlisted for a prestigious national award.

The British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) has announced the finalists in a nationwide competition to find the country’s best young game designers.

Louis Jackson, 17, from Brighton, Jude Birch, 18, from Lewes and Jesse Waymont, 13, from Crawley, have all been nominated for the award.

The three Sussex youngsters are among 53 finalists who have worked on the 40 final entries, either individually or in teams.

Young people aged ten to 18 submitted game designs and concepts which addressed a wide range of social issues including mental health, climate change, conservation, disability, bereavement, and the rights of transgender people.

The entrants aimed to educate players of all ages on these social issues, hoping to prompt “real change in people’s lives”.

Entries also included adventures, imaginary kingdoms, quests, and puzzles demonstrating impressive planning, creativity and ingenuity.

Jesse’s game concept, I Seek Death, explores the story of Frankie, who after the death of her father sets out on a journey to find Death and ask him to send her dad home.

Her story is told in chapters representing the five stages of grief.

Jesse said: “I’m really proud.

“It’s a great way to recognise young peoples’ creativity and imagination.”

Jude’s game, Space Core, is an adventure game set in the future.

Jude said he was excited to have reached the final.

He said: “I am really honoured to have been chosen as a finalist in this competition.

“I really love programming, so it has been very enjoyable for me to enter this competition.

“I had a lot of fun working on my game.”

Louis’ game is called Tempo which is a fantasy action game where all aspects of the gameplay are synchronised with music.

He worked remotely with fellow team member Harry Petch who is based in Kent.

The winners of both age groups (ten to 14 and 15 to18) will receive a host of prizes, including games, hardware, software licences, tours of games studios and a mentor from the games industry to help them develop their skills. The winners, who will be chosen by a panel of industry professionals, will be unveiled at a special awards ceremony at BAFTA headquarters in London on Saturday, June 29.