About  

My name is Neil Jones, also known as Aerial_Knight online. I'm a solo game developer and creator of "Aerial_Knight's Never Yield" and its sequel, "Aerial_Knight's We Never Yield". My journey in game development began in 2012, working on various projects like phone apps and medical devices at small tech studios. I even had the opportunity to teach 3D modeling and tech art at a college for a while. Despite struggling to find my place in the industry, I decided to take a leap of faith and start my own studio. I wanted to create games that stand out, featuring black characters and unique stylized designs. I've been fortunate enough to have my story shared by outlets like IGN, The New York Times, and Kotaku. My goal is to contribute to a more inclusive gaming industry and hopefully pave the way for other black developers to follow in my footsteps.

My main skills: 3D modeling, texturing, Retopology 2D art (for marketing), VFX (Rendering), assets implementation in game engine (Unity), 3D animation, game design

My main tools: Photoshop, 3DS max, Unity, MarmosetTool bag, After Effects

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I am currently unavailable for freelance if you have any questions please email me at [email protected] 

Contact

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      Features

• Polygon
• XBOX WIRE
• VICE
• The Indie Game Website
• Kill Screen​
• Gamedaily
• ​Buildbox
• AXIOS
• Weirdlouise      ​
• Giant Bomb
• Nerdist
• Amazon Games
  

• GAME FILE
• Gameinformer
• Inverse
• Rad magpie
• ScreenRants
• twinfinite
• POC IN PLAY
• Detroit Free Press
• PCmag
• Origin Story Podcast
• WelcomeToLastWeek
• Premortem
• EPIC GAME STORE
  

• New York Times
• Gamesindustry biz 
• The Verge
• hardcoregamer
• linux game consortium
• Uppercut
• indiebloom
• IGN Southeast Asia​
• NINTENDO LIFE
• GOTY 2021
• Prime Gaming
• ​NPR
  

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Awards 

Indie Game Developer Award
Nov 2021  honorBLACK IN GAMING FOUNDATION
In recognition of the achievements of top Black executives, creators, and developers who have made a significant impact in
the video gaming industry.

Game Devs Of Color Expo Grant 
​Sept 2021  honor GDCE
​Game Devs of Color Expo is dedicated to amplifying the creative power held by people of color in games. Creators of color make great games but are often pushed to the margins. We fight to create a better games industry that is intersectional and equitable by organizing revolutionary events, uniting our vibrant community, and building access to knowledge, funding, and opportunities

Unity for Humanity 2020
Mar 2021  honor unity
More than 250 social impact projects were submitted for the Unity for Humanity 2020 Grant. Applicants submitted for a chance at $25,000 USD in funding, plus mentorship and technical support from Unity. Read on to learn more about the program and the 5 projects selected and awarded.

BHM Games 100
​Oct 2020  honor POC in play
POC in Play #BHMGames100 list 2020
100 Black games industry professionals from six continents across the globe, a tribute for Black History Month celebrated in the UK through October. Fewer than 2% of the global videogames industry identifies as Black so this is an incredible opportunity to recognize talent from multiple disciplines and experience levels. Each person making their own piece of Black history every day.