Hortalius

Hortalius is an open-world ambient exporation game set in a microscopic environment. Play as an Urban Explorer investigating an abandoned laboratory… until you become accidentally miniaturised. Transported into an overgrown garden, the player must unravel the mystery of Project Hortalius, and find a way to return to normal size.

Hortalius blends the core exploration, resource-harvesting and base-building gameplay of games such as Subnautica with a mystery narrative that unfolds as the player explores the world.

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INCubator

INCubator is a tongue-in-cheek take on the classic business management simulator genre, blending the visual stylings and well-loved humour of Two Point Hospital with the wacky world of startup culture.

Players will design their startup, bid for contracts, hire staff, and balance hefty workloads and stressed staff.

Can you meet your goals as a successful entrepreneur while looking after your team?

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Predestination

Predestination is a turn-based sci-fi 4X game that blends classic 4X gameplay on a 3D galaxy map with deep planetary colonisation gameplay and tactical fleet combat.

Explore the galaxy, colonise habitable worlds, meet alien races, design your own ships, and wage war.

Available now on Steam – click below to see our Steam page and learn more.

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About Us

We are brainy nerds with a deep passion for all things gaming. 

Established in 2012, our well-seasoned team of creatives punch above our weight and work on ambitious projects folks can get excited about.

The proof is in the pudding – our award-winning efforts have gained the respect and support of Creative Europe, UK Games Fund, and NI Screen. 

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The Brain and Nerd Gang

Meet our team of brainy, nerdy, super-talented individuals

Brendan Drain

Director & Lead Programmer


Hiya, I’m Brendan and I’m one of the directors at Brain and Nerd and I lead the programming team and develop core engine tools. I’m a massive sci-fi fan and love to play MMOs, RPGs, simulation, and survival games. When I’m not working, I can usually be found playing open-world games or re-watching Star Trek or Stargate for the millionth time. Contrary to popular belief, I am not, in fact, a wizard (yet).

Tina Lauro Pollock

Director & Producer


I’m Tina (she/her), one of the two studio directors and the producer on our projects. I most enjoy MMORPGs, strategy games, point-and-click adventures, and sim/tycoon games. I love all forms of gaming – I love pen-and-paper games and have a nice board game collection. When I’m not working and gaming, I can be found studying, cheerleading, caring for my many pets, keeping up with true crime cases, or reading

Steven Lauro Pollock

Art Director


Hi, I’m Steven, the art director. I really love first-person shooters, 3D platformers, turn-based strategies and open-world games. I’m a big fan of pen-and-paper and board games, and I also love to paint and do graphics design. Like Tina, I spend my free time watching shows and looking after our pets – big animal person. I adore watching competitive Overwatch (OWL, World Cup, Contenders… all of it!) and would live in Disney World if I could.

Erinn Morrow

3D Artist


Hey! I’m Erinn! I’m part of the 3D artist team here at Brian and Nerd, I’m a lover of casual games and puzzle games, I’m way into Stardew Valley. In my spare time a like to switch between watching cartoon shows, drawing and playing games and getting out to a forest for a walk when I can to chill out.

Tee Morrow

UI/UX Designer


Hey gang! I’m Tee, a 2D/3D artist on the team specialising in UI and UX. I have a love of all things arty, but I find myself particularly drawn to mythical beasts and paleontology! Dinosaurs are my jam, precious lizard friends, gone too soon. I love survival games, RPGs and anything apocalyptic or fantasy! When I’m not working, I’m probably gaming, drawing or hanging out with my dogs!

Scott Lucas

Junior 3D Artist


Hey there! I’m Scott and I’m another one of the 3D Artists. I love Jesus, puns, The Sims (if you couldn’t tell…), technology and EDM. I’m also a huge fan of The Simpsons and enjoy Shinkai’s films (If you haven’t seen Weathering With You, stop what you’re doing and go watch it now!). I’ve been trying to catch the NBA when I can and practice more of my drumming skills in my spare time. Know that you are always loved, just the way you are.

Zoe Hamilton

Programmer


Hey, I’m Zoë (she/her) and I’m a programmer on our projects and do a lot sysadminny stuff for the studio behind the scenes too. Video games wise, I enjoy sci-fi, fantasy, and anything that’s heavily narrative-driven. I fill my time with anything nerdy basically – I love comics, board games, sci-fi, TV and film. I’m both sarcastic and self-deprecating. Talk to me any time about neurodiversity, I’m very open about about being autistic and having ADHD – you’re seen here if you’re neurodivergent too!

Shannen Hewitt

Junior Producer & QA


Hey y’all! I’m Shannen, and I am a Junior Producer and QA Coordinator for Brain and Nerd! I love story-driven adventures with strong narratives and diverse characters, but I have a soft spot for Life is Strange, Overwatch, RuneScape and Tomb Raider.  I also love messing around with cosplay (even though I’m not that good at it and I never finish anything). Halloween is my favourite holiday, and I crave the crunchy feel of leaves underfoot all year round. I’m a supportive LGBTQ+ ally, and love seeing everyone here achieve their full potential.

Ethan Topping

Game Design Intern


Hey there! I’m Ethan, I’m a Game Design Intern. I love a whole bunch of different things when it comes to games; from turn-based strategies and RPGs to first person shooters, but I’ve got a soft spot if they’ve got a narrative focus (bonus points for a Level Editor or Mod Support!). Outside of video games I love anything and everything D&D and have a small but growing addiction to Lego!

Say Hello

Whatever your question, the Brain and Nerd gang is all ears 

    Achievements and awards

    We’ve done some things to shout about

    NI GAME AWARDS – BEST STUDIO
    BRAIN AND NERD – 2019/2020
    MCV DEVELOP WOMEN IN GAMES AWARDS – BUSINESSWOMAN OF THE YEAR
    TINA LAURO POLLOCK – 2020
    BCS NI – YOUNG IT PROFESSIONAL OF THE YEAR
    TINA LAURO POLLOCK – 2019
    NI GAME AWARDS – COMMUNITY AWARD
    BRENDAN DRAIN & TINA LAURO POLLOCK – 2018
    NI GAME AWARDS – GAME OF THE YEAR
    PREDESTINATION – 2018
    …AND WE’VE WON THE SUPPORT OF:
    OUR KICKSTARTER BACKERS
    ARTS COUNCIL OF NORTHERN IRELAND
    NORTHERN IRELAND SCREEN
    CREATIVE EUROPE MEDIA FUND
    FUTURE SCREENS NI
    UK GAMES FUND
    Creative UK – GAMES SCALE UP



    …AND MORE TO COME