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.
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?
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.
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.
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