Born: 1970
Biography:
Deborah Jayne Bestwick MBE, born on March 7, 1970, is a British entrepreneur who has made significant contributions to the video game industry. Bestwick’s journey began with a passion for video games, which she discovered at the age of twelve when she played Football Manager on her brother’s ZX Spectrum. This early exposure sparked her interest, and she decided to pursue a career in the field.
At the age of sixteen, as she approached her A-level examinations, Bestwick sought to fund her summer vacation and landed a part-time job at a video game store in Nottingham. It was here that her love for video games truly blossomed, and she quickly realized that working with video games was her true calling. So enamored with the industry, she never returned to finish her exams.
Shortly after starting her job, the store’s owner decided to step down, and Bestwick, displaying her natural leadership skills, took over the business. She successfully managed the store for twelve months before negotiating its sale to entrepreneur Michael Robinson and integrating it into his UK-wide computer retail chain, Microbyte. Microbyte, headquartered in Wakefield, recognized Bestwick’s talent and repeatedly promoted her, eventually appointing her as the promotions manager, and later the sales manager.
In 1990, Martyn Brown, Bestwick’s co-worker, came up with a groundbreaking idea. He proposed converting 17-Bit Software, a video game publisher also owned by Robinson, into a venture that would combine publishing and development. Brown took on the role of project manager and enlisted the services of a Swedish three-man development team called Team 7, hailing from Olofström. This team consisted of Andreas Tadic, Rico Holmes, and Peter Tuleby.
With Robinson’s approval, Brown became the project manager, and Bestwick assumed the role of commercial support for 17-Bit Software. The two studios agreed to merge, and on December 7, 1990, Team17 was officially born. Under Bestwick and Brown’s co-management, Team17 thrived and became a renowned player in the video game industry.
However, it was in 2010 that Bestwick made her boldest move yet. She decided to buy out both Brown and Robinson, becoming the CEO and sole director of Team17. This marked a significant turning point in her career, and she single-handedly steered the company towards even greater success.
In May 2018, Bestwick, along with Chris Bell, whom she had appointed as Team17’s chairman, launched an initial public offering for the company. Team17 went public on the London Stock Exchange’s Alternative Investment Market, cementing its position as a major player in the industry. Bestwick, as the CEO, reaped the rewards of this milestone, earning approximately £50 million in windfall gain.
Throughout her career, Bestwick has received numerous accolades for her contributions to the video game industry. From 2015 to 2017, she was recognized with various prestigious awards, solidifying her reputation as a visionary leader and a driving force behind Team17’s success. Her dedication and innovation have left an indelible mark on the industry.
In June 2016, Bestwick was honored with the title of Member of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (MBE) for her outstanding achievements and contributions. This notable recognition highlights her significant impact not only on the video game industry but also within British entrepreneurship as a whole.
Looking toward the future, Bestwick has announced her intention to step down as the CEO of Team17 on January 1, 2024. Her legacy as a pioneering entrepreneur and influential figure in the gaming world will continue to inspire future generations.
Awards:
– Various accolades related to the video game industry between 2015 and 2017
– Member of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (MBE) in June 2016