Leeds Beckett University - City Campus,
Woodhouse Lane,
LS1 3HE
Leeds Beckett staff and students celebrate award-winning horror success with film Dead Reset
Two members of the Learning Support Team in Leeds School of Arts have achieved international success with their award-winning horror video game and feature film, Dead Reset.
Paul Butler and Stewart Sparke, founders of York-based production company Dark Rift Horror, developed the interactive horror game, which launched on PC, PlayStation, Xbox and Nintendo in September 2025 and won Gameplay Innovation of the Year at the MCV/Develop Awards 2026.
Produced at the Northern Film School's state-of-the-art studios, the game provided paid industry experience for Level 6 BA Filmmaking students, working alongside industry professionals and university staff, including Tom Bowers, Head of Subject for Music, who oversaw sound editing and mixing.
The feature film premiered at London's FrightFest in Leicester Square and has since received critical acclaim, securing six awards and twelve nominations during its 2026 festival run, ahead of its New York City premiere in December.
Paul and Stewart will also be delivering a talk to students, sharing insights into their creative journeys, the development of Dead Reset and their experiences in the film and gaming industries.
Building on this success, Paul and Stewart are looking to explore new approaches to immersive storytelling across film, gaming and audio, showcasing the creative talent and industry expertise within the School of Arts.
Produced at the Northern Film School's state-of-the-art studios, the game provided paid industry experience for Level 6 BA Filmmaking students, working alongside industry professionals and university staff, including Tom Bowers, Head of Subject for Music, who oversaw sound editing and mixing.
The feature film premiered at London's FrightFest in Leicester Square and has since received critical acclaim, securing six awards and twelve nominations during its 2026 festival run, ahead of its New York City premiere in December.
Paul and Stewart will also be delivering a talk to students, sharing insights into their creative journeys, the development of Dead Reset and their experiences in the film and gaming industries.
Building on this success, Paul and Stewart are looking to explore new approaches to immersive storytelling across film, gaming and audio, showcasing the creative talent and industry expertise within the School of Arts.
