Team17 Celebrates 30 Years of Worms With Special Wakefield Museum Talk

Team17, the renowned UK-based game developer, is commemorating the 30th anniversary of its iconic Worms franchise with an exclusive event at Wakefield Museum.

Originally crafted by Andy Davidson and released in 1995, Worms quickly became one of the most recognizable strategy game brands to emerge from the United Kingdom, leaving a lasting impact on the global gaming landscape.

The upcoming talk, scheduled for Saturday, November 22 at 11 AM, will be led by Team17's Head of Developer Relations and former games journalist Ashley Day.

Day brings a unique perspective to the retrospective, having personally experienced the original Worms game on an Amiga 500 in 1995 and now contributing to its ongoing legacy at Team17.

According to Experience Wakefield, the event promises an in-depth look at "how Worms was created by a schoolboy on his Amiga" and will reveal how Team17 "repeatedly defied industry convention" by tackling projects considered "impossible" by others. In addition to celebrating Worms' three decades of success, the session honors Team17's 35th birthday, a milestone for the company founded in Wakefield.

Attendees can expect insights into Team17's origins, its persistent innovation, and the key role the studio has played in launching significant careers within the gaming industry.

Ashley Day will spotlight the "storied history" of Team17, emphasizing its connection to the Wakefield area and its lasting influence on both local and international game development. Entry to '30 Years of Worms' is free, but space at the Wakefield Museum is limited.

Those interested in attending are encouraged to reserve their spot early.

This event offers fans and industry professionals alike a rare opportunity to learn directly from the team behind one of the most enduring video game franchises, and to gain first-hand accounts of the development journey—from its humble Amiga beginnings to its current presence on platforms such as the Nintendo Switch and digital storefronts like the Nintendo eShop. With a portfolio spanning hits across multiple consoles and PC, Team17 continues to be a major force in the UK games industry.

The Worms series, known for its strategic gameplay and trademark humor, remains a beloved staple with iterations appearing on platforms from the original Amiga and Sega Genesis through to modern devices and the Nintendo Switch.

This commemorative event not only reinforces Team17's commitment to its roots in Wakefield but also celebrates the ongoing creative spirit that has defined the studio for over three decades.

Team17 Worms developer Ashley Day Museum Andy Davidson Wakefield Museum Experience Wakefield