Key Personnel

People

The developers, artists, and composers who made Core Design one of Britain’s most distinctive studios.

Co-Founders

Founders

Jeremy Heath-Smith

Co-Founder & Managing Director

A former Gremlin Graphics employee, Heath-Smith co-founded Core Design in Derby in 1988 alongside Chris Shrigley. He served as Managing Director throughout the studio’s life, steering Core from the Amiga era through to the PlayStation generation. His relationship with Eidos Interactive - first as subsidiary, then through acquisition - defined the studio’s later commercial output. Under his leadership Core produced six Tomb Raider titles and several acclaimed 16-bit action games.

Chris Shrigley

Co-Founder

Also previously of Gremlin Graphics, Shrigley co-founded Core Design with Heath-Smith. Both founders brought experience from one of Sheffield’s most productive early game studios to their new Derby venture.

Rick Dangerous Series

Rick Dangerous Developers

Simon Phipps

Lead Programmer & Artist — Rick Dangerous 1 & 2

Simon Phipps was the driving creative force behind both Rick Dangerous games. He programmed and drew the game’s graphics, designed levels, and - crucially - recorded Rick’s iconic “Waaaahh!” death sound himself. The sound became one of the most recognisable audio moments in British gaming history. Phipps brought in Stuart Gregg as a programming collaborator. His work on the Rick Dangerous series defined Core Design’s early identity.

Terry Lloyd

Artist — Rick Dangerous 1 & 2

Terry Lloyd contributed artwork to both Rick Dangerous entries. His pixel art helped establish the game’s distinctive visual character - from the Egyptian pyramids to the jungle of South America.

The Making of Rick Dangerous - ft. Simon Phipps

Rick Dangerous development retrospective. Also see the Videos page.

Tomb Raider Era

Lara Croft’s Creator

Toby Gard

Designer & Artist — Tomb Raider

Toby Gard designed and created Lara Croft for the original Tomb Raider (1996). His vision of a female action-adventure protagonist with gymnastic abilities and dual pistols was revolutionary for the time. Gard departed Core Design during the development of Tomb Raider II (1997), reportedly dissatisfied with the direction Eidos was taking with the Lara Croft character. He later returned to work with Crystal Dynamics on Tomb Raider Legend (2006). His creation remains one of the most iconic characters in video game history.

Toby Gard — Lara Croft Developer Interviews

Toby Gard on creating Lara Croft. Also see the Videos page.

Composers

Music

Dave Pridmore

Composer — Rick Dangerous C64 SID

Dave Pridmore composed the C64 SID soundtracks for both Rick Dangerous (1989) and Rick Dangerous 2 (1990). His work is archived in the High Voltage SID Collection (HVSC). The Rick Dangerous SID music - with its driving, adventure-tinged themes - is among the most celebrated C64 soundtracks of the era. See the Music page for track listings and HVSC references.

Matthew Simmonds (4-Mat)

Composer — Amiga Tracker

Matthew Simmonds, known as 4-Mat, is one of the most celebrated Amiga tracker composers of the demoscene era and contributed music to Core Design productions. Operating within the tight constraints of the Amiga’s Paula chip and four-channel tracker format, 4-Mat’s work represented the technical and musical peak of 16-bit computer music.

Martin Iveson

Composer — Chuck Rock, Heimdall

Martin Iveson composed the Amiga tracker soundtracks for Chuck Rock (1991) and Heimdall (1991). His work on Chuck Rock - infectiously upbeat and perfectly matched to the prehistoric platformer’s cartoon sensibility - became one of the most remembered Amiga soundtracks. The Heimdall score offered a more atmospheric, Nordic-tinged contrast. Iveson’s music is not SID format; see the Music page for details.

Further Credits

Additional Notable Personnel

Stuart Gregg - Programmer, Rick Dangerous (brought in by Simon Phipps).
Robert Churchill - Designer, Rick Dangerous 2 and Chuck Rock.
Chris Long - Lead programmer, Chuck Rock.
Lee Pullen - Artist, Chuck Rock (responsible for much of the game’s distinctive animation).
Matt Furniss - Composer, Jaguar XJ220 and Wolfchild (Genesis).
Steve Simmons - Cover artist, Heimdall.

Full credits are available via MobyGames.