Spy Quest and the DigCitSummit with David Goutcher

With the names of the speakers being announced for the upcoming DigCitSummitIRL we had the opportunity to speak with David Goutcher who will be at the inaugural event in Dublin this April.

What is your background?

I am a former Police Officer and spent most of my career working in surveillance and covert operations. I am also an author, games developer, entrepreneur and creator of Spy Quest, which is an A.R. game and book series. 

Is it a logical progression to what you do now?

Yes. I develop games and write books based upon my experiences working as a detective. 

1 minute pitch for what you do now?

We are a world leader in immersive technology and have woven Augmented Reality software into the very fabric of the Spy Quest game and book series. The game has been described as a more advanced version of Pokemen Go, however it is much more than just a game. It is a fully immersive and interactive experience that helps educate children. Inspiring children to read is my passion and i am very proud that the Spy Quest books series, is the first in the world that allows the reader to read the book and watch the movie at the same time. 

What are your plans for 2018?

Scaling our business, opening a digital studio in Los Angeles, releasing the 3rd book in the Spy Quest series (The Bullion Heist), increasing our social commitment – helping to raise the Literacy attainment levels by providing over 100,000 schools with free Spy Quest games.

How was 2017, what worked well, what didn’t move as quickly as you would have liked?

We had a phenomenal 2017. The Cursed Diamond book tour with Waterstones broke every sales record in every city and culminated with headlining the Falkirk Storytelling Festival in September. We attracted one of the largest ever crowds to a book signing (3000 people) and sold a record 1098 books. 

How can people find out more about what you are working on?

Follow us on on our Facebook Spy Quest Page and Facebook group – ‘Spy Quest Hub’. 

We have started an international school ambassador programme and are inviting teachers and schools to get in touch if they would like to take part. Our Ambassador programme allows schools to not only play our games but more importantly the opportunity for the pupils to create their won games. For over seven years we have provided our games to schools on a not-for-profit basis. The games have been endorsed by the education authorities as an example of excellence in digital learning.