Building universes: A conversation with David Sheldon-Hicks

The boundaries between film, games, and digital experiences are dissolving. And Territory Studio is emerging as one of the few creative companies fluent across all three. 

David Sheldon-Hicks (Founder at Territory Studio) is coming to LEAP 2026 to share his perspective – so we caught up with him to learn more about how the company’s identity is evolving, and what it really takes to build worlds for global audiences. 

You’ve moved Territory Studio from motion design to a global creative studio. With a recent MOU with Savvy Games Group, what does this next chapter feel like – and how do you see Territory’s identity evolving beyond its film-origin roots?

“When we founded Territory, our DNA was very much shaped by motion design and film storytelling — that love of craft, detail, and worldbuilding. Over the years, though, our clients have pushed us into new arenas: real-time pipelines, game engine workflows, experiential environments, UI and systems design, and branded digital worlds.

“The MOU with Savvy Games Group accelerates that trajectory. It gives us the opportunity to build at a scale and ambition that matches the way audiences now engage with IP; across screens, formats, genres, and platforms.

“Territory’s identity is evolving from a studio known for ‘design in film’ to a creative partner capable of shaping universes – whether they’re narrative, interactive, or commercially driven. We’re still rooted in storytelling and design craft, but the canvas is now global and multiplatform. The partnership signals a commitment to growth in games, but also to innovation in how creative teams collaborate across disciplines, cultures, and technologies.”

Could you share three projects you’ve been particularly proud of – and why?

1. Blade Runner 2049 – screen graphics and worldbuilding 

“This project was a milestone for Territory. It demonstrated that design could operate as a narrative device – not simply an overlay, but an integral part of how a world functions and feels. It solidified our belief that thoughtful design can deepen audience immersion and enrich storytelling. We also really experimented with analogue design techniques in really unique ways.” 

2. Call of Duty: Black Ops – cut scenes 

“Working on Black Ops was a defining moment in our journey into game design. The Call of Duty universe is fast-paced, deeply established, and beloved by millions, which meant our work needed to enhance clarity, reinforce narrative tone, and support gameplay under extreme pressure.

“What makes me particularly proud is how Territory brought cinematic worldbuilding sensibilities into a real-time, first-person gameplay environment. We helped shape narratives and systems that not only served the mechanics, but also strengthened the identity of a franchise with a massive global footprint. It proved that our cross-medium approach – blending film craft with interactive design – could deliver real impact in AAA games.”

3. Nike House of Innovation and brand experiences 

“Our experiential work represents a different side of Territory, but one that’s become increasingly important. Creating immersive brand installations allowed us to translate storytelling and visual language into physical spaces. These projects demonstrated the versatility of our team and showed that emotionally resonant design can exist far beyond screens.” 

How do you build an open, creative, diverse studio culture – and why is that important to you? 

“Culture is the engine that powers creativity. From the beginning, I’ve tried to build a studio where curiosity is valued, where disciplines cross-pollinate, and where people feel empowered to bring their perspectives into the work.

“A diverse team makes better universes – full stop. When you’re designing worlds for audiences all over the globe, you need voices inside the studio who understand different lived experiences. You need openness, humility, and space for experimentation.

“As we expand further into games, this becomes even more essential. Games demand long-term collaboration, iteration, and deep world logic. They also reach massive, global communities. So the values we’ve held since day one – inclusivity, cultural sensitivity, craft, experimentation – now scale into larger ecosystems of partners, remote teams, and multinational clients.

“The more global Territory becomes, the more important it is that our culture remains grounded and creatively ambitious.” 

Are there any genres, technologies, or mediums you’re particularly excited about exploring in the coming years?

“I adore Japanese animation. I’ve been a fan since I was a kid and have admired how it spans mediums such as games, fashion, music and culture. I’d love to work more with some of these IPs on a personal level.” 

Finally, if you could go back to the beginning of your career and tell yourself one thing you wish you’d known then – what would it be?

“So much of Territory’s evolution came from saying yes to challenges outside our comfort zone. If I’d realised earlier that boundaries between industries are artificial, I might have pushed into AI, experiential, or real-time even sooner.” 

Thanks to David Sheldon-Hicks at Territory Studio. Learn directly from the global tech industry’s leading minds at LEAP 2026 – get your ticket now.