Computer Games student makes it to the final of a major games development challenge
A Computer Games (Software Development) student made it to the final of a UK and European games development challenge, which awards winners with an interview at a leading game development studio.
The Grads In Games ‘Search For A Star’ challenge operates in the form of four categories which are based on the areas that the industry are looking to recruit for; including Programming, Game Design, 3D Art and Animation & VFX.
Final year Computer Games (Software Development) student Alexander Smith decided to enter the into the Programming category, which tasks students to create a game based on an existing prototype.
“I thought it would be a good thing to do, especially after our lecturer Hamid Homatash mentioned it to us and how it would be good for us to get involved with.” Explained Alexander.
“I started looking into it and I thought that it looked really good! I’m aware of people that have taken part before and have had some job opportunities through it. You also find that a lot of industry members attend the event as well, so it seemed like a great opportunity overall.”
As part of the Programming category, students were given a ring-puzzle game prototype and were encouraged to use their creativity and demonstrate their skills in a way that would showcase their knowledge of the industry.
Alexander explained: “I decided to make a rotating solar system game where the player can move the planets using gravity welds.
The idea was to use the prototype and create whatever you wanted, as long as it incorporated the main concept of the prototype”
The challenge, which receives applications from all over the UK and across Europe, selected Alexander to attend the Finals Day showcase event to speak about his skills, knowledge and career aspirations. Alexander said: “It felt great to have been shortlisted! The challenge itself involves from students from all over the UK and in Europe, so to know that I was selected out of so many people felt like an achievement.
One of the hardest things about the games industry is getting noticed, so it’s a great way to get your name out there and show off your work.”
You can view Alexander's portfolio of work on his website
Find out more about the ‘Search For A Star’ challenge on the Grads In Games website
By Rachael McAlonan
Got a SCEBE or GSBS story? Email me at Rachael.McAlonan@gcu.ac.uk or connect with me on social media