Students create Squid Game virtual reality game as part of an exciting client project

Students from the Computer Games department have been given a unique opportunity to design a virtual reality game based on the Netflix television programme ‘Squid Game’ alongside an industry client.

As part of the Games Pre-production Workshop module, students were assigned to work on a project with local business VR Party Arena; which would see them create a functional virtual reality video game.

VR Party Arena, which is based in Glasgow, is an entertainment business which lets customers try a free roam virtual reality experience. Business owner Harry McAlonan has had the chance to work with students from the Computer Games programme on a real working brief, with the main goal to create an interactive game based on “Squid Game”

Working as part of a 13-person team, students from the Design, Software Development and Art & Animation courses had the chance to work together after only just meeting for the first time.

The team includes Aidan Smith, Richard Caird, Chloe Davenport, Daniel Lind, David Hunter, Lewis Ford, James Erikson, Jamie Caldwell, Joshua Donaldson, Laura King, Leeann Jancorda, Nicholas Carrion Hamilton and Adam Thompson.

Computer Games Software Development and Art & Animation students Jamie Caldwell, Lewis Ford and David Hunter met for the first time on the project, which is their first time working on a real client brief.

“The opportunity came about through one of our modules ‘Games Pre-production Workshop’ which involves three different aspects of courses; designers, artists and programmers.” Jamie explained.

“We knew at the start of the module that we would be assigned a project to work on with a client, but we only found out a few weeks ago about who exactly we would be working with. In our case, we were assigned to work with the owner of VR Party Arena to work on a virtual reality game which is based on the TV show “Squid Game”.

We were given a small description of the brief initially, but nothing too detailed. It wasn’t until we met with the client until we got a full picture of what he was looking for.”

The first meeting allowed the team of students to pitch some ideas based on the requirements of the client, which involved including some elements of surprise. Jamie explained: “The client provided some examples of what he was looking for, with the main idea being levels of the game that were spoiler free.

For example, a part of the game where the player didn’t have any idea of what was about to happen next. He used the example of a game that he uses as part of his business, which involves a stage in the game where the players are suddenly attacked by a charging elephant! He really liked that surprise element and asked for us to consider that for our ideas.”

With team work being an important element of the project, the group explained that they use a team-management application called Trello which helps keep everyone on track. Lewis explained: “We use a management app called Trello which lets us assign tasks and let’s everyone of the group see what work they have to do as part of their roles.

The main challenge for us has been down to communication. At the beginning of this project, no one knew each other so we had to get to know each other and find out what skills each of us had. There’s 13 people in the group, so there are still some members that we don’t know as well but that improves the further we go into the project. That’s why Trello has been such an important tool for us. It allows everyone to see what is going on and the level of progress we are making with our tasks.”

Now 10 weeks into the project, the team are hoping to have created a functional game in a couple of weeks. Lewis explained: “We’re focusing on proof of function. We have completed the work, so now it’s time to check it all and make sure it operates and looks how we want it to.

In terms of the first 12 weeks, the idea is that we want to have created the majority of the game and make sure that most of it is functioning. We have been working to ensure that the level has been decorated well and that the actual mechanics of the game have been designed properly for players to use.”

Considering the fact that this is their first time working with a client, the team were surprised by how much they have enjoyed it. Jamie said: “For all of us, it’s the first time that we have got to work with a real client. In college, the idea of working with a client seemed really serious and stressful but the experience we have had so far has been so relaxed.”

Lewis added: “It’s almost like an anti-climax! The idea of working with clients has been built up for years, but our experience has been a pleasant surprise. We feel really lucky having a client that has made us feel that way.”

Nearing the end of the project, the experience has allowed some of the team members to consider developing virtual reality based projects in the future. “When I first discovered virtual reality, I thought that the concept was a bit of a gimmick but after I did some more research into it, I realized how fun it can actually be.” Explained Jamie.

“We had the chance to visit VR Party Area, our client’s business, where we got to try his virtual reality games and we all loved it. It’s helped me consider going into developing virtual reality for sure.”

Lewis added: “As an artist, my skillset will help me work in a number of mediums but if I were to get the opportunity to work with virtual reality then I would definitely take it.”

By Rachael McAlonan

Got a SCEBE or GSBS story? Email me at Rachael.McAlonan@gcu.ac.uk or connect with me on social media here