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2017 - 2018
In September 2017 I began studying NC (National Certificate) Interactive Media and Design at Dundee and Angus college. This course covered photoshop, web design, video editing, animation, videography, and Java. My intent from this course was to develop a foundation knowledge of digital media, and use this qualification as a means to progress to do HNC Games Design. During this time I also entered my first ever games jam, competing against other students from the college (including HNC and HND Games Design Students). Against all odds, our team of newcomers managed to win the jam, and I that was the moment I knew I wanted to be a game developer.
2018 - 2019
HNC (Higher National Certificate) Games Design was when I began to truly realise how intricate the subject truly was. This was a generalised course that was designed to develop a foundational knowledge of all things related to games design. Modules included 2D animation, programming, project management, mathematics for games design, games technology, and several teamwork modules. It was a difficult course, but rewarding in many ways. This was also the first year of a 2 year course (HND Games Design), but there was also the option to leave after this year to enter into university. I however elected to continue on this course as I had been attending this college for nearly 3 years, and I resonated well with the class structure.
2019 - 2020
In 2019 I began my HND (Higher National Diploma), which was structured similarly to HNC. It was another generalised course, but to a more advanced level in each subject. Modules included 3D modelling, object orientated programming, 3D level creation, more mathematics for games design, and a graded unit. Unfortunately during the final few months of study, the college was rocked by a major cyber attack, and only a few weeks later the college was closed due to the coronavirus pandemic. Despite these issues however, I was still able to achieve an A on my graded unit, allowing me to go to my dream university; Abertay.
2020 - 2021
Until this point, the courses I had studied on had all been generalised. However entering university meant it was time to specialise, so I decided to begin studying BA Games Design and Production (GDP). Normally when someone does a HND for a subject, it usually means that person is able to enter into a degree at 3rd year. However due to the generalised nature of my HND vs the specific nature of my BA, I entered into university at a second year level. During my time in second year my skills improved dramatically, despite studying entirely remotely due to the pandemic.
2021-2022
Third year was by far the hardest year of my academic career. In semester 1 I primarily focussed on one project called Hjarness, a platforming game centred around a unique time based mechanic. You can learn more about Hjarness by clicking on the image to the right. In my second semester I worked as producer and team professional project with the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland to develop a game to promote awareness about anteaters and the issues the face as a result of urbanisation. It was difficult both academically and in terms of workload, but I was able to pass with a B or better in all my modules that year.
2022 - 2023
I am now finishing fourth and final year at university. For my honours project I developed a new design framework for creating Player-NPC relationships. My research examined what makes a player connect with an NPC, how players and NPCs interact, and how to centre a relationship at the core of a game design project. I am projected to graduate with a 2:1.
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