TO EXPLORE, ENGAGE AND SHARE

Ever since I held a controller when I was 5, I became somewhat obsessed with the medium and knew that I wanted to be a game designer/developer. I loved how every game is different from one another and they each create an experience that only that game can offer. At first, I thought the only way to become a developer was to complete school and then work in the industry, (boy was I wrong). When I was in high school, the only experience I had that was not exactly relevant to game development was a design class which was more home modelling with sketch up and programming, which I only had once a week.

 

I eventually got into Dalhousie University in their computer science program (with a mix-up in engineering) but I didn't enjoy my time there. I couldn't take any courses that pertained to game development, and I had to go through a bunch of classes that didn't really involve game development (aside from programming). In the end, after one year, I got dismissed for low grades and couldn't go to any university until the end of my dismissal period was over (which was one year). Even though I didn't enjoy the classes, my time there wasn't in vain. I took part in my first game jams at the university, where I had first-hand experience in game development. I worked in a team, with one time I worked on creating a level and the second time I created player movement.

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After waiting a year and finishing up a youth program at the time, I got into Nova Scotia Community College (NSCC) with their Game development program. There, I was taught by industry professional and had my first real taste in game development and 3D modelling (I now understand the pain). After 2 years of learning game development and working on a final project with other students (both programming and art: see our game HERE). After Graduation, I enrolled in a game production course by ELVTR (no longer available) in which I learned the in's and outs of being a game producer and how they would operate in a game studio. It was interesting to see how a role works in the studio, and I got a better idea of how it worked. I then went to Toronto Film School to learn more about game development, which held new information I haven't learned before, and learned a bit of Unreal Engine and worked on the final project as a sound designer. Now, I am working on my Bachelors of Creative Arts degree at Yorkville university and while it is challenging, it's a challenge I won't back down.

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Throughout my time in these programs, I learned that the medium is an art where it never hurts to explore. Like taking mechanics from one genre and incorporating them into another. I learned that by experimenting and exploring new ideas is how we can make great games, and that doesn't just apply to programming but development all together. I plan on learning how to draw and 3D model in the future to explore new ideas and to try to add a twist on existing things.

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As I played these games, I learned to take in their environments and elements and learn how each piece of the game plays a part in them. Even if a game isn't seen as a "good game", I believe that every game has the potential to be great and just needs a nudge in the right direction. I enjoy exploring games to see how their mechanics work and figure out how to assemble them in engine.

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