What's up gamers?

Hi! I'm Adam, and welcome to my MA Games Design blog.

I'm starting this MA course immediately after getting my BA in the same subject, from the same uni - UCLan. During my time on the BA course, all the way through to the end of third year, I chose not to specialise in a particular area. This is partially due to the fact that I was achieving similar grades in assignments of all kinds, but also because I found all aspects of games design to be interesting. I didn't do any sort of games or even computer related subjects in sixth form (though in retrospect I wish I had), so everything was exciting, as it was all learning about how the games I love were created.

Now however, I know what I like. I'm honestly still super into game design in a holistic sense, but let's just say I'm glad I don't have to do any more 3D modelling if I don't want to. In my 3rd year I did 3D modelling and texturing for my honours project, and general games design for my games proposal projects (including level design, mechanics design, artwork, and music). I didn't do terribly in my honours by any means, but I definitely learned that 3D modelling isn't my calling. On the other hand, I really got away with games proposal. I ended up really getting into blueprints in UE4 - to the point where I had to stop adding so many little mechanics as I was almost getting behind on my level designs. It's just super satisfying to have an interesting idea in your head, get stuck on it for a while, and finally make that breakthrough and figure out the problem. Fitting together levels and fiddling with blueprints and sprites is almost like a game in of itself, and - oh yeah, games. I should probably talk about what games I like.

I'm a huge fan of single player adventures, especially ones with some sort of story - it doesn't have to be deep, as long as its engaging. I love Nintendo games, Mario and Pokemon in particular, but I also find the indie scene super inspiring - developers Toby Fox and Eric Barone stand out in my head, it's crazy what people can create either with a very small group or entirely alone! I also love when games have awesome soundtracks - Undertale by Toby Fox who I just mentioned really shines in that aspect, probably one of my favourite games and game soundtracks of all time. I like to compose music for my projects too, though I'm not sure whether I will do this year as I don't think sound design and music is something I'll focus on, and making music can take time.

Well, this has been a bit of a wordy post hasn't it. I have an idea for my MA project, but I'll save it for my next post - this one can remain as an 'about me' kind of post. I'll leave you with a quick video of my 3rd year projects - they should show you some of my skills, and they're what I hope to build on this year (well, apart from 3D modelling and texturing).


See you in the next one!


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