Exploring new opportunities beyond games
How MA Game Design student Lydia discovered game design and used her skillset to pursue meaningful projects
So far, I’ve really enjoyed my postgraduate studies; it's been great to explore the subject area at a deeper level, with my peers who are as committed and engaged as I am.
Finding my path
"I didn’t enjoy the subjects I chose for my A Levels, so I decided to pursue a path that felt more meaningful and fulfilling to me. Before my undergraduate studies, I had never thought about a career in game design, nor had I any experience in the field, but I had a love and passion for video games.
Pretty much on a whim, I decided to start studying game design.
Prior to my undergraduate studies, I had never done game design before, so it was a totally new experience for me. I studied a foundation degree where I learned the basics of programming: 3D modelling and all other aspects of the production process. After two years, I started the
BA (Hons) Game Arts and Design at the University of Plymouth.
University life
It was a little daunting to move from my very small cohort at college, to the much larger group at University, but I was able to meet and learn from so many different people, working alongside them to create a wide variety of exciting projects. Additionally, Plymouth has such a vast range of facilities that I’ve been able to take advantage of, like the 3D printing in the
Digital Fabrication Lab and the 360° dome in the
Immersive Vision Theatre .
I’ve been able to create a professional portfolio featuring everything I’ve worked on, spanning multiple disciplines and showcasing my skillset.
Additionally, through the University, I’ve found out about different networking and social events, which have greatly boosted my interpersonal skills and have opened different paths and opportunities which I wouldn't have thought to consider before.
I believe that over the three years that I spent studying my undergraduate degree, I have learnt and grown so much, thanks to the support and guidance from all my lecturers, but also from how much I have been immersed in, and enjoyed, the work.
Taking my knowledge further
I wanted to pursue a postgraduate degree to continue developing my skills in the field of game development, but also to delve deeper into the theory aspects behind game design. During my undergraduate degree, I had really enjoyed researching a specific subject or question, using the library to find relevant material, as I found it widened my understanding of the theoretical concepts behind my design choices.
Additionally, I had really enjoyed my last year of my undergraduate course, and really wanted to continue my studies and expand my portfolio at Plymouth. The lecturers are fantastic and their knowledge of the course material is evident. I always feel supported and any questions I have – whether it be about the modules or my own personal development – are always answered sincerely.
I’ve also had opportunities to work on several commercial projects for external and internal clients, extending outside my typical specialism of game development, broadening my repertoire and helping me to forge new contacts.
Hands-on learning
I made great use of the Careers Service available at Plymouth - from advice about applying to jobs and internships, to support about my CV and cover letters. I have received great insight from their advisors. It's a great service! Especially since students have access to it after graduating and I love that you can find out about job opportunities in specific sectors via email.
I completed a five-day micro-internship programme provided by the Careers Service, as a 'Product Design with AR' intern at D5 Design's studio in Aylesbury. Product design was not what I had been specialising in, but I used my game design skillset to branch into another field. This opportunity was so beneficial for my personal development; I am so grateful to have worked under and learnt from talented industry professionals in a busy, studio setting. It revealed to me that my skills are transferable and that I can use what I’ve learnt studying game design in other fields of design.
Stepping out of my comfort zone
The project I am most proud of is the final major project from my third year, where I designed and created a 3D environment inspired by the mid-century modern architectural period that spanned the 1940s-70s. I conceptualised, 3D modelled, textured and organised every single asset in the scene to replicate the features of the era like organic shapes, clean lines and vivid colours in open spaces.
The purpose of designing an environment in the mid-century modern style was to encourage myself to branch out of my traditional comfort zone of dark and gothic Victorian-inspired settings. I specifically chose to focus my attention on the 1960s, as it was the most outrageously colourful era, and had a brightness that all my previous projects lacked.
I made a concentrated effort into researching and creating the most authentic depiction of a 1960s home that heavily featured genuine architectural features. I spent a lot of time reading vintage interior design magazines and essays on the mid-century modern aesthetic and what it represented to those who lived through it, allowing me to understand the significance behind the design choices I am paying homage to.
I was really pleased with how the project turned out as I believe it best showcases my personality and talents, as well as representing months of work and learning.
Making a difference in the commercial field
I also took the opportunity to work with the neuroscience department to design, model and 3D print a headband that would hold a transducer used for research.
This project was unlike any other I had done before; I was challenged to use all the skills that I had developed during my undergraduate and postgraduate studies in order to create a functional product. I also used what I had learnt from my product design micro-internship, utilising iterative design to create multiple concepts and models, as well as communicating with the client to ensure that the project was meeting their requirements. Additionally, I was able to use the 3D printing facilities at Plymouth for the first time, and I learnt a lot from the technicians there, which helped me create the best possible product.
In total, the project took around five months to complete and I learnt so much throughout. I really felt that the opportunity was greatly beneficial to not only my portfolio but to my interpersonal skills and ability to step outside of game design and into a more commercial field. It was also a great privilege to be able to aid future research projects and hopefully make a difference.
Prepared for the future
I’m not sure where the future will take me, but I do know that my time spent at University has prepared me for whatever opportunities may come my way. I have learnt so much about how I can take my skills and knowledge to areas outside of game design, that I am open to working in other fields of design.
If possible, I would like to stay in the Southwest as its where I’ve spent most of my life and have met so many wonderful people throughout all my studies. However, I know that from my time spent at Plymouth, the professional contacts I have made and the portfolio I have been able to build, I am well equipped, no matter where I go."
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