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Hey! I'm Calum, a Technical Designer and second-year student at the University of Huddersfield studying BA (Hons) Games Development (Design).
Playable Prototypes
Developed in UE4.27 using Blueprints.
Lumina is a third-person shooter that pits the player against manifestations of darkness, culminating in a final battle against the Towering Darkness.Â
In this project I explored:
Blueprint Interfaces.
-Â To efficiently and effectively communicate between actors.Niagara Systems.
- Runtime manipulation to create dynamic enemies and effects.Post Process Volumes.
- Runtime manipulation to convey brighter, safe spaces to the player.
Developed in UE4.27 using Blueprints.
Ryu Tangle is a 2D platformer that has the player navigating both environmental hazards as well as enemies in an attempt to collect three crystals.
In this project I explored:
An Improved AI patrol system.
-Â Allowing for a more dynamic movement pattern for the AI.Niagara Systems.
- Used to create effects for pickups, attacks and death animations.Use of fixed, transitioning cameras.
- To frame the play areas and allow for looping, "endless" areas.
Works In Progress
Developing in Unity 2022.1.13f1 using C#.
Outbreak Escape is an isometric co-op game where players are reliant on one another to complete simple puzzles, navigate environmental hazards and avoid zombies in an attempt to escape before time runs out.
In this project I'm exploring:
Minimalist mechanical design.
- Creating an experience that is fun and engaging with only a handful of mechanics.Level-Puzzle design.
- Creating interesting level designs that alongside the game mechanics, become the puzzles of the game.Evoking frustration, tension and elation.
Combining the above with the format of a reliance based co-operative experience.
Developing in UE5.0.3 using Blueprints.
Lightfall is a third-person action adventure game. Players journey through a world stricken by a phenomena known as the blight and battle corrupted foes.
In this project I'm exploring:
Design by subtraction.
- Designing a core experience that is refined and engaging without the need for superfluous, extra content.A considered action-combat system.
- Combining health, mana and stamina into one bar that requires the player to engage and consider their actions.
Tech Review
Developed in Unity 2022.1.13f1 using C# and UE5.0.3 using Blueprints.
Here I reflect upon my experience in creating systems in both Unity and Unreal, attempting to make them as similar as possible both in functionality and in code.
Specifically I'll be discussing my experience with:
The physics of both engines.Â
The use of timelines (lack of in Unity), lerping and animations.
Game Jams
Developed in UE5.0.3 using Blueprints.
Take the souls of your enemies, purchase new abilities and passive upgrades and take down a soulless corporation in this isometric hack and slash shooter.
Here I reflect upon my experience working in a diverse team within a limited timeframe. Looking at the aims we as a team set out to achieve, and the lessons I learned from this experience in regard to both leading a team, and project management.
Other Projects
Developed in Unity 2020.3.45f1 using C#.
Retro Remix is a fresh take on old favourites Snake, Pong and Space Invaders, mixing and adding new mechanics to make them more than just remakes.
Retro Remix was initially created during the summer of 2020 whilst I prepared for my first year of University.
In this project I explored:
Reworking and merging established games and mechanics.
- To create new experiences from familiar ones.
Click here for more on Retro Remix.
Click here to download from itch.io and play a current build of Retro Remix.