Project Type: Group Project (University)

Team Size: 20 (Multi-discipline) w/ outsourced teams

Game Engine: Unreal Engine 5

Language Used: Visual Scripting Blueprints

University Module Duration: 4 months

Primary Role: Lead Level Designer

​

Tunic: The Forbidden Tomb is a Tunic-inspired vertical slice. The Journeyman module in my second year involved teams of 20, made up of multiple disciplines, creating a vertical slice to a set specification. We had to make our own version of a Tunic-inspired game whether it was a prequel/sequel or a reimagining of the game. Each team would then present their game to a panel of industry professionals. As part of the module, there were 2 outsourced teams of students which were character artists and animators. Each game team would need to work with the outsourcing teams in order to create the characters for their games.

 

My team scored 1st place, judged by the industry panel.

My role:

For this project, I took the lead level designer. I worked very closely with the other level designers in the team by assigning them to work throughout the project. I would manage their levels to make sure they fit the specifications of the GDD. I used many project management tools to keep my team of designers on track such as Trello and Microsoft Excel. With having a much more management-orientated role I assigned myself much smaller level tasks that would be more manageable with my time allowance. As part of the module, we had to present our work every 2 weeks to the rest of the year group in which I played a critical role in. I created and participated in the presentations each time with a professional and manner.

 

Working with outsourced teams for this project gave me lots of insight into the dynamics of working in a larger company that has different teams and disciplines working. It has taught me how to more effectively rely on others to complete work that I can't do myself while also being able to communicate my needs for the project to others.

Contributions:

• Level Design management

• Boss Arena creation & implementation

• Held weekly meetings with other leads and outsourced teams

• Weekly team scrums

• Project management

• Team Presentations

• Vertical slice video editing