Descending was my first shot at a game pitch in full and on my own. With a prompt of using 2000s films to make a game, I’d originally bounced about with many ideas as the 2000 gave many good films. In the end, I settled on the film The Descent and I took to work making the game. I really enjoyed working out the nitty-gritty gameplay details for this; how each mechanic – inspired by the film- would then blend together to create cohesive gameplay. I also got to go into research for cave systems, their inhabitants and overall learn new things that I never would have without this direction for my game. I also had to get creative in how I wanted to present my work and create a round about way to illustrate my ideas while being weak skilled in the art department. I got to learn a lot about my personal work style and creative stretch during this project and it helped solidify in my mind the love for pre-production and gameplay design.
Like most others looking to work in this industry, games are a key interest. My love for games stems first from my love of books, with games now offering me the chance to make my own choices and lead the story in my own way. Games that allow the player to make their own choices and choose the direction of the story is something that inspires me heavily and I hope one day I could be part of making something that helps the player feel that same sense of awe and freedom that I do in the games I play.
From a young age I was raised to be a hard worker and have always strived to put my best foot forward in whatever I do. While I may suffer frustration, and maybe sometimes lose a little confidence in completing a challenge, I have learned to look to the end goal and try to achieve my best, no matter whether I’m climbing Ben Nevis, working towards a first place in a dance competition or learning a new skill in the workplace.
Despite the difficult times we have all faced over the last year, I have still found ways to continue doing what I love; creating games.
In my spare time I have enjoyed making quizzes and challenges for my friends to take part in over long distance calls, made roleplay escape rooms for online communities, and worked on my personal skills to help me grow as a person.