UTS is highly regarded for its strong emphasis on technology and innovation, particularly in the field of game development. Students enrolled in subjects such as Game Design Studio 1, Game Design Methodologies and 3D Computer Animation experience hands-on learning that fosters creativity and technical proficiency, which prepares them for diverse careers in the gaming industry.
On 1 July, FEIT hosted the Games Showcase as part of the UTS Tech Festival. At the event, students, staff, industry representatives and game enthusiasts came together to celebrate the creativity and technological prowess of UTS students. Despite the torrential rain falling outside, the event drew a great turnout and featured an impressive range of projects.
Multiplayer mayhem
Why are video games such a popular pastime? Maybe it’s because they are entertaining and immersive, or that they can transport you into other worlds. For me, it’s the social aspect of gaming that stands out the most. Building new worlds in Minecraft, scoring goals in Rocket League or winning races in Mario Kart feel more special when you are playing with friends.
The social aspect of video gaming was manifested at the Games Showcase, where event attendees play together and enjoy the games on display. One of these games was NinetoFight, a multiplayer combat game that transforms a mundane office environment into a chaotic boss battle. In pairs, players fight maligned ex-coworkers and progress through each level to beat the boss.
Raccoon Riot was another popular display at the showcase, so much so that it was recognised on the night as the best game from Game Design Studio 1. The multiplayer game is set inside an apartment and allows players to choose a raccoon character, which wreaks havoc in as many ways as possible!
Immersive graphics and board games
Beyond video games, the showcase featured a myriad of interesting projects ranging from animations and simulations to interactive board games. Deep Dive is a unique animated experience where players explore an underwater environment as a controllable submarine. Dancing fish, realistic terrain and a gloomy deep-sea atmosphere create an immersive experience for the player. Another animation, The Confusion of the Swampman, uses cinematic camera work to tell the story of a scientist who experiences a life-changing accident.
Several student groups created board games as their projects. The group behind the game Soup’d Up eagerly invited me to join them for a round of their game, in which players collect ingredients and gain points to win the game. I was impressed by the creativity and sense of fun in the game, which was evidenced in the group’s enthusiasm for their project.
Recognising excellence
The Games Showcase was an opportunity for students’ work to be celebrated and recognised by their peers, but also by representatives from industry partners, including Riot Games and MSI. Event lead Associate Professor Jaime Garcia was full of praise for the students and the inspiring projects they produced.
Four standout projects were recognised with awards on the night:
- Best Game from Game Design Studio 1: Raccoon Riot
- Best Game from Game Design Methodologies: Overshadowed
- Best Interactive 3D Animation Project: The Confusion of the Swamp Man
- People’s Choice Award: Ruin Raiders
Congratulations to all the students who participated in this event! Check out the full range of projects on the Games Showcase website and photos from the event. Good game, everyone!