Evan offered mentorship after visit from hit games designers
Students on Coleg Llandrillo’s Level 3 Games Development course got to meet industry professionals - and one learner was offered an exciting opportunity
Student Evan Meehan was offered a highly prized mentorship after games industry professionals visited Coleg Llandrillo.
Evan, from Llanfairpwll, is studying Level 3 Games Development at the Rhos-on-Sea campus as he strives towards a career as a level designer.
He is now receiving feedback on his work from Mark Gregory, a designer for Flix Interactive who has worked on hit games such as Sea of Thieves.
Mark was one of three guest speakers invited to talk to learners on the Games Development course. He was joined by technical designer Stuart Ralphson, who also works for Flix International, and Modie Shakarchi, a programmer with Rebellion.
They spoke to students about what it’s like working in the games industry, and gave them tips on their coursework and advice on how to make their portfolios stand out.
Evan was offered a mentorship after showing Mark the game he and four of his classmates are working on, titled ‘Hotel of Shadows’.
“He’s basically going to teach me how to level design for two months,” said Evan. “I’m extremely lucky. From what I’ve heard it’s really hard to get a mentorship. I’m excited.
“I want to do level design for my final major project. Mark said if I can fix some issues with the game we’re developing then I’d be able to get a mentorship with him.
“It could really help me out in the future. Mentorships can lead to apprenticeships, and it will also be on my CV that I’ve been mentored by a AAA games designer.”
The term ‘AAA’ is used in the gaming industry to signify high-budget, high-profile games.
Evan said: “The guest speakers are all AAA games developers so they’re the real deal, so it’s pretty exciting. You never know where it might lead.”
Kimi Calkin, from Mold, is also studying Level 3 Games Development, and said the visit had given him useful pointers about how he could improve both his coding and his future job prospects.
“I’ve enjoyed talking with the AAA games developers,” said Kimi. “It’s been really helpful to understand what I need to put in my portfolio, and I’ve gained a really good understanding of how to structure it.
“I’ve also been given a good idea of how I can improve, and how I can practise my coding knowledge.”
Asked about the Games Development course, Kimi said: “I like the course. I prefer working on the practical side rather than theoretical, so I enjoy the hands-on nature of the course.”
Meanwhile, the industry professionals gave excellent feedback on the Games Development provision at Coleg Llandrillo.
Programme Leader Rob Griffiths said: “They were impressed with the course and the facilities the students have to utilise.
“They were also impressed by the work on show, with some of our art students’ work highlighted, as well as the diversity of our students, as this is often an issue within our sector.”
Would you like a challenging career in the games and new media industry? Click here to learn more about the Level 3 Diploma in 3D Animation and Games Development at Grŵp Llandrillo Menai.