Search For A Star – The Finalists 2014
With the final of the 2014 Search For A Star competition taking place at the Microsoft Campus next Monday, let’s take a closer look at this year’s finalists; Kevin Meergans, Shane Jennings, Felix Jones, Ciaran Deasy & Harry Rose.
These five graduates and masters students have excelled through both the C++ test in round 1 and the game development & publishing project in round 2 to reach the final.
Kevin Meergans
Hi, my name is Kevin Meergans and I am currently studying MSc Games Software Development at Sheffield Hallam University. After my graduation, I hope to be able to get a programming job in the games industry, preferably in mainstream console games development. In recent times I especially enjoy playing RPGs with a fantasy or science-fiction setting, such as Mass Effect, Dark Souls and Skyrim on PC or my Xbox 360. When I’m not busy programming, doing university work or playing, I spend my time drawing, listening to music and meeting friends.
Kevin Meergans
Sheffield Hallam University
MSc Games Software Development
Round 2 Game Development Project :
Planetoids
Download Planetoids from Windows 8 Phone Store
Judge’s feedback on Round 2 project
“Awesome.”
“Very polished and presented well.”
“A very well put together entry which deservedly makes the final.”
Shane Jennings
I’m currently a final year Masters student studying Computer Science with Artificial Intelligence at the University of York. I’m set to graduate with a first in July.
My main interest is gaming, but I also enjoy reading and watching fantasy books and films. I’m also currently learning Japanese. I enjoy all types of games, but my favourite genre is JRPGs. My favourite game is Star Ocean: Til the End of Time, however I also play a lot of World of Warcraft and currently run my own guild.
As well as game programming, I also enjoy learning about different areas of software development, such as web development, as well as learning about some more unconventional areas of Computer Science such as Quantum Computation.
Shane Jennings
University of York
MEng Computer Science w/ Artificial Intelligence
Second Round Game Development Project :
Marple Match
Download Marple Match from Windows 8 Phone Store
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Judges Feedback on Round 2 Project
“Unique gameplay.”
“Clear and well presented.”
“Excellent.”
Felix Jones
Interests
- 3D graphics
- Programming languages
- Networking systems
- Cross-platform development
- Low level programming
- Play lots of First Person Shooters (Counter-Strike, Team Fortress)
Sounds like a miniature CV, but truthfully all of the above are also my hobbies and it’s what I do in my free-time (Write graphics demos, hack in networking systems into offline games, stuff like that).
Felix Jones
Kingston University
BSc Games Technology
Second Round Game Project :
Star Smash Story
Download Star Smash Story from Windows 8 Phone Store
Judges Feedback on Round 2 Project
“Awesome.”
“Audibly rewarding.”
“Lots of visual effects. Satisfying to play.”
Ciaran Deasy
I’m an enthusiastic Playstation gamer with a very diverse taste, from narrative experiences like “The Last of Us”, to highscore-chasers like “Resogun”, to artsy games like “Journey”.
I’m an avid follower of the games industry, and regularly post blogs and submit articles to the student newspaper, discussing my opinions on various gaming topics.
Ciaran Deasy
Churchill College, University of Cambridge
BA Computer Science
Second Round Game Project :
Multiprime
Judges feedback on Round 2 Project
“Excellent.”
“Feature rich gameplay.”
“A unique gameplay experience.”
Harry Rose
I’m a 20 year old programmer from London wanting to focus on core technology development.
My interests include programming, playing games, D&D, attending game jams, books, music, coffee and working on my own projects.
Whilst I play pretty much all genres of games my favourites include MMO, RPG and FPS games,
I’m currently playing Infamous Second Son and the new Killzone.
Harry Rose
Gamer Camp, Birmingham City University
Msc Game Programming
Second Round Games Development Project :
Search For A Star
Download Search For A Star from the Windows 8 Phone Store
Judges Feedback on Round 2 Project
“Great! I really liked this game.”
“A good complete package.”
“Presentation was excellent.”
