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Search For A Star – The Finalists 2014

May 29, 2014August 15, 2014 Dan Dudley 0
Posted in Articles, Search For A Star2014 Birmingham City University Churchill College Ciaran Deasy Computer Science download games Felix Jones final finalists Gamer Camp games development Harry Rose Kevin Meergans Kingston University Programming puzzle games Search For A Star Shane Jennings Sheffield Hallam University University of Cambridge University of York

Search For A Star – The Finalists 2014

May 29, 2014August 15, 2014 Dan Dudley 0

Search For A Star 2014 - The Finalists

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

Kevin MeergansHi, 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.

 

"Planetoids" by Kevin Meergans
“Planetoids” by Kevin Meergans of Sheffield Hallam University

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

Shane JenningsI’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.

"Marple Match" by Shane Jennings
“Marple Match” by Shane Jennings of the University of York


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

[youtube_sc url=”http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OeeFINOxrZM&feature=share&list=PLV395U2mwlfK8MsP9OEOeFcxb-iLawHpd&index=2″ width=”250″]

Watch gameplay video

Judges Feedback on Round 2 Project

“Unique gameplay.”

“Clear and well presented.”

“Excellent.”


 

Felix Jones

Felix JonesInterests

  • 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).

"Star Smash Story" by Felix Jones of Kingston University
“Star Smash Story” by Felix Jones of Kingston University

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

Ciaran DeasyI’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.

 

"MultiPrime" by Ciaran Deasy
“MultiPrime” by Ciaran Deasy of Churchill College, University of Cambridge

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

Harry RoseI’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.

 

"Search For A Star" by Harry Rose, Gamer Camp
“Search For A Star” by Harry Rose, Gamer Camp

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.”

 

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Article By Dan Dudley

Marketing + community + support person. Lots of behind-the-scenes bits here at Grads In Games & with Search For A Star. If you need help with anything, you can usually find me over on the Grads In Games Discord or email dan@gradsingames.com

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Posted in Articles, Search For A Star2014 Birmingham City University Churchill College Ciaran Deasy Computer Science download games Felix Jones final finalists Gamer Camp games development Harry Rose Kevin Meergans Kingston University Programming puzzle games Search For A Star Shane Jennings Sheffield Hallam University University of Cambridge University of York

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