MechHead
Timescale
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6 weeks (summer 2023), extra 6 weeks (summer 2024)
Client
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University of Staffordshire
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Role
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Character game designer (2023), lead game designer (2024)
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Engine
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Unreal 5.2
Awards
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WINNER - Best Arcade Game (TIGA Games Awards 2023)
Overview
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In summer 2023, I was invited to participate in Staffordshire University's '1UP' programme.
The 1UP team was tasked with designing and developing 2 games over a period of 6 weeks.
The first of these games was 'MechHead', a top-down arcade-style shooter taking inspiration from games such as 'MechWarrior' and 'Titanfall'.
Role​
In 2023, my role was to define and develop the main character, including movement, controls and perks that the player could pick up and activate.
Each perk needed to 'shake up' the standard gameplay; for example, increasing the player's speed or temporarily creating a shield.​
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In 2024, I was asked to take on the lead game designer role, overseeing a series of design choices and working with a dedicated team.
Samples​
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The gallery below shows some samples of my work on this project.
1. The 'Dodge' perk allows the player to quickly evade incoming fire.
2. The 'Bubble' perk creates a temporary shield around the player.
9. The 'Tesla Coil' perk temporarily stops the player taking damage from traps.
1. The 'Dodge' perk allows the player to quickly evade incoming fire.
Outcome​
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'MechHead' has proven to be an enormous success for the client.
In September 2023, it was shortlisted for 'Best Arcade Game' by the TIGA Games Industry Awards panel.
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In November 2023, it went on to win 'Best Arcade Game' at the TIGA Games Industry Awards ceremony.
