Game Development Education
Over the past 6 years, I've dedicated myself to mastering game development through structured courses, tutorials, and hands-on projects. My approach to learning combines formal education with practical application, allowing me to build a comprehensive skill set in game development.
While I don't have a traditional degree in game development, my self-directed education has been systematic and thorough, covering all aspects of game creation from programming and design to optimization and deployment.
My Game Development Learning Journey
Below is a chronological overview of my game development education, showing how I've progressively built my skills from foundational concepts to advanced techniques.
Foundations of Game Development
I began my game development journey with fundamental courses covering core concepts and basic programming:
- Game Development Fundamentals - Comprehensive introduction to Unity and game development principles
- Introduction to C# Programming - Building a foundation in the primary language used in Unity
- Basic Game Design Principles - Learning core concepts of player engagement and game mechanics
Unity Development Focus
I deepened my knowledge of Unity development through specialized courses:
- Unity C# Mobile Game Development - Focused on creating games for mobile platforms
- RPG Core Combat Creator - Developing combat systems and character controllers
- Procedural Content Generation - Beginning to explore algorithmic content creation
During this period, I created my first complete game projects and participated in my first game jam (GameDev.TV Jam 2020).
Introduction to Unreal Engine
I expanded my skill set to include Unreal Engine development:
- Unreal C++ Fundamentals - Core programming concepts for Unreal Engine
- Blueprint Visual Scripting - Learning Unreal's node-based programming system
- Unreal Engine Level Design - Creating engaging environments and gameplay spaces
I also continued to develop my Unity skills with more advanced topics:
- Dialog & Quest Systems - Implementing narrative and progression systems
Advanced Game Systems & Specialization
I focused on more advanced game development topics and specialized areas:
- Unreal C++ Multiplayer Master - Advanced multiplayer systems and networking
- Procedural Generation - Advanced techniques for random dungeon generation
- Terrain Generation - Creating dynamic and realistic environments
I participated in the GameDev.TV Jam 2022, creating "Revenge Of The Ghost Ship" which helped me apply my learning in a time-constrained environment.
VR Development & Advanced Projects
I expanded into virtual reality development and worked on more complex projects:
- Unreal VR Development - Creating immersive VR experiences with C++
- Advanced Game AI - Implementing sophisticated enemy behaviors and decision systems
- Performance Optimization - Techniques for ensuring smooth gameplay across platforms
I developed "ToVRe Defense" as a VR project and participated in the GameDev.TV Jam 2023 with "The Search Of Life."
Mastery & Specialization
I'm currently focusing on mastering advanced techniques and specialized areas:
- Advanced Shader Programming - Creating custom visual effects and materials
- Machine Learning in Games - Exploring AI applications for gameplay and procedural content
- Cross-Platform Development - Ensuring consistent experiences across different devices
I'm also working on "Too Deep To Dig," my most comprehensive project to date, which integrates many of the systems and techniques I've learned.
Specialized Areas of Study
Unreal Engine Specialization
Unreal C++ Multiplayer Master
Advanced multiplayer systems and networking, including client-server architecture, replication, and networked gameplay mechanics.
Unreal VR Development
Creating immersive VR experiences with C++, including interaction design, performance optimization, and comfort considerations.
Unreal C++ Fundamentals
Core programming concepts for Unreal Engine, including the Unreal architecture, gameplay framework, and C++ implementation.
Unity Development
Unity C# Mobile Game Development
Mobile-specific development techniques, including touch controls, performance optimization, and deployment for iOS and Android.
RPG Core Combat Creator
Combat systems and character controllers, including melee and ranged combat, character stats, and enemy AI.
Dialog & Quest Systems
Narrative and progression systems, including dialogue trees, quest tracking, and story management.
Specialized Topics
Procedural Generation
Random dungeon generation techniques, including room placement, corridor generation, and ensuring playable layouts.
Terrain Generation
Creating dynamic and realistic environments using noise functions, height maps, and terrain sculpting techniques.
Game Development Fundamentals
Core concepts and best practices for game development, including game loops, input handling, and basic physics.
Practical Application & Continuous Learning
My approach to game development education has always emphasized practical application alongside theoretical knowledge. Each course or tutorial I complete is followed by hands-on projects where I apply and extend what I've learned.
Game jams have been particularly valuable in my education, providing time-constrained environments where I must rapidly apply my skills to create complete, playable experiences. These events have taught me to scope projects appropriately, focus on core gameplay elements, and iterate quickly.
I maintain a commitment to continuous learning, regularly exploring new technologies, techniques, and design approaches. This self-directed education has allowed me to build a comprehensive skill set that combines technical expertise with creative vision—preparing me for the diverse challenges of professional game development.