Lewis Moore
Lewis Moore
Overall, the course has been incredibly challenging, but in the best way possible. It's pushed me to the edge of my comfort zone and further, but that's what is needed to get into such a competitive industry.
”Lewis Moore is 20 and is studying BSc (Hons) Computer Games Programming. He won the Microsoft Award for Best Overall Performance in Stage One Computing in 2010.
Why Derby?
I spent a lot of time researching different computer games degrees and the universities that offered them. It soon became clear that the Computer Games Programming degree offered by Derby was the best around.
There were several different elements of the course that attracted me to it. First and foremost was the compulsory placement in the third year. I've just started my second year on the course, so have already begun the process of looking for a placement myself. I felt that the placement would not only give me a huge amount of experience of the games industry, but also give me a much better chance of finding a job within it once I had graduated.
Secondly was the fact that many of the lecturers are ex-industry. They have come from real jobs in the games industry, meaning they have a lot more experience in the field than other lecturers could offer. The lecturers have been supportive, and their industry experience really shines through in their teaching.
Finally was the course material. The modules seemed like a fun mix of programming languages and techniques that are industry standard, again giving me a much better chance of getting a job within the games industry after completing the degree.
An incredible first year!
My first year on the course has been one of the best of my life. I have learned a huge amount, and had so much fun while doing so. I studied modules covering the history of games and computer architecture, both of which were an interesting insight into the foundation of games as we know them today.
On the programming side of things, I created several full games using Microsoft's XNA Game Studio for the Xbox 360 and PC. These were an excellent exercise in programming techniques as well as games design, with regular feedback providing me with an idea of how fun people were finding my games.
The two maths modules were challenging, although still incredibly interesting. Learning how mathematics applied to 3D graphics and more has become incredibly useful now that we have started 3D graphics programming this year. I also studied the basics of C++ which is the staple language used in the games industry today. This was perhaps the most interesting part of the year, as I was able to get a real look at the tools of the trade. It also set me in good stead for what I have started studying in my second year; delving deeper into the C++ language and its application.
Labs that emulate industry
The facilities the University offers for Computer Games students are amazing. The computer labs emulate industry, providing top specification computers with dual-screen monitors, and there are always some available for use.
It's not all study...
I met an amazing group of friendly, like minded individuals at the very beginning of the course. We have since become great friends and constantly support each other where necessary, as well as enjoying all that Derby has to offer together.
The best bits
Overall, the course has been incredibly challenging, but in the best way possible. It's pushed me to the edge of my comfort zone and further, but that's what is needed to get into such a competitive industry.
The constant challenge is refreshing, and incredibly fun. My favourite work this year has been in XNA. It has enabled me to rapidly prototype and develop full games time after time, testing out ideas and revamping them within hours, not weeks. I love the instant feedback a tool like this provides, and the course provides lecturers and peers to constantly review my work and make me improve. It's very rewarding.
Winning the award
I'm really pleased to have won the Microsoft Award for Best Overall Performance in Stage One Computing.
I tried incredibly hard throughout the year to achieve the best grades I possibly could across all modules. I'm glad to see it paid off, and I hope I can continue to produce good quality work this year.
And finally...
I would recommend a degree at Derby to anyone. The university itself is a great place to be, with top notch facilities and great staff. The city is full of places to go and things to do; my friends and I certainly have no trouble finding new places to kick back with a drink after a long week's work.
