Alan Williams
Game Developer
About
I am a game developer with a strong interest in game and level design alongside games and technology themselves. My interest in both game and level design has been vastly brought upon with my work on projects using C# using Unity and integrated development environment such as Microsoft XNA Game Studio. This knowledge extended over to the use of Unreal Engine 4 and designing 3D level environments and implementing gameplay mechanics where I built a knowledge using the Blueprints Visual Scripting that incorporates C++.
The development and design of video games have always been a process that I enjoy, from implementation of gameplay mechanics to the design of levels and environments. Using my knowledge, my aim is to expand and develop that knowledge in both my programming and design skills to a professional and expert level through multiple development environments.
Skills
My skills are using Unreal Engine 4, with experience in using their built-in Blueprints Visual Scripting (C++) and also in Unity and refreshing, yet expanding my knowledge with C#. I have a beginner knowledge using Adobe Photoshop and Autodesk 3ds Max. I have developed games, web and mobile games and apps using languages such as; C# and the integrated development environment, Microsoft XNA Game Studio. In C++ (mainly using the Blueprints Visual Scripting in Unreal Engine 4), HTML5 and JavaScript along with integrated development environments frameworks including Phaser and jQuery.
Using these skills and experience, it has given me the experience of being able to effectively work within project teams, varying from two to roughly ten or more in a group, knowing that collaboration and communication in projects are the key to producing a high standard and efficient project.
Projects
The CHERMUG (Continuing/ Higher Education Research Methods using Games) project was a serious (educational) game developed using Unity for the University of the West of Scotland. The game involved creating various mini games covering quantitative research methods on topics aimed at being a learning tool to help students learn more on research methods in a fun and engaging way.
Project developed using Unity 2019.4.1f1.
Role: Game Developer working from home for the University of the West of Scotland.
R U EU? is a co-funded Erasmus+ Programme of the European Union project and is a game-based approach to exploring 21st century European Identity and Values.
Visit website here.
Consortium included;
University of the West of Scotland
BIBA - Bremer Institut für Produktion und Logistik
BIBA - Gaming Lab
Welten institute: research centre for learning, teaching and technology
Zagreb University of Applied Sciences/ Tehničko veleučilište u Zagrebu
University of Peloponnese
Project developed using Unity 2018.3.2f1
Main assets used were sole designed in Adobe Photoshop or sourced by project parnters at Welten Institute: Research Centre for Learning, Teaching and Technology.
Role: Game Developer based at Paisley Campus, University of the West of Scotland
Puzzle Avenue is a 3D third-person puzzle and problem-solving game incorporating adventure and platforming. The player explores an open world whilst completing different puzzles to further complete the objective.
Solo project developed in Unreal Engine 4.
Main assets used by Synty.
Role: Level Design and Game Mechanics
Shown above is an Endless Runner called Train Run. This was a team project where I took part alongside Jason Alexander and Mark Williams in a TrainJam. This was hosted by Rivet Games involving us to develop a game featuring a train asset they provided.
Click the image above to watch a full gameplay showcase of Train Run.
Team game jam developed in Unreal Engine.
Shown above is a 3D Stealth prototype of a game. This game involves the player (the cube) to get past the guards (the capsules) without being caught by their flashlight. This small prototype can be downloaded here to play now.
Controls: W A S D to move.
Solo prototype project developed in Unity.
Assets are 3D objects from Unity.
Code Samples
YouTube tutorials and online forums helped with learning and gathering information on appropriate code.
Sealed is a 2D top-down dungeon game. You must make your way through the dungeon defeating enemies and then defeat the Giant Slime boss at the end.
Playable demo can be accessed above from itch.io. This was developed in 72 hours as part of our first game jam, Ludum Dare 43 based on the theme, "Sacrifices must be made".
Controls: W A S D to move & Mouse to aim and fire arrows.
Team project developed in Unity for the Ludum Dare 43 Game Jam.
Solus is a 3D level design project where level design was highly concentrated on and it features small gameplay mechanics in order to help convey a short back story to the level.
Team project developed in Unreal Engine 4.
Role: Level Design
Space Mechanic is a 3D adventure game, influenced by the concept of Escape The Car. You are a Mechanic and you must find the appropriate items to repair your ship and escape.
Team project developed in Unreal Engine 4.
Role: Level Design
Learn++; is a 3D educational serious game to help teach beginners programming in general through an interactive quiz.
Team project developed in Unreal Engine 4.
Role: Implementation of Game Mechanics and Level Design
A 2D platform web game about a penguin named Walter who must collect fish to give him the ability to continue his adventures.
Team project developed in HTML5, JavaScript & Phaser.
Role: Level Design and Implementation