EGX 2017 - Second Year Start
- Georgina Markey
- Sep 24, 2017
- 2 min read
Let's hope I get off to a flying start. Ahem.
So I'm now starting my second year of University at Bournemouth, cementing my change from Games Technology to Games Programming. I do not regret my decision to switch at all, and am so so so looking forward to AI Programming, as well as the year in general.
I have already been at Bournemouth for two weeks now, working everyday for at least 6 hours in my role of Resident Assistant - thankfully now that Fresher's is over, it will be a smaller load of work and I can focus on my studies. Over the summer, I have been working on little projects, such as my pathfinder, starting on OpenGL, reading about Game Programming Patterns and remaking my Triple Triad game (as well as, y'know, relaxing and going to Seattle for The International). While it does sound like a lot writing it down now, I still feel like I should have done more.
Yesterday, as a field trip, we got to go to EGX and it was amazing. I love going to ComicCon, especially when I am cosplaying, and it was like that - but with a focus on games (indie and AAA) and also having career talks! I went in my white mage dress, but I didn't wear my matching giant cloak, although that would have made an epic dragon picture.
EGX was a wonderful start for the year. I got to meet many inspiring developers and feel so much excitement for my future. I didn't know I could want this even more. It was incredible talking to Duygu Cakmak, an AI programmer for Creative Assembly. It is often hard not to take note of the lack of female programmers in the industry, and meeting her - in a role that I wish to do in the future - is just so motivating. She made me feel like I can do it too.
Of course, talking to Stuart Milne (Software Engineer for Rare) and Josh Baker (Founder of Indie studio Quarter Circle Games) was also absolutely stellar. Everyone there put the importance on working very hard and creating things - something I will very much take on board.
I know I will have to manage my time very carefully this year. I am a Resident Assistant, PAL Leader, Student Board Member, Senior Rep, Student Rep, YBA Team Member, Vice-President of the Game Development Society, as well as a student. But I'm not scared, I know I can do this. And I have a smile on my face ready for it.
Comments