From UHI Moray student to Moray Game Jam winner
A FORMER UHI Moray student has steamed to victory at the Moray Game Jam, after a decade of competing in the event.
Finlay MacDonald, alongside his team Openly Game Men, created the best video game in the 48-hour time limit at the event earlier this month.
The public, invited to enjoy the games after the clock ran out, also voted his team’s game Wing It as their favourite of the day.
Mr MacDonald, who now works for gaming industry firm Code Wizards, took part in his first game jam back in 2014.
He said: “Wow, my first Moray Game Jam win.
“It’s a big personal achievement for me, having competed in each event since it began in 2014.
“Since that first Jam, I’ve progressed from student to lecturer and now work in the games industry.
“I can honestly say, its due to events like the Moray Game Jam that I was continued to be inspired, and those first few events proved to me that anyone can make games, you just need to try.”
He also praised his fellow team members, who brought a wide range of expertise to the project.
Mr MacDonald said: “The win was a team effort, and wouldn’t have been possible without the incredible Charlotte Waller, who created all the 3D models and assets using Blender, and Michael Brown with his experience of Unity's physics system and extensive knowledge of Birds.
”A massive thanks to the event organisers at UHI Moray and the sponsors who continue to keep this event running. You are inspiring the next generation of game developers.”
Moray MSP Richard Lochhead presented the top team with their awards.
However, other categories also saw some incredible talents put to good use.
Winning the board game category was team No Loading Required, with runner-up going to both ENT Games and The Waffle Crew.
While the video game runner-up spot went to Frozen Well.
The theme for this year’s game jam was “Up Up and Away”, announced by UHI Moray principal David Patterson during the event’s launch.
To play Wing It, this year’s winning game, click here.
