Xander
BA (Hons) Graphics for Games
Gaming inspiration
My inspiration for getting into game design was when Fable II came out. I binged it all in a weekend and because it was the collector's edition, it had a 'making of' video of the level design. I watched it and thought 'oh man, that looks cool'.
The Graphics for Games course is mostly the art side of things, which is what I enjoy doing the most. I prefer drawing and designing, and creating stories for character design.
I could be described as a storyteller, artist... I don't know. I just enjoy talking, making things up, making games and telling stories.
New experiences
During my time at the University, I found that there was a student exchange programme.
I spent an entire academic year in Tokyo. I didn't just go to visit Japan but I immersed myself in the culture and the language and I tried to learn as much as I could.
I wouldn't trade that experience for anything.
I went to Hosei University, Ichigaya campus and I lived in a place called Kasai. Disneyland was viewable from my flat, you could see the tips of the castle and the fireworks every night.
Gallery
following my passions
I've been an executive with Bradford University Gaming Society for three years. It's a place to play roleplaying games, do war games, card games and all sorts really.
When my friends and I took over that society, we doubled the recruitment for two years running.
We went from 30 odd members to 60 odd members and then just short of 120. We learnt a lot about working in a team and about managing something that big.
Setting up my future
Now I've graduated, I'm walking straight into work as a Games Workshop retail manager.
My experiences at the University of Bradford have made me confident enough to go for it and apply for it. I got the phone call back saying they want to offer me the position so I was over the moon.
If I was to give any advice, I would say first and foremost, try hard, do your work and do your degree, but don't forget to enjoy yourself.
You'll meet fantastic people, you'll be given lots of opportunities and you'll be able to be who you want to be. Go to different countries, learn how to wrestle...
Xander on his graduation day in 2019. He achieved a first-class honours degree.
Graphics for Games
Our BA (Hons) Graphics for Games courses focus on the creative side of game development.
We offer a three-year and four-year option. Both programmes give you the skills and theory you need to start a career in industry.
You will learn how to generate and develop ideas and adopt a creative approach to your work. The course culminates in a final-year project in a studio environment designed to replicate real world production processes.
On the four-year course, you can spend your third year on a placement in industry. Alternatively, you can choose to study a year abroad at one of our partner institutions around the world.
Graphics for Games >>
