The Game Republic Student Showcase 2024 was hosted at Staffordshire University this month, with 14 universities and colleges, 50 projects and 150 students.
Students presented their projects to judges from games studios including Rebellion North, Red Kite Games, Revolution Software, Sumo Digital, Distinctive Games and PitStop Productions.
Staffordshire University students won the top prize in two of the seven categories, including BSc (Hons) Computer Games Programming student Morgan Zoroch who won the Red Kite Games Award for Game Technology.
Team Ffeast – Ethan Williams, Frazer Beckett, Tori Miller, Shannon Brabbin, Amy Wozny, Freyja Weller – received the Award for Best Team for their playable demo Into the Abyss.
Tori Miller, studying MSc Computer Games Design, said: “I think it’s still sinking in for most of us on the team, but we’re insanely proud of each other for winning first place and I’m flattered we were chosen from so many other great teams that were present on the day.
“The feedback we got from other students and industry at the event has been invaluable for the continued development of our project too!”
The 29-year-old from Penkhull added: “The team and I are continuing development of Into the Abyss, with hopes to produce a more well-rounded and enjoyable experience by the end of the year."
BA (Hons) Games Art student Elliott Crompton was also recognised in the Game Art & Animation category judged by Rebellion North. Their final year project Red Hooded Huntress is a twist on Little Red Riding Hood and picked up the third-place prize.
The 21-year-old from Knutsford said: “It was very exciting if a little nerve-wracking! I got a lot of great feedback from professionals in the industry which was very beneficial.
“I was blown away to win a prize, it was incredible! It is an honour that the people at Rebellion picked out my work.”
All the judges commented on the quality of the work presented and how difficult their job was in judging the awards.
Professor Chris Headleand, Head of Staffordshire University Games Institute, commented: “The Game Republic Student Showcase is a real highlight of the games education calendar and celebrates the best student work across the northern powerhouse. To come first in two of the seven awards categories, and third in another is a fantastic achievement for our students. It is brilliant to have our students talents recognised by industry professionals.”