NC Game Development students leveled up at a province-wide capstone event on April 19 that showcased emerging talent in game design, animation, and computer science programs.
Approximately 100 games from Ontario colleges and universities were featured at the tenth annual Level Up Showcase at the Westin Harbour Castle in Toronto.
Attendees were able to experience the most current technology and gaming platforms, from motion sensors to VR devices, and industry professionals judged the games and gave awards in four categories: Best Technical Innovation, Best Artistic Achievement, Best in Show and Peoples Choice.
Third year students from the dual-credential NC and Brock University GAME Program won second place, Peoples Choice Award and Honourable Mention, Best Artistic Achievement for their game, Calico Cat-fe.
Seven NC teams, made up of 52 students from NC’s Game Development program and the dual-credential NC and Brock University GAME program, attended the event with their capstone projects and earned the following accolades:
Beyond Dark – Comprised of students from NC’s Game Development Program:
- Second place, Best Technical Innovation
- Second place, Best Artistic Achievement
Calico Cat-fe – Comprised of students from the dual-credential NC and Brock University GAME Program:
- Second place, Peoples Choice Award
- Honourable Mention, Best Artistic Achievement
Mousu – Comprised of fourth year students from the dual-credential NC and Brock University GAME Program (students completing final year of study at Brock University)
- First place, Peoples Choice Award
Fourth year students from the dual-credential NC and Brock University GAME Program won first place, Peoples Choice Award for their game, Mousu.
Evan Sawatsky, a student in the dual-credential NC and Brock University GAME program and Team Lead and Character Artist for the third-year capstone project Calico Cat-fe, is thrilled to see his team’s hard work and dedication recognized.
“These wins for our team were both gratifying and exciting, especially since this was Level Up’s tenth anniversary and the event’s first return since Covid in 2020,” said Sawatsky. “Having so many fellow students, industry professionals and other attendees play and enjoy our game made all of our hard work feel that much more meaningful.”
Sawatsky also credits his NC courses and professors for being vital in shaping his practical skillset in game development and enhancing his ability to collaborate with classmates.
“Our project wouldn’t have been possible without the in-depth and hands-on skills taught at NC by our knowledgeable instructors,” he said.
Sawatsky also recently received an Achievement Award at NC’s Game Development Launch and awards ceremony event.
Naim Heredia is an international student in NC’s Game Development program. Originally from Ecuador, Heredia also worked with NC’s International Office as a Student Assistant during his time studying at the College.
The Level Up Showcase is the largest event Heredia has ever been a part of, and he is grateful for the experiential learning opportunities NC has provided to help him get a head start in his field of study.
“The game development program is extremely welcoming to new students with little knowledge about the program or the artistic side of the industry,” said Heredia. “The College provides amazing learning opportunities and pathways to pursue both avenues.”
Heredia was also part of the winning NC team for the Beyond Dark game that achieved second place for Best Technical Innovation and Best Artistic Achievement.
“Winning these awards is and will remain an amazing memory and a showcase of our team’s accomplishments,” he said. “The Level Up event allowed our team to show the world what we are capable of, and these awards will motivate us to continue improving our skills.”
School of Media Professor, Rick Goertz says students should be proud of themselves for the hard work they have dedicated to their projects and performances at the Level Up Showcase.
“Making original games is a difficult endeavour, and making your first one, in a team environment and under seriously tight timelines, certainly adds to that challenge,” he said. “All the teams produced terrific games over the course of the term and performed very well at Level Up.”
