Combining Games and Art with Christopher

Transcript

Say hello to Christopher, a junior from Wayne, New Jersey, dual majoring in Games and Simulation, Arts and Sciences, and Electronic Arts. Combining games and art is his academic passion, but after hours, he’s busy playing Dance Dance Revolution. Take it away, Christopher.

– Thanks, Alex. Hello, hello everybody. Ever since I was a kid, I’ve always wanted to make video games. I remember getting lost in the world of Pokemon Soul Silver on my Nintendo DS. Ever since then, I wanted to make similarly formative enrapturing experiences for other people. Thus, I chose RPI. I’m dual majoring in Games and Simulation Arts and Sciences, also known as GSAS, and Electronic Arts. Long major short, I make games and art. My classes either teach me new skills or test them to make portfolio pieces. My favorite classes so far have been Intro to Game Design, History and Culture of Games, and 3D Animation. My professors push me to learn the most I can, be it through detailed feedback or gamified learning. In a recent class, I was the creative lead on opCIVS, an experimental arena shooter game. Each week saw me designing and animating a new enemy, and was so satisfying to see everything come together. Outside my classes, I strive to build personal and professional connections. On campus, I’m an active member of the Game Development Club and I’m the president of the Dance Dance Revolution Club. The latter especially has taught me leadership skills, niche mechanics to consider for games, and it’s just a fun place to relax. Off campus, I presented High Zeaz, my zombie pirate movement shooter game at the Game Developers Conference in San Francisco and at RPI’s own Game Fest. Being able to meet fellow students and industry veterans was wild, and really helped me learn how I wanted to shape my future. Getting some awards was certainly a nice cherry on top. I’m currently on my away semester working on my portfolio as part of the Arch, a dedicated time in the academic calendar for students to pursue personal and professional development opportunities. It’s nice to be able to get a little bit of a breather and pour my heart out for a bit. I hope to see you among us here at RPI soon. Onto the next stage with Alex.

– Congratulations on presenting your video game at the Game Developers Conference, Christopher. What a great experience. RPI is home to one of the top gaming programs in the nation. Thanks again, Christopher.