top of page

Welcome! 

I am a game designer and FdA Game Design lecturer at Sunderland College, specialising in teaching Unreal Engine 5 and game development techniques. With over four years of teaching experience and three years of hands-on expertise in Unreal Engine, I guide students in creating industry-standard games. As the leader of an Unreal Engine Academic Partner course in the UK, I focus on equipping aspiring game developers with skills in game design, prototyping, and blueprints. Beyond teaching, I actively support the gaming community through Blaze Games, where I share insights on blueprints, mechanics, and game development techniques to inspire future talent.

7J0A6719 Colour.jpg

Professional Projects

!

Blaze Games

jackm9981-web3.jpg

At Blaze Games, I am a passionate solo developer dedicated to creating games that utilize my deep knowledge of game design. Beyond game development, I offer talks, mentorship, and educational resources to inspire and support aspiring game developers.

In Production

image.png

In Production

image.png

Industry Involvement

image.png

At Sunderland College, I lead the Level 2 Games Design course and teach across multiple levels, including the FdA Game Design degree, BTEC Level 3, and NextGen courses, guiding students through game development and design projects.

image.png
1724098999322.jfif
image.png

I successfully led the initiative to have our course recognized as an official Unreal Engine Academic Partner, providing students with direct access to industry-standard tools and resources to enhance their game development skills.

As a member of Ukie's Video Game Ambassador program, I’ve participated in initiatives to inspire future talent in the games industry. I recently did a live talk on the Into Games YouTube channel, focusing on game theory and demonstrating how game design links into many other aspects of development and creative processes.

image.png
image.png

I’ve been involved with GameBridge and Animex, regularly attending the events to stay connected with the local game development community. These have provided valuable opportunities to network and exchange ideas with industry professionals.

I guide students on the NextGen course, helping them build practical skills for the games and creative industries. My teaching focuses on real-world applications using current tools and industry approaches.

Through my own initiative, I attended GaMaYo, part of Game Republic, to engage with the wider game development community and stay informed on industry trends. I am now advocating for Sunderland College to explore membership with Game Republic, aiming to strengthen ties between the college and the games industry.

Personal Projects

!

Game Jams

!

My Background

Ever since I was a child, all I wanted to do was help people. I also knew I loved video games, but I grew up in an environment where they were seen as a waste of time. However, I always believed in them and my passion prevailed, directing me onto my dream career of working on games professionally.

​

Starting with an undergraduate degree in English, I pursued further education with a PGCE. Afterward, I gained teaching experience through remote and supply positions. After this, I gained a master's degree in Games Design at the University of Teesside. Following this, I successfully transitioned into the games industry. I acquired valuable experience in Unreal Engine with three different companies before ultimately returning to teaching as a lecturer in Games Design.

image.png

Skills

image.png

Game Design

I have extensive experience in designing engaging game mechanics, levels, and narratives. My expertise spans various genres and platforms, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of game design principles.

image.png

Curriculum Development

I design and implement modules and material that align with industry standards and evolving technologies. I confirm that my teaching materials are relevant, engaging, and beneficial. 

image.png

Unreal Engine

With substantial hands-on experience in Unreal Engine, acquired through both professional and personal projects, I have a deep understanding of its tools and capabilities. My knowledge allows me to guide students and teams in using Unreal Engine for high-quality game development.

image.png

Remote Working

From teaching to executing projects remotely, I utilise tools like Jira and Confluence to maintain productivity and collaboration. My remote work experience ensures smooth communication and quick task completion.

image.png

Teaching Fundamentals

My approach includes hands-on workshops and real-world projects to provide practical learning experiences. I aim to encourage creativity and critical thinking in my students while offering them industry insights.

image.png

Marketing

As a professional marketer with experience in the games industry, I excel at building brand presence and engaging audiences. I also do public speaking events, including a livestreamed talk on Game Theory for Into Games in the UK, showcasing my ability to communicate complex ideas effectively

Connect with me!

I’d love to hear from you—whether you’re interested in a professional opportunity, a potential collaboration, or just want to chat! You can reach me directly at jack@blazegames.net or connect via LinkedIn. Be sure to explore the icons below for access to my CV, LinkedIn profile, YouTube channel, and Itch.io projects

bottom of page