Student animator wins Search for a Star competition
A Staffordshire University student has been named as a rising star in the games industry.
Alvin Oblitely, who studies BSc (Hons) Computer Games Design, won the Games Animation prize in this year’s Grads in Games Search for A Star competition.
In the Games Animation category, students were given a project brief co-developed with games studios across the UK, to develop a themed, game-ready character animation sequence. Each had four weeks to create, document and present their projects.
Alvin said: “The character I designed is a warrior who becomes an animal-like creature inspired by games like Monster Hunters by Capcom. I think it worked out really well for the competition.”
Alvin beat 50 entrants from across the UK and Europe to win the accolade after facing a panel of industry professionals from games studios, including Bulkhead.
At the final interview, the judges loved Alvin’s enthusiasm for animation, technical ability and clear understanding of his work, earning him the winning place.
After reaching the finals last year, it was second time lucky for Alvin who impressed the judges with a character transformation sequence in the ‘Beast Mode’ theme.
The 22-year-old from Kettering said: “I was very shocked at how well I did. I think it was thanks to the learning process that I got from last year that helped me. I was very happy to win!
“The feedback and support they gave me was very beneficial for me as an animator and made me really motivated to improve the work in future.
“My animation teacher has really helped me with my work and this challenge as well. I’m really grateful for the support and feedback he gave me.”
Now in his final year, Alvin is looking to the future and has already secured a job interview with help from Staffordshire University.
“I’ve been really passionate about animation ever since I watched cartoons, videos games and especially anime. When I discovered 3D animation and 3D modelling on my course, I knew I wanted to stick with that,” he explained.
“If you’re really passionate about making games then this is the perfect course for you because everything you want, they have it. Design, animation, art, coding, programming, they have it. Stick to the thing that you really want to do and you’ll definitely be able to achieve what you want.”
Hear from Alvin on Staffordshire University’s YouTube channel or discover more about Staffordshire University’s range of Games degrees.
Amy Platts
Media Communications Officer
t: 01782 292702
m: 07799 341911
e: amy.platts@staffs.ac.uk
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