BUV students create games at lightning speed within only 48 hours

Game projects developed by students from the Computer Games Developing & Programming and Games Art programmes during the annual Game Jam and Games Nexus events have drawn significant attention for their impressive quality, exceeding expectations. 

Remarkable projects from a race against time 

Game Jam was celebrated with seven student teams take on the challenge of designing and programming a complete game in just 48 hours, with support from lecturers in the School of Computing & Innovative Technologies. 

With the open theme “Only One”, students were free to explore various directions, from storylines and gameplay to graphics. However, this was also a major challenge, requiring both creative ideas and innovative execution. 

With a unique concept, the game “On My Last Leg” brilliantly won the overall competition. Inspired by a fictional setting in space, the team crafted an engaging storyline with humorous and exciting gameplay: Players must help a character with only one leg escape a chasing snail by dragging the leg. 

“On My Last Leg” wins with bold execution

Mr. Le Manh Cuong, founder of Tale Weavers Studio, praised the project for its clever blend of concept and gameplay, using tricky controls to create a challenging experience. The students showed creativity by choosing a snail – a symbol of slowness that becomes a terrifying threat for players. 

Winning the Popular Vote award, “One Shot”, a space shooter game, was also a favorite for its challenging gameplay. “Besides an impressive storyline, the game is tough enough to make you want to replay, sparking a desire to conquer it,” said Mr. Tran Thanh Tung, founder of Board Game Vietnam. 

Many other projects demonstrated meticulous effort. Some teams, like those behind “Gambler’s Right Hand” and “Just Gimme One More Try,” were praised for their focus on player experience, while others, such as “Blob n Bob” and “Only One,” stood out for their eye-catching graphics. Though not all won awards, these projects showed great potential, reflecting the students’ hard work and willingness to learn. 

All projects were highly praised for their potential. 

Many projects exceeded expectations. Mr. David Holloway – Programme Lead of the Computer Game Design & Programming and Games Art at BUV, who guided the teams during the game development process, was deeply impressed by the quality of the projects, especially given the limited time frame. 

“I was particularly surprised by how the students interpreted the theme. Each game carried a unique identity and creative gameplay. The collaboration between game design and game art students also resulted in projects with better visuals and presentation,” David shared. 

Players experiencing the teams’ products. 

Mr. Hai Trinh, COO of GameGeek Asia, also praised the outstanding quality of this year’s projects. “The projects are better in both quantity and quality. I’m very impressed with the fresh ideas the students showcased,” Mr. Hai said. 

A Launchpad for Future Game Developers 

Beyond a competition, Games Nexus provides students with opportunities to expand their networks with businesses and game studios. 

The event not only delivered high-quality products but also showcased the exceptional capabilities of BUV students. The teams demonstrated strong critical thinking, quick learning, and bold creativity. Notably, all the creators of the winning game “On My Last Leg” were first-year students from both of BUV’s game programs. 

Participating teams at the Game Jam competition. 

Mr. Huy Dung, Production Manager at Gameloft Hanoi, was impressed by the students’ expertise, language skills, and proactive, open-minded work attitude. He advised young game developers to undertake more personal projects to gain practical experience, as well as build knowledge and skills. 

“I’ve worked with BUV interns at our studio and noticed that the university has guided students wonderfully throughout their modules. BUV is the first university in Vietnam to incorporate Unreal Engine into its curriculum, which promises to nurture a new generation of young developers creating unique, ‘truly Vietnamese’ products,” shared Mr. Manh Cuong. 

Upon reflection of the event, Dr. Ali Al-Dulaimi, Head of School, School of Computing & Innovative Technologies at BUV, remarked: “We anticipated this exceptional level of performance from our students. They have every advantage needed to become the region’s premier gaming professionals; world-class programs from one of the world’s leading universities in gaming and creativity University of Staffordshire, Vietnam’s top instructors, and cutting-edge labs, tools, and facilities that are unmatched in the region.” 

The Games Nexus event once again confirmed its role as an incubator for game creators, as well as a bridge closing the gap between students and the job market. With its highly competitive nature and real-world experience environment, BUV continues to be an ideal starting point for young talents in Vietnam’s gaming industry.