Jordan Smee

My name is Jordan Smee, I am 25 years old, and I studied Computer Games Development at University Centre South Essex from 2018 to 2020. This is my story.

I grew up in Essex with a strong interest in games and creativity. Before progressing to university, I completed a two-year BTEC course at the college. During that time, I was encouraged by my course leader to continue onto the degree. After exploring other university options, I decided to stay and study at UCSE. The course offered a broad and flexible structure, which really suited me as I was still exploring which area of the industry I wanted to specialise in.

My time at university was a really positive experience. From the moment I started, I felt supported by both my tutors and other students. Even though my final period of study was affected by the pandemic, I still gained valuable knowledge and developed both creatively and personally.

The course gave me the opportunity to build a wide range of skills. While it had a strong technical focus, I was able to explore different areas of game development. As someone who was more drawn to the artistic side, this allowed me to expand my abilities and understand how technical and creative elements come together. I learned about coding, tools programming and areas such as shader creation, which helped me develop a more complete understanding of the industry.

Having access to industry insights and opportunities also made a real difference. Experiences such as visiting professional studios helped me understand what employers expect and how the industry works in practice. This helped me stay focused and motivated throughout my studies.

Since graduating, I have continued to build my career in game development. My work and creative process were featured in an interview on 80 Level, a well-known platform within the industry, which was a proud moment for me. I have also worked with Surgent Studios, a transmedia company collaborating with major partners on new game projects.

I now work as a Technical Artist, a role that brings together both creative and technical skills. I act as a link between different teams, supporting both artists and developers. My work includes creating shaders, developing tools, optimising assets and working on visual effects. It is a varied role that allows me to stay creative while also solving technical challenges.

Before reaching this point, I gained experience through freelance and independent projects, which helped me build my portfolio and confidence. Over time, these experiences led to further opportunities and my current role in the industry.

One of the things I value most about higher education is the chance to build a strong foundation of skills while also discovering where your interests lie. It also opens up opportunities to attend industry events and connect with professionals, which can make a real difference when starting your career.

My time at university helped me grow in confidence. Working alongside others, sharing ideas and receiving feedback allowed me to develop both as a creative and as an individual. It helped me better understand my strengths and the direction I wanted to take.

I would recommend UCSE to anyone interested in game development. It gives you a strong base of knowledge and the flexibility to explore different areas, helping you decide where you want to specialise.

One of my proudest achievements so far has been having my work recognised and published, which came as a surprise and gave me a real sense of progress. Looking ahead, I am excited to see the release of the project I am currently working on and to continue developing games that create new and engaging experiences.