UCA Games Students Shine with Major Industry Wins

Students from the University for the Creative Arts (UCA) have made a mark in the gaming industry, winning prestigious awards and competitions. Dmitrii Kolchin, a second-year BSc (Hons) Games Development student, won the Rising Star in Games Programming award at the Grads in Games awards in Sheffield. This recognition not only highlights his talent but also offers him an interview with a top games development studio, opening doors to major industry opportunities. Dmitrii’s submission—a twin-stick shooter game inspired by Hotline Miami—was developed without using pre-existing engines like Unity or Unreal, showcasing his technical skills and innovation.

Alongside Dmitrii, UCA students Ben Clancy (Character Art) and Maria Georgescu (Environment Art) were nominated for the Search for a Star awards, further emphasizing UCA’s strength in game development education.

Additionally, UCA students William Bashford and Alfie Manning won a SEGA Two Point Studio community competition, each earning a $1,000 cash prize and merchandise bundle. Their creative designs—William’s Cluster Computer and Alfie’s Whacky Inflatable Waving Tube Men—stood out in their respective categories. Games Animation student Kitty Van Bokhoven also secured top spots in multiple contest categories.

Sophy Smith, Director of the School of Games and Creative Technology, praised the students, emphasizing how these wins highlight their creativity, technical excellence, and boldness in entering external competitions.

With these remarkable achievements, UCA continues to foster emerging talent, preparing students for successful careers in the gaming industry.