Are you curious about what real-world game development looks like at QUT?
Our unit Game Studio 2: Applied Game Development is part of the games and interactive environments degree at QUT, one of Australia's leading institutions for game design and development. During one semester, students work in teams in this unit to develop game-based experiences that meet industry-defined project briefs. Students learn to use agile development processes, such as scrum and sprints, to evaluate and refine their projects continually. Students also gain valuable insights into industry practices and standards while crafting their gaming experiences.
Whether you’re interested in 2D or 3D games, mobile or desktop platforms, or any genre or game, you will find plenty of opportunities to unleash your creativity and showcase your skills in the games and interactive environments degree.
Explore some of the fantastic game development projects that our students have created and witness their creative prowess as they bring their game design visions to life.
Frames of Cordes
Students:
- Violet Rowe
- Evie Coombs
- Willow Heo
- Tris Rose
Game summary
In Frames of Cordes, take a journey to a serene cottage inspired by the life and artworks of Olafur Eliasson. Explore the grounds to your heart’s content and take polaroid photographs of the interesting things you find. There are over ten hand-crafted unique items inspired by Eliasson’s work to photograph and complete your collections, with even more placed around the cottage for you to discover and snapshot.
Náttúran
Students:
- Johnny Zhang
- Daniel McGowan
- Jordan Chan
- James Hackwill
Game summary
Náttúran is set in a world surrounded by Icelandic terrain, the game creates a unique approach for players to perceive and embrace nature with its cartoony art. The player will be exploring a series of mechanisms around the cube, including rotations, colour overlap, and elemental interactions of cubelets; during this process of puzzle-solving, immerse yourself in the beauty of light and shade, and find the joy of discovery. Most importantly, feel free to proceed at your own pace and enjoy the atmosphere.
Aurora Artistry
Students:
- Ash Tarsilli
- Asher Johnston
- Ellan Ngo
- Mae Rosewarne
Game summary
Aurora Artistry is a sandbox game-like experience that strives to evoke creativity, freedom and wonder. In this interactive sensory experience, players can collect crystals and create constellations to their hearts content which when lit up, will bring to life an aurora of light, inspired by the natural phenomenon aurora borealis. When players are satisfied with their artwork, they can choose to take a snapshot to send it to the Galactic Gallery webpage, where they can see their own work amongst other masterpieces.
Tool Rush
Students:
- Thomas Lewis
- Byron Matthews
- Inari Asin
- Kain Tazumi
Game summary
You are the ultimate worksite manager - delivering tools at lightning speeds, recycling workplace rubbish and keeping escaped animals in check. Tool Rush is an exciting game incorporating strategic thinking and quick skills to keep your site and everything in it under control and running smoothly.
Firesticks
Students:
- Jade Lawrence
- Max Kennedy
- Piper Jarvinen
- Xavier Mackay
Game summary
Firesticks is an educational, 2D pixel action game, wherein players assume the role of a rookie fire ranger working in rural Queensland. Following guidance from senior fire ranger, Billy, players must use fire as a tool to care for Country and maintain the bushland around town.
Ranger Rescue
Students:
- Brian Kolb
- Hannah Rose
- Jamie Robinson
- Olivia Shepherd
Game summary
Ranger Rescue is an educational tile-based puzzle game where players step into the boots of a bushranger conducting cool burns to keep our environment resilient against bushfires.
Rock Bottom
Students:
- Jack May
- Ada Ogieglo
- Junxi (Stephen) Liu
- Rhiann Steenstrup
Game summary
Rock Bottom is a physics-based puzzle game where the player assists a water spirit to guide water through a mine and into the river. Players must avoid sulphurous materials like pyrite and stibnite to ensure the water remains clean. This game makes use of real acid prevention methods and terminology to create an authentic experience.
Developed for International Network of Acid Prevention, this game has been designed to get high school and university students interested in mining through interactive and educational gameplay.
Turtle Island
Students:
- Cody Barnett
- Darius Mclean
- Jackson Collingwood-Cope
- Johan Dantoc
Game summary
Turtle Island is an educational mobile game for iPads and tablets, developed for the Queensland Indigenous Land and Sea Ranger Program (Department of Environment and Science). It teaches Australian students in Grades 5–6 about turtle life cycles and conservation.
Players help restore a rundown island into a turtle sanctuary by completing levels that follow turtles through key life stages; from hatchlings reaching the ocean to cleaning polluted waters. The two-dimensional game uses top-down and side-view perspectives to highlight different environmental threats.
Simple drag-and-drop and tapping mechanics, combined with bright, cartoonish art, engage 9-12-year-olds and make the conservation message accessible and fun.
helloWorld
Students
- Freya Sambain
- Will Hughes
- Jessica Childs
Game summary
helloWorld is a social simulation game created in collaboration with the QUT Widening Participation program, immersing players in the life of a first-year student in Brisbane accommodation.
The 2D room environment transforms as players complete tasks, focusing on friendships and skills like writing and tech literacy. Targeting misconceptions about tertiary education, especially for rural and low-income students, the game features diverse non-player character (NPC) dialogues addressing common concerns. Extensive customisation fosters player identity and belonging, offering a positive space to dispel fears around university through relaxed gameplay.
AWIC Breaking Ground
Students
- Mark Auman
- Mars Bleach
- Jamie Renfrey
- Jackson Smollen
Game summary
AWIC Breaking Ground is a turn-based game where players assume the role of a construction manager, leading teams of skilled workers to build home projects. Players manage tasks performed by professionals like carpenters and electricians to complete projects. This gameplay aims to intrigue players about construction, fostering a desire to create exceptional homes.
Developed in collaboration with Awesome Women In Construction (AWIC), the game introduces young women to exciting career options in construction. Research revealed the industry's lack of female representation and educational resources. AWIC Breaking Ground addresses this by showcasing women in diverse roles, from tradespeople to leaders, encouraging inclusivity and career exploration.
Open Day
Students
- Daniel Selwood
- Bianca Ngo
- Emma Franklin
- Jack Battams
Game summary
Taking place in a miniaturised version of the QUT Gardens Point campus, Open Day is an isometric exploration and puzzle game that presents the players with an opportunity to explore the campus, learn about some of the opportunities university has to offer, and take their first step towards a new future.
The project's aim is to motivate students from low-socioeconomic backgrounds to consider higher education. Developed in response to QUT's brief, this game-based experience encourages aspiring students to explore university options, fostering a new path toward a promising future.
Delivery Run
Students
- Jasmine Perry
- Kyle Lim
- Tex Barnes
Game summary
Delivery Run places players in the role of a vehicle operator, maneuvering construction vehicles through bustling sites. To succeed, players follow instructions, employ spatial skills, and wit to navigate safely and timely.
This light-hearted driving simulator aims to engage players initially, then introduce them to the construction industry's intricacies. The goal is to foster understanding and open-mindedness about construction as a career choice.
Developed in response to a brief by Awesome Women in Construction (AWIC), the game strives to break down barriers, reshape perceptions of the industry and inspire young women to pursue construction careers.
eXtreme Pathways
Students
- Michelle Barnes
- Phoenix Marsh
- Mackenzie Muir
- Tyra Vink
Game summary
eXtreme Pathways is a 3D low-poly puzzle adventure game tailored for Australian high school students. Set on a rural Queensland roadway, the game simulates the journey from high school to a potential STEM future at QUT. Players tackle STEM-based puzzles to advance along the road, overcoming potholes of self-doubt with non-player character (NPC) support. The game's blend of 3D and 2D perspectives, vibrant colors, and casual vibe engages players on PC, web, and mobile platforms.
Developed in collaboration with the QUT Widening Participation Program, the game meets the brief by inspiring students to explore STEM careers, debunking misconceptions and barriers, especially students in year 9-12 approaching crucial education decisions.
Big Hat's Backyard Photographic Safari
Students
- Alex Lawer
- Jackie Nguyen
- Liam Nash
- James Keller
Game summary
Big Hat's Backyard Photographic Safari is a game developed for Australian Urban Growers to entertain and educate students on biodiversity in line with Australia's Year 7 Biological sciences curriculum.
A safari experience at home delivered via compelling yet easy to use game mechanics designed for accessibility across laptops, desktops and tablets.
The Brisbane environment springs to life on a rotatable diorama, with zoom lens photography, and a scrapbook for saving your snaps. Players use their observation skills to identify native animals and are rewarded with curious scientific facts.
Big Hat's Backyard Photographic Safari will help Year 7 students make the connection between science education and their own backyards and inspire students to pursue further science studies and careers aligned with preserving biodiversity.
AWIC Building Bridges
Students
- Hailey Graham
- Scott Barley
- Thomas McHugh-Mackay
- Janak Tracey
Game Summary
AWIC Building Bridges, is a captivating turn-based game that thrusts you into the pivotal role of a visionary project manager tasked with construction of a new green bridge for the vibrant city of Brisbane. Strategically assemble and manage your team from your diverse and talented pool of employees, to help you turn obstacles into opportunities and transforming your construction project into an epic adventure.
Developed alongside with Awesome Women in Construction (AWIC), the game represents a variety of construction roles to young women and showcasing the different pathways the characters took to get to the current point in their careers. Through the active role the player takes as the project manager, the game aims to empower young women and have them engage in the content through an immersive environment.
Grow Up
Students
- Zaden Bradshaw - Designer
- Khongorzul Batod - Artist
- Clayton Trewben - Programmer
- Zayben Caracciolo - Programmer
Game Summary
Grow Up is a collaborative project with Australian Urban Growers designed for educating Year 9 geography students. It is a 2D puzzle platformer exploring the influences on plant growth and advancements in food production methods.
Players take on the role of a scientist who has undergone a size reduction. To regain their normal size, they must ascend to the pinnacle of their vertical farm and retrieve their size manipulator. Navigating through the game involves managing environmental conditions to cultivate plants, aiding in traversal and puzzle solving. The game features a lively and stylized 2D aesthetics.
The game centres around the vertical farming element of the project brief and emphasizes sustainable food production. It is tailored for year 9 geography students, intending to convey specific content related to Unit 1. The primary focus of the unit is on environmental factors influencing plant growth, innovations in food production, and the determination of crop yield.
Rural Regen
Students
- Corey Rose
- Dan Lowe
- Michael Anderson
- Minh Hung Dang
Game Summary
Rural Regen is an isometric resource-management farming game about teaching students to use sustainable practices to clean polluted farmland and grow crops.
Developed for Australian Urban Growers, this game has been designed to be a relaxing and satisfying experience while also teaching Queensland curriculum content for Year 9 Humanities, specifically about the impacts of pollution, erosion and salinity on soil health on farms across Australia.
Players are tasked to utilise their time wisely each day to grow crops step-by-step, eventually earning enough money to clean all the polluted soil from their land and repair a leaking and dangerous fuel tank.
Rural Regen aims to teach the importance of Australian farming and its challenges via weaving real-world farming problems within thoughtful decision-making gameplay.