Pause carousel
Play carousel
I had no programming or design experience before starting, but I soon realised I could learn and improve — you just need to be patient with yourself.Conor Edwards | Abertay University | BA (Hons) Game Design and Production
From a young age, Conor Edwards knew he wanted to be a games developer. His physics teacher recommended Abertay back in S4, and despite having no prior experience in programming or game design, Conor took the plunge.
He said:
The beginning of the course felt like being thrown into the deep end. It was scary at first, but my confidence grew steadily over the weeks and months.
Conor particularly enjoyed the professional group modules, where he learned the importance of teamwork and communication.
I had to put myself forward and be outspoken, which really brought me out of my shell.
He also embraced new challenges like creating sound effects and music, areas he was unfamiliar with but found incredibly valuable.
A project close to Conor’s heart was his game focused on imposter syndrome, a theme inspired by his own experiences. He knew this was a common issue and wanted to shed light on it through gameplay.
His 2D platformer features puzzle elements and interactions with an NPC who echoes the player’s inner doubts, reflecting the thought processes behind imposter syndrome. The game also includes an achievement system encouraging players to confront and overcome these feelings.
Conor’s development was not without its challenges. He has sight-related issues, including double vision and sensitivity to light, which added difficulty to designing his game. Despite consultations with specialists, the cause remains unclear.
Showcasing his game at the Abertay Digital Graduate Show (ADGS) was a highlight of his university experience.
The feedback was fantastic — people appreciated how the game shone a light on a common issue. Many liked the pixel-art style and retro feel.
His game went on to win the River Games Award for level design, an honour that included meeting the CEO and members of the River Games team.
Looking ahead, Conor is focusing on opportunities in level design within the games industry. His advice to new students, especially those starting without prior experience, is encouraging:
Do not panic. You will learn the skills over time. Don’t compare yourself to others — everyone progresses at their own pace. Use the Discord server for support but don’t worry about what others are sharing early on.
