Aspiring game designers at South Bank Colleges’ Nine Elms campus were given a unique insight into the world of indie game development when freelance VFX and environment artist Jamie Degen visited London South Bank Technical College today to share his experiences. With over 16 years in the industry, working across major AA studios and independent projects, Jamie provided an in-depth look at what it takes to thrive as an indie game developer.

Life as an Indie Game Designer

Jamie’s talk covered the realities of independent game development, contrasting his experiences working for major studios like TT Fusion, Headstrong Games, and Bossa Studios with his journey as a self-sufficient indie developer. He highlighted the freedom and creative control that come with being an indie designer but also the challenges of securing funding, managing time effectively, and handling multiple aspects of game production, from 3D modeling to VFX and shaders.

One key takeaway was the importance of financing. Jamie detailed various ways indie developers raise funds for their projects, including crowdfunding platforms like Kickstarter, self-funding, and securing grants or publisher deals. He shared anecdotes from his own projects, emphasising that while financial independence allows for creative freedom, it also comes with significant risks.

Tools of the Trade

Students were eager to hear about the tools and software Jamie uses to bring his visions to life. He discussed industry-standard programs such as Blender, Adobe Photoshop, ZBrush, Substance Painter, and Unity, explaining how each plays a vital role in game development. He also highlighted optimisation techniques for mobile and console gaming, which are crucial for performance and efficiency in indie titles.

Networking and Industry Events

Jamie underscored the value of networking in the game development community. He spoke about the various industry events he attends, both to showcase his games and to connect with other professionals. Events like EGX, Develop:Brighton, and GDC provide invaluable opportunities for indie developers to promote their work, gain exposure, and find potential collaborators or investors.

Q&A Session: AI, 3D Modeling, and More

Following his presentation, Jamie engaged in a lively Q&A session with students, who had a wide range of questions. Topics included:

• The Role of AI in Game Design – Jamie discussed the growing presence of AI in the industry, from procedural generation to AI-assisted animation, and how indie developers can integrate these technologies into their workflow.

• Technical Aspects of 3D Modeling and VFX – Students were eager to learn about best practices for environment modeling, texturing, and lighting in games.

• Indie vs. AA Studio Work – Jamie provided a candid comparison of working within structured game studios versus the self-driven nature of indie development.

• Advice for Aspiring Game Designers – He encouraged students to start building their portfolios, collaborate on indie projects, and participate in game jams to gain hands-on experience.

A Valuable Experience for Future Game Developers

Jamie’s visit left students inspired and better informed about the realities of game design. His experiences highlighted both the excitement and challenges of independent game development, giving students a clearer understanding of the industry and their potential career paths.

For those interested in learning more about Jamie’s work, his portfolio can be found on ArtStation, and he actively shares insights on X (Twitter).

The session was a fantastic opportunity for students to engage with an industry professional, and it reinforced South Bank Colleges’ commitment to providing real-world learning experiences for its aspiring game designers.