Welcome to my online development portfolio. This site contains a summary of computer games I’ve worked on professionally, as well as coursework I completed as part of my degree in Computer Games Programming at the University of Teesside and projects I have pursued in my own time. I am currently working as a programmer at Vitei in Kyoto, Japan.
My main interests within computer games are in the fields of artificial intelligence and gameplay, and how each affects the other. I’m also interested in aspects of software design: I like to see how different engines are constructed for maximum flexibility and stability, to explore different programming paradigms and languages, and to try and get my head around Herb Sutter’s Guru of the Week columns. At Zoë Mode, I did a lot of work automating asset and build pipelines using UNIX tools to streamline multiplatform development. As well as this, I covered a number of other areas of games programming whilst at University, including graphics, physics, some audio programming using FMOD and some tools coding using C# with Windows Forms 2.0.
I am also interested in AI as explored outside computer games, and in aspects of games design and culture which have nothing to do with programming. As far as the more academic side of AI is concerned, I’m particularly fascinated by artificial creativity – trying to give machines the ability to generate any form of creative or artistic work, or to accurately critique existing pieces. My BSc dissertation was a preliminary exploration of this problem, considering how a computer could choreograph dance to music.
I maintain close contact with the University of Teesside, where I took my degree. I have returned to the University to give a number of talks, and in February I was one of the organisers of the alumni day which was held there. Slides from my talk at that event are available as part of my portfolio.
Outside of computer games, my interests include music, theatre and film, playing guitar, and dancing Argentine Tango. I’m also an avid reader of fiction (particularly in the fantasy genre) and non-fiction. I enjoy board games, particularly Go and Shogi – though I’m now trying to improve my Chess.
Please enjoy browsing the site, and feel free to drop me a line if you have any questions.
