An international student’s journey on Falmouth’s MA Game Art

A special mention goes to Ady Smith. He was my go-to for assistance, and his approach was especially helpful; he often provided three suggestions on how to solve my problem. When I was creating a Guitar Gun asset for a project, I struggled with the bullet belt. He suggested using the MASH method, or manually making the belt by recording an animation frame and freezing it. He also recommended adding smoke grenades to give the weapon more of a dramatic feel. His guidance not only solved the problem but encouraged me to think more creatively about my work.

Can you tell us about your experience working on 3D first-person shooter game Cluckmare? What was your role and what did you most enjoy about the project?

I had the amazing experience of working on Cluckmare. Our goal was to create a fun and quirky game where players use creative “veggie guns” to fight zombified chickens in a factory, with the goal being to shut the factory down.

Our team had a tight production schedule with just three artists, one designer and one programmer, and we created every single asset from scratch. My role focused on 3D models, visual effects (VFX), logo design, and writing the game’s backstory. I also designed the studio logo, Cluck’n Hell.

It was a fantastic project, and we all worked together closely in the Games Academy. The team learned so much during that time, and I was proud of what we achieved. Sharing the game at the Games Expo 2025 was a highlight. The game can be downloaded and played on itch.io, where we’ve included a short illustrated backstory at the beginning.

What industry insights or practices have you gained here that you’ll carry forward into your career?

The course provided me with valuable, industry-standard knowledge. I learned about essential game development practices like sprint runs and the crucial role of a Scrum Master in managing a team efficiently.

Additionally, I gained significant experience with Unreal Engine, which is widely used across the games industry. It was a great learning experience, and I’m committed to continuing my work with it to further develop my skills.

How has the Cornish environment and culture influenced your creative outlook?

The culture and environment of Cornwall are truly inspiring. The area is filled with stunning landscapes and rich ancient history, and the people are incredibly welcoming. This unique setting has directly influenced my creative work as a game artist.

For example, when designing one of my in-game weapons, I used a wood texture inspired by the old boats I saw in the harbour, aiming for that weathered, beaten finish. In my Unreal Engine showreel, I created a dense forest environment inspired by my daily journeys through Cornwall, even adding the exact coordinates of Falmouth University as an Easter egg at the start. These details made the work more personal and rooted in place.

Who would you recommend the course at Falmouth to?

I would absolutely recommend this course to my peers. It was a perfect mix of a great university, supportive staff and an inspiring location, all of which came together to provide an excellent and peaceful master’s experience.

Beyond the academic growth, my time in Falmouth was filled with amazing memories that I’ll always cherish. I loved exploring Pendennis Castle, taking photographs around the grounds and even finding a spot for a barbecue with friends where we could watch a yacht race. We had other memorable evenings at nearby Swanpool Beach, which was a perfect picture spot. Evenings at Gylly Beach, sitting with friends to enjoy the sunset, were also a highlight.

Further afield, visiting Truro Cathedral was one of my first experiences after arriving in Cornwall, and I often browsed the city’s record stores for classics. Saturdays were spent playing football on the local fields – a great way to work out and unwind. These moments, alongside the academic side of the course, made my time in Falmouth truly unforgettable.

External links

Cluckmare’s Itch page