I’m Gaming to Go Further
School of Design & Media
Ng Yuan Da Elson
Diploma in Game Development & Technology, Year 3
I made a beeline for NYP's Diploma in Game Development & Technology after receiving my O-Level results. I was a nine-pointer, and my choice was met with some surprise. My friends didn’t expect me to go to a poly.
But coding is my passion! I've been learning how to code using C++ (a programming language) by watching YouTube videos since Secondary Three. It is a powerful programming language I knew I could learn at NYP.
You may think of coding as just numbers and letters on a computer screen, but it's much more complex than that – it's the backbone of many commonly-used applications (e.g. Photoshop or high spec games like Valorant and Counter Strike).
At NYP, I've learnt how to use a variety of coding software. The courses in my diploma cover a wide spectrum of gaming and coding skills. I'm currently adept in C++, C# and Open Graphics Library– all of which are industry-level software.
Being a student here isn't just about what you can learn from textbooks. The course has taught me design and gaming principles and sharpened my thinking process when I code. I've learnt to think ahead and write code in a way that allows for minimal modifications.
One of my most enriching experience is learning how to code for VR while I was training for WorldSkills Singapore. I had a three-month training period where I was constantly making games for VR.
This VR coding experience helped me greatly during my recent internship with Housing Development Board (HDB). My supervisors gave me the opportunity to create a VR simulation learning tool for the identification and repair of housing defects. This VR learning tool was particularly useful to teach new HDB Estate Management officers through online learning, given the restrictions from physical on-job-training brought about by COVID-19. I’ve maintained a 4.0 GPA throughout my course, and I'm very thankful to have been awarded the IMDA iPoly Scholarship (2018 – 2021).
Beyond academics, I enjoy creating games and I'm currently working on a spear mechanic platform game - where a player can use a spear as both a tool and a weapon.
I've also met many like-minded people and formed many strong friendships. In 2019, I participated in the James Cook University Game Jam and my team won third.
I also like to help people realise their passion for coding, which is why I've started a blog to share what I learnt. I used to help coach Year one students when I was in my second year and that was very fulfilling!
I look forward to sharing more of my coding knowledge and experience to the juniors, and am excited about the potential of coding and how it can create change!
#BecauseWeCan