Name: Innes Mackenzie Aitken
Course: BA (Hons) Game Design and Production
Year: 3rd
What made you choose to join the society?
I’m looking for a diversity of minds who share passion in what they do and are willing to come to a consensus through collaboration. I like teamwork and the Abertay Game Development Society is the place for that! :D
What initially sparked your interest in game development, and what are some of the most rewarding aspects of creating your own video games?
There’s so much to it with all sorts of people. There’s nothing more fun than getting a good bunch of people and throwing things at a wall to see what sticks. Some projects we’ll want to throw each other but frustration, excitement and other emotions are signs it's a project worth working on. The satisfaction that comes with a finished project that you can be proud of. Priceless.
Can you share a particular games development project that you’re proud of?
I had worked along 4 other people in a 3-4 day jam and created an idea that started off as a funny voice message over snapchat. Into a game called “We are souls” which is about surviving waves of potty mouthed living bowling pins that have the wackiest elmo voices that “ree” as you kick and throw them around the room. Truly sensational.
What makes a good video game, in your opinion?
What makes anything good whether it’s a game, tv show, a story… would have to be a bittersweet ending. Timing is everything and you want to put an ending exactly where people want to know more. That’s what makes media powerful. We all have a show we would want to carry on... but would it be as good if it did?
What's your favourite board game or video game, and what makes it so enjoyable for you?
Little Nightmares II – mono deserved better
Little Nightmares II hands down. A game that isn’t about being caught but solely focusses on the thought of it, the anticipation that really has you scream “fudge fudge fudge!” as you run from a monster with freakishly proportioned...
Everything! Mono deserved better.
If you could have any animal as a pet, regardless of practicality or legality, what would you choose and why?
An arctic tiger would be amazing as they are beautiful animals. Also they’re a BIG CAT. Hello?!
What's the most adventurous thing you've ever done or would like to do in the future?
I was an Officer Cadent in training with the University Officers Training Corps with the British Army. Crawling through god knows what during the winter at silly o’clock, shooting rifles, shooting rifles, rifle jams. Funnn... but my passion is very much with games...
