About Me

August 27, 2024 | Matthius Mlengah

Introduction

The about section details my journey from learning to code during my A levels to earning a degree in Computer Games Technology. I highlight my growth as a software developer through various projects and challenges, showcasing my passion and experience with tools like Unity¹, C++², and SDL2³.

University Years

Year 1

In my first year at university, we focused on the principles of design, fairness, and ensuring that our games were enjoyable. We delved deeply into algorithms, data structures, and Big O notation to evaluate code efficiency. I applied these new skills by developing a tower defence game using the Unity game engine. In this game, the protagonist is a snowman tasked with defending Christmas by protecting a snow machine from hordes of enemies. Equipped with advanced snowball homing technology, the snowman shoots, throws, and launches snowballs to fend off the invaders.

Year 2

During my second year, I engaged in low-level programming, concentrating on C++. This phase was highlighted by ambitious projects, including the development of my own game engine, a rasteriser, ray tracer, and path tracer for rendering 3D models. I took pride in a C++ game created with SDL2, inspired by "Endless Zombie Fighter." In this game, players controlled a Minotaur who strategically placed barriers around the map to channel zombies. Equipped with a pistol and limited ammunition, the Minotaur shot zombies to collect coins, which could be spent to upgrade bullet damage or increase ammo capacity. Additionally, I gained significant experience by implementing the A* pathfinding algorithm, enabling zombies to navigate dynamically around barriers placed in random locations.

Year 3

In my final year, I specialised in AI behaviour, studying finite state machines, behaviour trees, and goal-oriented action planning. I applied this knowledge to develop both a mobile and a console game. The mobile game featured AI drivers racing against the player, while our team project for the console was a "Cops and Robbers" simulator. I designed the AI for the cops, allowing them to search for the robber, alert others, and pursue if spotted.

The most challenging aspect of my final year was my project on enhancing mushroom anatomy learning through an interactive AR game. Although the study did not show significant improvements in test scores, I thoroughly enjoyed creating and analysing data sets. My dedication ultimately paid off, and I graduated with a 2:1.

Future Plans

Now that I have graduated, I am eager to advance my journey in software development. Over the past five years, I have overcome many challenges to enhance my skills. I am committed to furthering my growth through ongoing self-study and work experience and am excited about new opportunities. If you’d like to discuss potential collaborations, please feel free to reach out to me via email.