James Bland

Phone: (07484) 140475                                                                                                                                                                    

Email: jamesricardbland@gmail.com                                                                                                                                      

DOB: 1st January 2004                                                                                                                             

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-richard-bland/                                       

Website: https://www.james-bland.me

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCd5tdaMVhvp2SkkqIxzsuRQ                                                    

GitHub: https://github.com/JamesB0010

PERSONAL PROFILE

A professional game and software developer, currently studying computer games technology at Birmingham city university.

With object-oriented experience in programming languages such as c++, c#, GLSL and Javascript, game engines such as Unreal engine and Unity.

EDUCATION

Sep. 2022 – now, BSc Computer Game Technology Course, Birmingham City University, Birmingham (BCU)

2020 – 2022 Worcester Sixth Form College, Worcester.

Computer Science – Grade A*

Information Technology (Double BTEC) – Double Distinction *

Core Mathematics – Grade A

2015 – 2020 The Chantry High School, Martley, Worcestershire

Project Experience from university

Knightly Knockout (Web) – 3^3/4 months

Knightly Knockout is a networked multiplayer first person fighting game part of the Web Games Development module. I achieved 93% in the module. The project taught me skills in networking, , RESTful API, server-side programming, Three Js, Ammo.js Socket.io, html, CSS, and JavaScript, creating additive animations. Made in 3^3/4 months.

https://github.com/JamesB0010/KnightlyKnockout/tree/NoDatabase

C++ projects

Multiple projects have been created using the c++ programming language. From this experience I have a firm grasp on reading and writing c++, using libraries and working with others in the language.

My best work in c++ has been Jett Engine. A c++ game engine using OpenGL to render its 3d graphics. additional to c++ knowledge I was also able to develop knowledge of computer graphics such as the rendering pipeline and shader programming.

I added an extracurricular feature to the Jett engine that integrated it with the SonyWWS level editor. This allowed the engine to read .lvl files, enabling scenes constructed in the Sony editor to be used directly as game scenes in the Jett engine.

Creating a software rasterizer was extremely beneficial to my understanding of essential mathematics used in games development such as linear algebra, vector and matrix mathematics.

I have also created small 2d games using the SDL2 library to render graphics. both as university projects solo and collaboratively during the global game jam.

https://github.com/JamesB0010/Jett-Engine

Freight (Unreal) – 10 weeks

Freight was a first-person shooter game made for the 3d games programming and game asset pipeline modules. The result I got for the modules were 97% and 100. Use of blueprint and C++.

Specifically c++ was used to interact with a node js server facilitating persistent user data storage via a sql database.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nJRT_IHnCfw

LND-135 (unreal, GitHub)

LND-135 was a group project game made in unreal engine 5 in a team of 38. I played a vital role in the GitHub version control of the project and was jointly responsible for it. This made me confident in the use of source control systems.

Unidentified Fossil Organiser

This was a game created for the Birmingham Think tank following their specifications as a client. This meant talking to the client to find what they wanted, plan the development of the product and then execute on this plan. The game was created by a team of 3. Agile methodologies were used to manage the progress of the project resulting in the delivery of the product on time with the features promised.

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Visiting demonstrator

As a visiting demonstrator I have assisted in the delivery of university modules teaching unreal engine and web games development. Teaching these technologies to others, has helped me strengthen my own personal understanding and has given me experience in articulating my knowledge in a subject and presenting information in a clear and understandable way.

EMPLOYMENT HISTORY

March 2024 – present visiting demonstrator Birmingham city university

July 2024 – Present content creator at etee

• working remotely creating content to be used on YouTube

January 2023 – Present Amazon Delivery Partner

• Self-motivated employment seeking delivery shifts.
• Completion of allotted deliveries within timescales given.

June 2022 – January 2023 – Valuation Service Co-ordinator, e.surv Chartered Surveyors

• A valuable team member working to achieve deadlines and targets for the scheduling of customer appointments.
• Able to show flexibility undertaking additional hours and duties during busy periods.
• Working with in house software platform.
• Interaction with stakeholders to achieve a positive outcome.

ACHIEVEMENTS AND INTERESTS

I am an outgoing character, continually looking for new opportunities to better myself. I enjoy socialising with my friends and family and take a keen interest in my personal health by regularly attending my local gym.

I enjoy playing airsoft and wish I did it more often. I also have an interest in flying FPV drones.

REFERENCES

Carlo Harvey - carlo.harvey@bcu.ac.uk, professor in Computing, Engineering and the Built Environment at BCU

Xi Guo – xi.guo@bcu.ac.uk, Senior Lecturer in Computer Games at BCU, MOB: +4401212024277

Nathan Dewell - nathan.dewell@bcu.ac.uk, Lecturer in Digital Built Environment at BCU