#saecrew
– student edition –
NAME: Hayley Wilson
CAMPUS: Melbourne
DISCIPLINE: Bachelor of Games Development
What do you most enjoy about student life at SAE?
I really enjoy the collaborative atmosphere and being around other creative individuals.
What are your plans for when you graduate?
I want to continue study and get my master, so I can further my skills and also apply that to teaching in the future. Maybe even at SAE someday! I also plan to get some work in the local games industry. My capstone group and I are also continuing work on our project so we can release it for sale.
Can you share an artist or professional in your discipline that inspires you?
Games are a collaborative process, so it’s easier to list studios and games. I love titles like Florence from Mountains (a Melbourne-based studio) that explore the relationships we have in small but meaningful ways.
Could you please tell us a little about your involvement with SAE campus life?
Wherever possible I tried to volunteer at events such as open days, study for a day, and at career expos. I also joined the nationwide Queer Collective, a Discord group aimed at providing a supportive place for students.
What do you enjoy most about your discipline?
We have the ability to tell some amazing stories, and by giving the player agency it helps them feel like they are part of it. Games can also be used to help teach and even assist in mental health. It’s a fantastic medium.
What is your favourite software you use?
I primarily develop in Unity, because there is so much documentation for how to do things and flexibility for how you want to use it. It’s also an industry standard, so getting to use the tools professionals use has really helped.
What is your favourite hardware you use?
Most of my work is done on a pc, but I really enjoy using VR headsets too.
What projects have you worked on?
I am super proud of the capstone my team and I created. It’s a narrative-driven piece where a girl goes back home and explores her home whilst discovering memories of her father. I was the project manager and was responsible for the majority of the art assets. We’re actually planning on working on it after graduation.
I also created a 2.5 platformer in one of my studio classes and managed about 14 students over a period of 13 weeks.
What advice would you give to someone considering coming to SAE?
It’s really fun and you’ll make some great friends, but prepare to work hard. Creative industries are hard to break into, but if you apply yourself and do the best you can it’ll make a huge difference. I really recommend getting to know the other disciplines early because all later projects require collaboration. Making those connections at the beginning really helps.
What is Orientation and the first day of SAE like?
I was super excited, and actually met a few of the people I’m friends with there. You’ll get a rough idea of what you’ll be working on and a feel for the campus. If you’re nervous or have questions don’t be afraid to ask!
Do you have any helpful tips to share with fellow students?
Start networking in your industry as soon as you can. The students that wait until trimester six to start have a really hard time getting work experience placements. The career advisor at your campus will have helpful tips, but for games students specifically, check out your local IGDA chapter.
What is the best fun fact about yourself?
I started games development as a way to help myself get through some things, and now I’m planning on using it to help others.
Who are 3 people you would invite to dinner, dead or alive?
Cristine Rotenberg (Simply Nailogical), Josiah Brooks and Satoshi Tajiri.
