News / 15 Jun 2026

Students take part in Summer Game Jam

BA (Hons) Games Art

BA (Hons) Games Design

BA (Hons) Comic and Concept Art

Students from BA (Hons) Games Art, BA (Hons) Games Design and BA (Hons) Comic and Concept Art students were invited to participate in a Summer Games Jam, pitching their ideas to Red Kite Games.

The students were tasked with working in teams of 3 – 6 to produce a demo level in Unreal Engine for a game based on the theme of Gravity. The brief, set by Red Kite Games, gave the students one week to present a working prototype inspired by the elegantly simple and classic home computer and arcade games from the 1980s and 90s, but reimagined to use modern game engine technology and controllers.

Students pitched their ideas to Dave Blewett, Studio Art Director, and Declan Larkins, Studio Marketing Executive, who played through each project and gave feedback, providing valuable industry insight to the students.

"We had a brilliant time at Leeds Arts University, judging and offering feedback to students on their Summer Game Jam projects! There was so much talent, creativity, and great work on display. We loved seeing what the next generation of developers are capable of.”

Dave Blewett, Studio Art Director, Red Kite Games

The three winning teams were:

First place: Gravity Dodge by Caitlin McKeag and Leroy Thomasi, BA (Hons) Games Art, and Robert Hesketh, BA (Hons) Games Design.
Second Place: Cosmic Rush: Humza Modan, BA (Hons) Games Art, Sam Norfolk, BA (Hons) Games Design, Ash Starke, and Jaida Yaha, BA (Hons) Comic and Concept Art.
Third Place: The Ball Game: Cole Parrish and Huss Saliti, BA (Hons) Games Design.

"A huge thank you to Dave Blewett and Declan Larkins from Red Kite Games. Their feedback and expertise helped make the judging process both thorough and inspiring for everyone involved. Seeing industry professionals engage directly with students’ work was a fantastic opportunity, and we’re proud of every team that participated.”