In a dazzling display of creative and technical prowess, three Tunku Abdul Rahman University College (‘TAR University College’) students in a team stole the limelight when they won the Malaysian Champion prize in the world’s first Windows 10 Game Jam held on 16 - 17 May 2015. The winning TAR University College Bachelor of Computer Science (Hons) in Interactive Software Technology students were Chew Yu Szen, Teoh Tze Chian and Lim Chow Siang who emerged as Champion in Malaysia, beating other teams from other states and institutions of higher learning in the games category. The second team from TAR University College won one of the challenges given by the sponsors and was invited to a VIP dinner with the sponsors and other officials.

The aim of the Windows 10 Game Jam is to provide students with a platform to learn about Microsoft’s operating system and gain deeper understanding of its application. The competition was running concurrently in 18 other countries, where participants were tasked to create Windows 10 ready games and apps in a period of 24 hours. There were altogether 13 teams competing in the games category in Malaysia.

TAR University College winning team created a game called ‘Electron’ where the player was required to control two electrons simultaneously to complete a challenge course. As the electrons would be required to move in different directions, the player would be tested to the maximum on their hand-eye coordination as well as in multitasking. 

Chew Yu Szen of the champion team said that the competition was an eye-opener and an excellent platform for exposure as well as an indicative test on his technical knowledge that he had learnt. “The participants were presented with an enormous challenge but they proved themselves to be competent in their craft. By participating in this competition, I have learnt many things that will serve me well in the future.” 

In preparation for the competition, Tze Chian said: “I did some research to see how I could develop an easy computer game within a short period of time, prior to the competition.”

All three champions agreed that their mentor, Mr Andrew Tan, had taught them well. “Our mentor, Mr Andrew Tan, gave us an insight into developing a game that people would love. He also gave us a lot of advice regarding our presentation skills and how to impress the judges.”

The winners also concurred that TAR University College had prepared them greatly for the competition in a number of ways. “The many subjects that we have learnt have built a solid foundation and the knowledge acquired gives us the fundamentals to excel in this competition. Subjects like Computer Game Programming and 3D Game Development were instrumental in helping us prepare for the competition.”

Datuk Dr Tan Chik Heok, President of TAR University College, proudly enthused the admirable achievement of the students in this competition. “The achievement of our students points to the quality of TAR University College education. They have demonstrated their technical strength as well as creative thinking, which are the potent ingredients for success not only in competition but in their future career path. And this is what TAR University College is preparing the students for”, Datuk Dr Tan added.

As for the juniors who are intending to take part in the competition in the near future, both Tze Chian and Chow Siang had some nuggets of wisdom to offer them. “Develop a game that is fun. It can be a small project if there are time constraints but most importantly, it has to be innovative. Fresh ideas and an interesting concept will make your game stand out”.