NMMU whizzes win a spot at Microsoft’s gaming finals
BELIEF in their project and passion for games development has netted two NMMU students a spot in the final of the Microsoft Imagine Cup in Seattle, US, next month.
Information and Communication Technology students Jason Cross and Nick Jordaan of Team Digital Interactive Games started their project last year and became the first first-years ever to win the local leg of the Cup.
“We were committed to creating our own unique game for the market. And we will continue doing so no matter what,” Cross said.
They will compete against teams from China, Malaysia, Nepal, Poland, Tunisia, Korea and the Netherlands in the games section of the competition.
“PYA Maze of Gods is a 3D labyrinth-style game built to challenge the user’s problem-solving skills, reaction time and ability to overcome obstacles,” Cross said. “The game involves in-depth knowledge and character profiles. The name PYA is the name given to the realm of the gods.”
The pair started planning it in March last year. At the time there were four members on the team and they did all the work in their spare time, including learning new software.
“We first competed against other South African entrants. Once we reached the national finals, there were three teams, including us, going into the world semifinals, where we were up against all the other countries’ national winners.
“In the world finals there are nine teams in total, including us,” Jordaan said.
“It is an amazing accomplishment for us. We would never have dreamt to have gone this far.
“We are honoured to be representing South Africa in Seattle as the first games category finalists from our country.”
No lecturers assisted them, although their mentor, Professor Johan van Niekerk, gave them useful criticism and helped them arrange venues to pitch the project as well as to acquire equipment that they needed.
Cross and Jordaan leave Port Elizabeth for Redmond, Seattle, on July 26.