Lecturer in the Spotlight: Dave de Breuck

Can you share a bit about your journey leading up to BUas? 

Dave: 'I never pictured myself as a lecturer, but I have always been driven by a desire to learn. I studied game development at Howest – Digital Arts and Entertainment – in Belgium. After graduating, I briefly worked at an indie game development studio before transitioning to the medical sector at Nobel Biocare, where I stayed for several years. Eventually, I moved into education as a researcher at Howest, but it didn’t feel like the right fit for me. That led me to switch to Twikit, a more technical company. There I had the opportunity to pursue my master’s degree in Game Technology at BUas. However, that company ran into financial trouble and let me go shortly after I completed my master’s.’ 

What was your master’s thesis about?  

Dave: 'My thesis, titled "Rendering Solution for Complex Geometry Using Sphere Tracing," proposed a volumetric approach to create a 3D renderer for complex structures, especially lattice structures in Additive Manufacturing (AM). These structures are difficult to visualise on consumer hardware due to their high polycount. By focusing on web-based platforms, particularly chromium browsers, my solution ensures compatibility across devices without relying on advanced technologies like mesh-shaders or ray tracing. This method effectively visualises high-fidelity geometry and due to the usage of sphere tracing it can performs Boolean operations efficiently.' 

What did you do after completing your master’s? 

Dave: ‘After working in different industries, I decided I wanted to go back to my real passion, game development. But moving abroad wasn't an option for me and my family at the time, and so we stayed in Belgium. There are limited opportunities there, with only one major game studio. I applied to Larian Studios, but my generalist background wasn’t quite what they were looking for at that time.’  

‘Then, last year, Thomas Buijtenweg, whom I knew from the master’s programme at BUas, approached me at the Unwrap Festival and mentioned they were looking for a programming lecturer. I applied, had great conversations, and was eventually hired. It came as a surprise to me how much I enjoy teaching. Working here at BUas is ideal because it allows me to keep learning while sharing my knowledge with the students. It's a win-win!’ 

Could you provide insights into the projects and courses you are involved in? 

Dave: 'I am primarily involved in the third and fourth years of the CMGT programme. As a programming lecturer, I work with students on year-long projects, focusing heavily Unreal Engine and C++. I want them to have a thorough understanding of the language, as it’s crucial for game development, and I like them to understand what it is to work with larger frameworks. I also provide one-on-one sessions, giving lectures on various topics like C++, programming tools and how to code for different gaming platforms.’  

‘I am also collaborating with other lecturers from the first and second years to ensure that the quality of the programme improves across the board. My goal is to raise the bar for the students to better prepare them for the industry.’ 

Who has been your biggest influence or mentor in your career? 

Dave: 'I have had several mentors throughout my career. At Howest, Kevin Hoefman played a key role during my bachelor’s degree. At Nobel Biocare, I worked with Peter van Weert, who had written books on C++. He really expanded my knowledge of the language. Since joining BUas, I have found a mentor in my colleague Jeremiah van Oosten, who I can turn to for advice on just about anything.' 

What aspects of working at BUas do you find most fulfilling? 

Dave: ‘What gives me the most energy are the students. Especially the ones who are passionate and eager to learn. I visit the different teams every Tuesday and Thursday to check on their progress. It is incredibly rewarding when you see enthusiastic students, who are open to feedback and pushing themselves to learn more. It reminds me why I need to keep pushing myself to support them.’ 

What advice would you give to students trying to make it in the games industry? 

Dave: 'Don’t worry about becoming a specialist right away. Focus on being a generalist. Specialisation comes once you are in the job. Each company and role can differ significantly, so having a broad set of skills will help you adapt to any challenges. Get your basics down, and you will be able to solve any problem that comes your way. If you are interested in something specific like graphics, you will naturally move in that direction as your career progresses.’ 

‘One thing I see a lot of students do is compare themselves to professionals with decades of experience. That is not a fair comparison. Be critical of yourself, but don’t become a perfectionist. Being a perfectionist, you are your own worst enemy. It’s important to find a balance.’  

For more insights, you can check out Dave de Breuck's website.