Master Game Technology alumni in the spotlight: Merlijn Eskens

When did you graduate from MGT, and what were you doing before joining the master's programme? 

Merlijn: ‘I graduated from MGT four years ago. Before joining the master's programme, I completed the Creative Media and Game Technologies (CMGT) bachelor's degree at BUas.’  

‘My journey into game development began at a young age. Even in primary school, I found myself creating games, from card games to other simple games. However, it wasn't until high school that I realised this passion could be turned into a professional career.’  

‘After completing my bachelor's at BUas, I pursued the master's programme, followed by two years of teaching Game Design at BUas. During this time, I also worked on my own game project and studied Chinese.’ 

Could you tell us about your research project in the MGT programme? 

Merlijn: ‘My research project focused on the impact of pick-ups on level design in first-person shooter games. I explored whether altering the placement of pick-ups would influence how players navigated through the levels. The expectation was affirmative. It hadn't been thoroughly researched before. My findings indeed confirmed that pick-up placement significantly affects player movement within levels.’  

‘During my master's, I tried to minimise actual game development and instead emphasised knowledge acquisition and application. Utilising Unreal Tournament, an existing open-source game from Epic Games, minimised the need for building a game from scratch, allowing me to concentrate solely on research.’ 

What are some of your best memories from your time at BUas? 

Merlijn: ‘One of the most unique aspects of BUas is its learning environment. Surrounded by like-minded individuals striving for excellence, there's an atmosphere of encouragement and growth. This unique culture fosters a strong desire for improvement, which extends from students to lecturers. The collaborative spirit and dedication to self-improvement set BUas apart, creating an environment where everyone is motivated to excel.’ 

What are you doing now? 

Merlijn: ’I am currently working at my own video game company, Crepuscular Fluffle, where we're developing an indie game. Over the years, my colleague and I have been laying the groundwork for our game, focusing on its technical aspects. Now, as we enter the final stages of production, we're actively creating content. Our game, Crumble of Civilizations, is a multiplayer city builder with a unique twist that emphasises collaborative gameplay rather than competition. We're aiming for a release later this year and have received positive feedback from market research and playtesting.’ 

Find out more about this game: https://twitter.com/CrepuscularFluf  

What advice do you have for people considering the MGT? 

Merlijn: ‘There are multiple reasons to consider the MGT. Firstly, if you have a hypothesis you're eager to prove or if you're passionate about improving existing game technology. Secondly, if you're keen on learning research methodologies and techniques. Lastly, if you're considering opportunities abroad, such as in the United States, it can be helpful to have a master's degree due to visa requirements.’ 

To connect with Merlijn and learn more about his professional journey, you can find him on LinkedIn.