This remake of a classic videogame from the 90s was converted from PC to PlayStation by students on the Computer Science for Games course. The game was finalised by Sumo Digital Academy apprentices and released by Secret Mode Ltd.
This game was originally released back in 1992 by famous Sheffield game development company, Gremlin Interactive, a company which later transformed into Sumo Digital. Sumo Digital is the largest game developer in Sheffield and regularly helps Hallam computing students on their path to becoming games industry professionals. This and similar projects give students amazing opportunities to work with industry partners on real commercial products and gain invaluable industrial experience.
Luke Melville, lecturer and organiser of the project, said: “Students in their third year of their Computer Science for Games degree worked on “Zool Redimensioned” during the students' group project module. The students had to work on an external codebase they have never seen before, and within 10 weeks managed to create an exceptional and refined commercial project. Working on a commercially released product is difficult and completing it within this timeframe is very impressive.
“We were very proud to see the students gain a placement at Sumo Digital in the following year, so they can continue expanding their skillset and return to complete their Computer Science for Games degree programme.”
The students then gained recognition for their work by presenting it at the Sumo Developers Conference and coming second in the Games Technology award category at Games Republic – a competitive competition between many northern universities. Sheffield Hallam students also won the category for their Labyrinth project.
Dom Mccollum, one of the students involved, said: “The project wouldn't have happened if it wasn't for the close ties between Sheffield Hallam and Sumo Digital. The support from our lecturer, who acted as our producer, was great for keeping things on track and helping to prioritise tasks. Working on a commercial project with such a well-known developer provided invaluable experience, and many of the students involved now work within the games industry either on placement or in permanent positions.
“We also got the opportunity to attend Game Republic, coming second in Games Technology. Without the equipment and support from Steel Minions this wouldn't have been possible. A second team from SHU won 1st place in Games Technology, which shows the course is providing us with knowledge that the industry wants to see. We were also a finalist at the TIGA Game Education Awards 2022 in the Industry Collaboration category.”
“Zool Redimensioned” is a side scrolling platform game now on sale at the PlayStation store.
