CV - James Bland

CV

James Bland

Graduate Gameplay / generalist programmer

First-Class BSc (Hons) Computer Games Technology graduate from Birmingham City University — TIGA Graduate of the Year and BCU Inspirational Student of the Year.
Experienced in gameplay systems, engine development, graphics programming, and tools creation, primarily in Unity (C#) and Unreal Engine (C++/Blueprints). Recognized by Unity for Humanity for socially impactful development. Advocate of clean code, Agile collaboration, and Vim motion-based editing.

Education

Birmingham City University — BSc (Hons) Computer Games Technology, First Class (2022 – 2025)
Focus: Gameplay Programming, AI, Graphics, Engine Architecture, Tools Development
Technologies: C++, C#, Unity, Unreal Engine, Git, GLSL, HLSL
Awards: TIGA Graduate of the Year, Inspirational Student of the Year

Technical Skills

Languages: C++, C#, Python, JavaScript, GLSL, HLSL
Engines: Unity (Advanced), Unreal Engine 5 (C++ / Blueprints)
Tools: Git, Rider, Visual Studio, Vim, Node.js, SQL, REST APIs
Core Areas: Gameplay Systems · Engine Architecture · Tools · Rendering Pipelines · AI · Optimization
Methodologies: OOP · Design Patterns · Clean Code · Agile · Cross-Disciplinary Collaboration

Selected Projects

Final Year Dissertation – Gamified Rehabilitation (Unity) (7 Months)

Developed a rehabilitation tool for upper-limb stroke therapy using etee motion controller APIs and adaptive feedback systems.

Recognized by Unity for Humanity under “Unity for Good.”

Co-author on an academic paper presented at the MiNT Conference (2025).

Modified open-source APIs to support project requirements.

Knightly Knockout (Web Multiplayer Game)

Built a networked first-person fighting game with Three.js, Socket.io, Ammo.js, and RESTful APIs.

Implemented additive animation blending for smooth networked motion.

Grade: 93% (Web Games Development).

GitHub: https://github.com/JamesB0010/KnightlyKnockout/tree/NoDatabase

Jett Engine (C++ Custom Game Engine)

Created a custom OpenGL engine supporting 3D rendering and software rasterization for learning graphics math.

Integrated SonyWWS Level Editor file loading (.lvl).

GitHub: https://github.com/JamesB0010/Jett-Engine

Unidentified Fossil Organizer (Unity Client Project – Thinktank Museum)

Delivered an interactive educational game to a real-world client using Agile workflows in a team of three.

Led interactive system design and collaborated on sound implementation.

Video: ;t=109s

Freight (Unreal Engine 5 – 10 Weeks)

Developed a first-person shooter with C++ gameplay systems and Blueprint UI.

Integrated a Node.js backend and SQL database for persistent player data.

Grades: 97% and 100% in related modules.

Collaborated in a 38-member multi-disciplinary team, managing version control with GitHub on subsequent unreal focused module

Professional Experience

Visiting Demonstrator — Birmingham City University (Mar 2024 – Jun 2025)

Assisted in teaching Unreal Engine and Web Games Development modules.
Supported students in C++, blueprints and unreal engine use, JavaScript, and network programming, building mentorship and communication skills.

Content Creator — Birmingham City University / etee (2024 – 2025)

Produced educational Unity, Unreal, and Web game development tutorials for YouTube and internal resources.
Created promotional content for etee motion controllers, iterating with feedback in Agile stand-ups.

Achievements

• TIGA Graduate of the Year (2025)
• BCU Inspirational Student of the Year
• Unity for Humanity Recognition (ReelConnect Project)
• Co-author – MiNT Conference Presentation on Gamified Rehabilitation (2025)

Interests

Climbing · FPV Drone Flying · Fitness
Passionate about experimenting with game feel, emergent systems, and rapid prototyping in personal projects and game jams.

References

Available on request.
(Key contacts: Carlo Harvey, Xi Guo, Nathan Dewell — Birmingham City University)