Talented young video game developers at UCA Farnham have reached new levels at this year’s Grads in Games awards.

The awards recognise the work of universities, colleges, academics, students and studios in improving and encouraging graduate employment in the thriving UK games industry.

Dmitrii Kolchin, a second-year UCA student in BSc (Hons) Games Development, was named a Rising Star in Games Programming at the awards in Sheffield.

Prizes include a panel interview with a leading games development studio, and exposure to industry leaders.

Dmitrii said: “I still have not fully comprehended that I have won this award!

“I hope this win can help me kick start my career after university – it will be a highlight in my CV.”

Also nominated in the Search for a Star component of the awards were Ben Clancy for Character Art and Maria Georgescu for Environment Art.

Fellow games development student William Bashford and games arts student Alfie Manning both won a SEGA Two Point Studio community competition, each taking home $1,000 and a merchandise bundle.

UCA Games Animation student Kitty Van Bokhoven also featured among the winning entries for the contest, coming third in the campus items category and fourth in the seasonal items category.

Director of the UCA’s School of Games and Creative Technology, Sophy Smith said: “It’s fantastic to see students from our games courses putting their work out there and achieving the success and recognition they deserve.”

The UCA’s gaming courses prepare students for a career in the rapidly growing, multi-billion pound game development industry.