David McGreene

Career credits

Usain Bolt Athletics- Hooplo Media, Base Jumper- Hooplo Media, Cristiano Ronaldo Footy Facebook – Hooplo Media, Cristiano Ronaldo Footy Android & iOS – Sacred Duck Games
Pool – Hooplo Media

Biog

David McGreene began his career in the game industry after graduating from the University of the Arts London in 2011 by working for one of the largest independent social games developer and publisher in the UK at the time named Hooplo Media, which had a network of 5 million monthly active users.

During this period, David worked as a game developer on a large assortment of social network games in various sizes of scope, some of which was in partnership with brands, franchises and world-famous athletes such as Cristiano Ronaldo and Usain Bolt.

Later on in his career, David worked on casual mobile games. One of his last projects reaching over 1 million user downloads before he eventually transitioned into higher education and now working for ACM as the course leader and subject specialist on the games development futures programme.

Tutor Details

Campus

London

Tutor Discipline

Game Development Tutors

Course(s)

Games Development

Interview

1. Tell us about your role as a Subject Specialist at ACM?

As a subject Specialist at ACM, my role involves overseeing the development of the programme modules and assessments, ensuring the progression of knowledge and skills are developed as students travel through their degree journey.

2. What does it mean to be a Subject Specialist?

A Subject Specialist is a member of the academic staff at ACM who is a specialist in a particular subject area, and in my case, that would be game development.

3. Tell us about your career background and areas of expertise?

My career background was working in the games industry as a developer for several years on various projects for social and mobile games. My particular expertise is in game design and programming, in particular, C#.

4. Which pathway are you a Subject Specialist for? Tell us more about that pathway?

I am the Subject Specialist for game development, which has 5 pathways: Game Design, Art, Audio, Programming and Business.

5. What’s the audition process for your pathway?

In the auditions, firstly, we look for passion and enthusiasm about game development in any discipline. Secondly, we look for any prior knowledge and experience with software or skills that lend well to the programme. Lastly, if there is any portfolio work to show, the tutors will be able to review and ask any questions about the work on display.

6. What’s your top advice on how to prepare for an ACM audition for your pathway?

Not to be nervous and just be yourself! If you have any work related to game development, put it into a portfolio for the audition.

7. Why might someone like to reach out to you as a Subject Specialist?

If there are any questions about the programme, modules, skills, the software used, type of assignments etc. A Subject Specialist can provide the information but also expert knowledge in that field.

8. Why is it important for you to pass on your knowledge as a Subject Specialist to the next generation of talent at ACM?

The creative industry and, in particular, the games industry is continuously growing, making more opportunities available for young talented game developers across the UK. So it’s important that we can help students develop their talent and knowledge to join and further push this great industry.

9. What makes ACM stand out to you?

At ACM, the focus is very much on real-world industry experience and knowledge, and this is shown throughout any pathway. In particular, for games development, there is a real emphasis on industry-standard skills and practice that are current right now.

Also, the level of support and care tutors have for all students ensures students have access to help whenever needed throughout their studies.

10. What’s your top piece of advice to those looking for a career in the Creative Industries?

My main piece of advice is to keep proactive, always keep working towards something. This not only provides more work to showcase within your portfolios but also to continuously learn no matter what stage you are in your careers.


Related tutors