Congratulations on becoming the first Unreal Authorised Instructor for Unreal Engine 5 in Nigeria. Can you share the journey that led to this achievement and what it means for your career?
Thank you for the opportunity to share my journey. The path to becoming an UAI (Unreal Authorised Instructor) was a rigorous one.
One has to have an in depth understanding of Unreal Engine. There were two stages involved. First, the 145 multiple questions exam that lasted for 90 mins in which 75% was the pass mark.
Secondly, submitting a 60 mins recorded video of one teaching an audience a specific aspect of the engine which will be evaluated by the folks at Epic Games Unreal Engine Training Team. In the words of Albert Einstein – ‘if you can’t explain it simply, you don’t understand it well enough’.
My knack for wanting to understand and be able to explaining how the gaming engine works to people pushed me to becoming a UAI.
So, in June 2023 I started working with Kucheza Gaming. What this means for my career is that I am authorised to teach Unreal as a gaming engine and I have badge to show for it.
How do you anticipate this Authorisation will influence your professional endeavors and contributions to the Unreal Engine community?
Having an Unreal Engine Authorised Instructor badge is quite an exciting milestone that opens up a plethora of opportunities.
This credential does more than just bolster my professional credibility; it solidifies my role as an authoritative voice in the Unreal Engine ecosystem.
I expect it to shape my future in the following aspects:
Enhanced Teaching Engagements: With this UAI, I can engage in higher-profile teaching and training opportunities.
This means I can offer advanced courses, workshops, and seminars, both in academic settings and for professional development programmes.
In-Depth Contribution to the Community: It provides a platform to contribute more significantly to the Unreal Engine community.
Whether it’s via writing detailed tutorials, creating valuable content for forums, or delivering insightful talks at industry events, I can leverage this credential to reach and impact a broader audience.
Collaborative Projects: Collaborations with other professionals in the gaming and virtual production industries become more accessible.
This UAI serves as a testament to my skill level and dedication, making me a valuable partner for joint ventures and innovative projects.
Mentorship and Guidance: I can mentor aspiring Unreal Engine users more effectively, guiding them through the complexities of the software with authority and confidence.
This not only helps them grow but also fosters a culture of sharing and continuous learning within the community.
Professional Growth: On a personal level, this UAI is a stepping stone towards further professional growth. It keeps me updated with the latest developments and best practices in Unreal Engine, ensuring that I remain at the cutting edge of the industry.
As an authorised instructor, what is your approach to teaching complex game development concepts to students or professionals new to Unreal Engine 5?
My teaching approach and philosophy has always been about understanding the fundamental concept / idea or the building block of a thing.
Once the foundation has been established, it becomes very easy to learn any other thing intermediate or advanced.
What emerging trends in game development and interactive media are you most excited about, and how do you plan to incorporate them into your teaching or projects?
It’s an exhilarating time to be a part of the game development and interactive media industry! Based on the current trends, here are some of the developments I’m most excited about:
Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR): VR and AR continue to push boundaries by providing immersive experiences.
They allow players to step into different worlds and interact in ways that weren’t possible before.
Integrating VR and AR projects into my curriculum will give students hands-on experience, preparing them for the growing demand in this area.
Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning: AI and machine learning are revolutionizing game development. From creating intelligent NPCs to dynamically adjusting gameplay based on player behavior, the integration of AI promises richer and more intuitive gaming experiences.
I plan to incorporate AI-driven techniques in my teaching by demonstrating practical applications and hands-on projects that utilize these groundbreaking technologies.
Cloud Gaming: Accessibility is further enhanced by cloud gaming.
This trend reduces hardware limitations, allowing more people to enjoy high-quality gaming experiences.
I aim to include cloud-based projects in my courses, stressing the importance of optimising games for cloud platforms and the opportunities it brings.
What advice would you offer to individuals aspiring to become Unreal Engine Authorised instructors or to those looking to deepen their expertise in game development?
On deepen their knowledge, they should make sure they have a thorough understanding of Unreal Engine.
This not only includes the basics but, also advanced concepts and the latest features. Take the time to explore and experiment with different aspects of the engine.
Enroll Courses: Enroll in official Unreal Engine courses. This structured learning can provide you with a strong foundation and keep you updated with industry best practices.
Portfolio Development: Build a strong portfolio showcasing your projects. Create games or interactive media that highlight your skills and creativity. This will not only demonstrate your competency, but also serve as a teaching aid.
Engage with the Community: Join Unreal Engine communities, participate in forums, attend industry events, and engage with fellow developers. This can provide you with insights, feedback, and support.
Practice Teaching: Start teaching or mentoring others, even in informal settings.
This will help you refine your teaching methods, understand different learning styles, and improve your communication skills.
Stay Current: Game development is a rapidly evolving field.
Stay updated with the latest trends, tools, and techniques. Follow industry news, read relevant articles, and participate in continuous learning.
For those looking to deepen their expertise in game development, they need to master the fundamentals and ensure they have a strong grasp of the fundamental concepts of game development, including programming, design, and art. Solid fundamentals are crucial.
Specialise: While it’s important to have a broad understanding, specialising in a particular area can make you stand out.
Whether it’s AI programming, level design, or visual effects, find your niche and excel in it.
Collaborate: Work on projects with other developers. Collaboration can lead to new ideas, improve your teamwork skills, and give you exposure to different perspectives and techniques.
Experiment: Don’t be afraid to try new things and push boundaries. Experimentation can lead to innovation and a deeper understanding of what’s possible with Unreal Engine.
Seek Feedback: Constructive feedback is invaluable. Share your work with peers and mentors, and use their insights to improve and refine your projects.
Stay Passionate: Game development can be challenging, but it’s also incredibly rewarding. Stay passionate, curious, and committed to learning and growing in the field.
Godwin Udu’s Journey To Becoming First Unreal Authorised Instructor In Nigeria