A University of the West of Scotland (UWS) alumnus has won a prestigious national award for a videogame developed as a final year project. 

Scott Ewing – who graduated from the BSc Computer Games Development course last year – produced Rope Robot for his dissertation.

The innovative puzzle-platformer has now been recognised with a highly sought-after Gamebridge prize, designed to recognise the best videogames created by students from across the UK.

ABOVE: Rope Robot was developed as a final year project

Rope Robot – which can be played for free via Itch.io – features realistic rope physics and intricate puzzles, which have multiple solutions; allowing players to be creative and to play the game in a way that is unique to them.

The 27-year-old said: “I’m really proud to have won this award and I still can’t quite believe it – the competition was of a very high standard.

“Rope Robot wouldn’t exist without UWS – and the guidance I received along the way was incredibly important. I’m incredibly grateful to my lecturers, and to my dissertation supervisor, Dr Marco Gilardi, who encouraged me to be ambitious.”

ABOVE: Scott with his award

Scott now plans to develop the game further and release it on Steam.

Dr Marco Gilardi, Research Lead at the UWS Creative Computing Research Group, said: “Scott deserves enormous credit for his achievement, and for developing a remarkable game.

“Rope Robot began as a virtual reality game, but Scott recognised that it worked better as something more traditional – and right throughout the development process, he made changes, gradually refining the game. I look forward to watching its continued development and eventual full release.”

“It is a great honour for UWS to see students and graduates winning and being nominated for high profile awards like this."
Dr Gavin Baxter, Senior Lecturer in Computer Games Development

Gavin Baxter, Senior Lecturer in Computer Games Development, added: “It is a great honour for UWS to see students and graduates winning and being nominated for high profile awards like this, and I’m absolutely delighted for Scott who very much deserves this recognition.

“Rope Robot is a clever game with a clever central mechanic, which is easy to learn but difficult to master – and crucially, it’s great fun to play!”

Click here to find our more about studying BSc Computer Games Development at UWS.