Skills: Project Management / Creative Director / Level Design / Miro / Trello / Unreal Engine
Cozy Campsite was a game jam project during my second year of university, where I had the enjoyment of being project manager. This experience was very useful in developing my project management skills, particularly in organization and communication.
I used Trello for in-depth to-do lists, Miro for the visual progress and plans of and for the game, and Google Docs for in-depth scrum notes to ensure the team stayed on track with goals. I made the deliberate effort to keep track of our daily plans, progress, and tasks, maintaining detailed scrum notes in Google Docs and linked key documents — such as the Trello board, the Game Design Document, and other PDFs — on the Miro board for easy access. By organizing the Miro boards with dated tasks and clear to-do lists, I ensured the workflow remained streamlined and transparent for everyone involved. Throughout the week, I also maintained and updated the GDD with any changes and adaptions we made when small issues arose, so that we could have a god scope for the game and continual clear vision.
One of my priorities as a project manager was communication. I held daily in-person meetings and made myself available via Discord for anyone who needed to talk to me or discuss issues, whether with the team or privately with me. During meetings, I referred to the Miro boards and updated the Trello board to keep the team informed and minimise any concerns or confusion. Having these documents helped us to all keep on top of plans and kept us on track for the completion of Cozy Campsite.
Looking back, I can confidently say this was a very successful experience leading a game jam. It was also a game jam that I put myself forward to lead. I wanted to take up the challenge and push myself. I realise this is something I never would have done in first year, and knew that I wanted to pursue this opportunity to grow in my own skills as a project manager. Through careful planning, constant communication, and teamwork, we completed the game within one week, overcoming minor challenges along the way. While I am always seeking ways to improve, I am proud of the organisation and communication skills I was able to foster and grow within this project.
Below are some images of our Miro board:
One of the most valuable lessons I’ve learned from working in a team is that communication is absolutely key. If even one person—or several—keeps their worries or concerns bottled up, it can disrupt the entire team dynamic. To address this, I made it a priority to foster open communication. I deliberately checked in with each of my teammates, both on Discord and in person, creating a safe space for them to share their doubts and challenges. By listening to their concerns and taking them into account, I aimed to build trust and show my unwavering commitment to the team as a project manager. For me, being a project manager isn’t just about leading; it’s about collaborating, supporting, and ensuring everyone feels heard and valued.
During my first and second years of university, I was hesitant to step into leadership roles, primarily because I felt my technical skills were still developing. Before university, I had no experience in creating games or digital art—my creative background was rooted in writing and painting. The transition into a course focused on game development was a significant adjustment. However, leadership often requires putting self-doubt aside to meet the needs of the team. I knew that to lead effectively, I needed to bring positivity and confidence to the table.
While my technical skills in Unreal Engine and other software were (and still are) evolving, I realized I could contribute in other meaningful ways. I had a clear vision, a keen eye for detail, and the ability to collaborate effectively with others. Much of this confidence stemmed from my prior experience working in retail, where I developed strong interpersonal skills and learned to trust my own capabilities.
Being a project manager has allowed me to fully embrace my passion for working with others. One of the greatest rewards is witnessing a team come together to produce something extraordinary—work that reflects not only their incredible skills as creative practitioners but also my ability to guide and support them as a project manager. This role has taught me that success is not just about leading; it’s about creating an environment where everyone can thrive and contribute to a shared vision.