Games Built at Purdue Polytechnic. Careers Built Beyond It.
Purdue's game development curriculum emphasizes applied learning, technical depth, and professional readiness. From student-built games published on Steam to alumni contributing to AAA studios and serious simulation environments, this work reflects what happens when education is rooted in real-world practice. The projects and careers highlighted below demonstrate how coursework, faculty mentorship, and individual initiative translate into industry impact.
Student Games Published on Steam
Many student projects at Purdue begin in the classroom and continue well beyond it. Several have gone on to full commercial release, demonstrating both technical skill and long-term project development.
Talon’s Blade
Full commercial game | Originated as a capstone project
Developed by: TBD
Originally developed as a Purdue capstone project, Talon’s Blade evolved into a fully released commercial game on Steam. The project reflects the scope and polish that can emerge when students are given the time, mentorship, and technical foundation to carry an idea from concept through production and release.
Law of Entropy
Solo-developed project
Developed by: Alan O'Cull (Purdue alumnus)
Law of Entropy was developed entirely by Alan O'Cull, beginning as a Purdue project and continuing beyond graduation. The game highlights the depth of individual technical and design work possible through the program, particularly in the area of serious games and simulation-focused development.
Tax Return
Completed in one semester (CGT 36500, Fall 2025)
Developed by: Nathan Ashley, Ani Manchella, Theo Wallace, Charles Yu, Joshua Brown, Matt Murray (Class of 2027)
Tax Return was developed entirely within a single semester as part of CGT 36500. The project demonstrates what students can accomplish within a structured course environment, balancing design, programming, and production constraints on a tight timeline.
The Blackwood Legacy
Independent post-graduation release
Developed by: Connor Elsworth (Class of 2024)
Created shortly after graduation, The Blackwood Legacy reflects a seamless transition from academic training to independent professional work. The project showcases Connor Elsworth's ability to carry skills developed at Purdue into a standalone commercial release.
Alumni Working in the AAA Games Industry
Purdue graduates are contributing to major AAA studios across the industry, working in design, production, and technical roles on globally recognized titles.
Selected Alumni Highlights
- Emily Hill (Class of 2021) – Level Designer
Affray Interactive (SCP:5K), Lost Boys Interactive (Tiny Tina's Wonderlands) - William Garner Newton (Class of 2022) – Level Designer
High Moon Studios (Call of Duty series) - Sam Lower (Class of 2022) – Technical Game Designer
High Moon Studios (Call of Duty series) - Isaiah Eleazar (Class of 2021) – Producer
Bungie (Destiny 2, Marathon)
- Caitlin Nairon (Class of 2022) – Developer
Zenimax, Bungie (Marathon) - Alex Silalahi (Class of 2024) – Technical Designer
Zenimax - Ryan Everhart (Class of 2023) – Level Designer
Zenimax (Elder Scrolls Online) - Uma Claire Teelock (Class of 2024) – Producer
Wizards of the Coast
Serious Games, Simulation, and Applied Technology
Beyond entertainment, Purdue graduates contribute to serious games and simulation environments used for training, leadership development, and defense applications.
Faculty-Led Projects and Research
Faculty research and creative practice play a key role in shaping the program’s applied focus, often involving students directly in development and experimentation.
Projects:
- Stranger: A Korean Language and Culture Adventure Game
Developed by Professor Robert Howard with Purdue students. Learn more
Textbooks and Publications
- Game Design Essentials – Robert Howard (2023)
- Applied Game History – Robert Howard (2025)
- Functional Coding for Procedural Game Programmers – Jeffrey Kesselman (2025)
Research and Innovation
- Christos Mousas – VR/AR and AI research
Exploring Familiarity and Knowledgeability in Conversational Virtual Agents (ACM TAP) - David Whittinghill – Saudi game development masterclass
- Daniel Triplett – Degas Collection photogrammetry project
Individual Student Work
These projects highlight what individual students can accomplish through focused coursework and independent execution.
