Game design starts here
Reid Dameron '25 turned his passion for games into practical tools that help students learn how games are built, step by step, in Newman Library’s fourth-floor Gaming Studio.
When Reid Dameron '25 first explored game development, he didn’t know where to start. Now, as technical lead in University Libraries’ Gaming Studio, he’s making sure other students never face that same barrier.
As a graduate student and president of the Game Development Club, Dameron has turned his passion for games into practical tools that help students learn how games are built, step by step, in Newman Library’s fourth-floor Gaming Studio.
A hands-on classroom
Dameron created a series of self-guided learning activities that introduce students to game creation in minutes, not semesters.
“I work with students and staff to help them use the library’s Gaming Studio and answer any technical questions they might have,” said Dameron. “I love working at the library. It is a great space that provides dozens of resources for students to learn.”
The first module Dameron created focuses on level design for a 2D platform video game. With no prior experience required, students can create their own playable level in about 15 minutes. Future modules will introduce custom artwork, sound design, and programming, turning curiosity into a complete game-development pipeline.
“What looks like play is actually highly specialized knowledge,” said Trevor Finney, manager of the Gaming Studio. “Having these learning activities demystifies the process and lets students not only evaluate if game development is something they would like to pursue, but also gain immediate digital literacy skills.”
A studio becomes a home
Dameron’s leadership extends beyond his job title. As president of the Game Development Club, he helped establish weekly meetings and once-a-semester game jams at the Gaming Studio, transforming it into a creative hub for student developers.
“We were one of the first clubs to reach out to the Gaming Studio in fall 2024,” said Dameron. “The space has allowed our club to grow exponentially, and the computers give us the freedom to do more complicated meetings where members don’t have to worry about their hardware specifications.”
This past semester, more than 50 students participated in the club’s Game Jam, creating 19 original games in a single weekend. Those student-built games are now playable on Gaming Studio computers, encouraging new visitors to build their own.
“The Game Development Club brings knowledgeable and experienced students into our space to create original works,” said Finney. “They have been gracious enough to let us share links to their games so all visitors can play games made by students and be inspired to make their own.”
Learning by designing
Dameron graduated last spring with a bachelor’s degree in management and minors in computer science and organizational leadership. He is now completing graduate certificates in big data and business data analytics. That mix of technical and leadership training shows up in his work.
“Being the club president also has given me a good technical background in game development, which allows me to help students with complicated game development questions,” said Dameron. “My experience running meetings in the studio gave me an understanding of how the space works and what it is capable of.”
One project connects the Gaming Studio to classrooms. Dameron is creating another tutorial that teaches students how to insert custom artwork into a Unity project, giving art students a chance to see their designs in a playable game.
“This can allow art classes to design pieces for the premade platformer and see their art in an actual game rather than just conceptually,” said Dameron.
Beyond coding
Dameron said his role in the Gaming Studio is to build career-ready skills. “Project management, computer literacy, and professional communication skills, to name a few,” said Dameron. Finney agrees that the role mirrors professional game development environments.
“By creating these learning activities, he is pushed to deeply consider a lot of challenging and often competing needs like speed, ease of use, the studio’s goals, marketability, how to scaffold learning, and so on,” said Finney. “These are all experiences and skills that will be useful in his future as a business manager and aspiring leader in game development.”
Dameron credits the library for helping him grow professionally. “Working for the library has given me work experience I could put on my resume and connections with wonderful staff,” said Dameron. “I do believe these connections and experiences will help me professionally as I look for opportunities elsewhere.”
What’s next
Dameron is finishing the tutorial series that accompanies the level design activity. Once completed, students will be able to walk into the Gaming Studio and start building games for free.
In the future, Dameron would like to create a tutorial for students on game publishing. “Getting a game ready for publishing is a little more complicated, but it is something I would definitely love to make in the future.”
He is also helping organize a Virginia-wide intercollegiate Game Jam, March 26-29, with seven other universities in Virginia, hosted in the Gaming Studio. Participating schools include the University of Virginia, James Madison University, Virginia Commonwealth University, and Old Dominion University.
“We would love for students to join us for the event if they want to make a game and support our organization,” said Dameron.
Why it matters
For Dameron, the project is personal. “When I started game development, I had no idea where to start,” said Dameron. “I am passionate because I know these resources will help other people trying to start.”
In the Gaming Studio, games are more than entertainment. They are lessons in design, collaboration, and confidence. They are proof that with the right tools and guidance, students can build worlds of their own.
And for future Hokie creators, the hardest level, getting started, just became easier to beat.
