EVERYTHING
Clarku reports that Aidan Benjamin, a student on the 3D art track at the Becker School of Design & Technology, recently had his custom creations featured in Bit.Trip Rerunner. The game, originally released as Bit.Trip Runner 2 and first encountered by Benjamin in 2013, has seen an updated version release that included a call for fan submissions. Benjamin responded to this opportunity, ultimately creating four distinct art pieces that are now integrated into the game’s environment as graffiti.
The Intersection of Fan Passion and Professional Design
For Benjamin, contributing to the franchise felt like a full-circle moment. He stated, “It feels full circle to me because if I had never played Bit.Trip Runner 2 when I did, I can’t say for sure that I would be in this university, enrolled in the classes I am in.” This connection highlights how early exposure to specific media can shape a student's academic and professional trajectory.
Benjamin strongly views video games as an art form itself. His career ambition is not limited to one niche but encompasses all aspects of game design. He aims to be well-rounded, whether working with a small team or independently. Among the various tracks offered at ClarkU—including 2D art, audio, production, programming, UI/UX, and writing—he chose 3D art as his favorite.
Academic Focus and Industry Exploration
Beyond his coursework, Benjamin actively engages with the industry. During his first year at ClarkU, he attended talks from various professionals and joined the Clark chapter of the International Game Developers Association (IGDA). He also participated in game jams, which require creating a complete game within 48 hours.
One notable project from these jams was a fishing game mixed with cooking elements, similar to Overcooked. While the time constraint prevented him from achieving his original vision, he plans to dedicate further effort to polishing the concept. His long-term creative goals include:
- Developing a roguelite game.
- Exploring other art forms, such as music and traditional pieces.
- Mastering all facets of game design to ensure versatility in the industry.
Benjamin’s experience demonstrates how modern educational programs are successfully channeling deep-seated fan enthusiasm into tangible, professional output, preparing students for diverse roles within the rapidly evolving digital media landscape.