Mech Head

Twin-Stick Arcade Shooter (2024)

Mech Head is a twin-stick arcade shooter developed by Staffordshire University's in-house game studio.
I was the Technical Lead responsible for optimising and refactoring core systems into C++ to ensure a smooth future release on Steam. This role gave me the opportunity to manage a programming team and maintain a GitHub repository with over 30 contributors.


  • Team Size: 30+ People
  • Role(s): Technical Lead & Lead Programmer
  • Development Time: 6 Weeks
  • Primary Contributions: Core Systems, Game Loop, Source Control
  • Engine: Unreal Engine
  • Languages: C++ & Blueprint

    • Teaser Trailer

    GitHub Management

    I handled source control for Mech Head (2024), designing the branching structure and overseeing the entire workflow.
    With ~30 contributors, I implemented a feature-branch strategy, resolved merge conflicts, and ensured daily builds were available post-refactor for testing.
    In just 6 weeks, we made over 700 commits with minimal merge issues.

    the short time we had over 700 commits in the 6 weeks and minimal issues with merging.

    Abilities

    Mech Head features 12 abilities used for offense or defense, most of which I programmed. My favourites include:

  • Barnabus (Turret) - Deploys a turret that automatically shoots enemies
  • The Mine - Places a timed landmine that explodes on contact
  • Dome & Field Shields - Blocks incoming enemy fire
  • Corruption Grenade - Temporarily converts enemies to your side

    • Mech Customisation

    Our programming goal was to make the game easily extendable for designers—allowing them to modify weapons, enemies, and visual elements without entering Blueprints.
    Using Data Assets, we enabled designers to plug in values and swap visuals through structured inputs. This system laid the groundwork for a future character customisation menu that only needs UI hooked up.
    Due to time constraints, this feature wasn't completed during this year's 1UP event.