Sebnem takes a selfie
While most students were battling exams, Kibele Sebnem Yildirim was immersed in a different kind of struggle—fighting monsters in dungeons for her Capstone project. As an aspiring game developer set to graduate in 2025, Sebnem shares the journey of applying game theory techniques and leveraging cutting-edge technologies to her game, Mage Madness. Sebnem reflects on the freedom and creativity allowed by not having a traditional client, the collaborative approach taken by her team and the resilient mindset that turned obstacles into learning opportunities.
Q: Before starting your Capstone project, what were your initial thoughts about the project? If your perspectives changed, what were some differences?
A: Before starting my Capstone project, I remember feeling very excited and also worried at the same time. The idea of applying the technical skills that I have learned in my classes and using them to create something innovative was thrilling. However, as I delved deeper into the project, my perspective underwent a remarkable transformation. I realized the immense potential of using game theory techniques in the process of designing and planning the game in game development. It was a paradigm shift that broadened my horizons, showcasing the endless possibilities when two very distinct fields converge to create a meaningful product.
Q: What inspired you to choose this project for your Capstone?
A: The inspiration behind choosing game-making as our Capstone project has many aspects. As we didn’t have a specific client for the project, it enabled us to have freedom on the progress, content, storyline, and style of the game. While developing the project, we decided to add newer features to create a comprehensive and original gaming environment for users. On the process of constructing and implementing our game, primarily, we sought to challenge ourselves creatively and technically by venturing into the realm of game development.
Q: How did you and your team approach the development process of the game from scratch?
A: Our team approached the development process with a blend of detailed planning, collaborative brainstorming, and iterative design. From conceptualization to implementation, we have crafted each aspect of the game, leveraging cutting-edge technologies like Unity as a platform to develop our game and C# as our coding language. I think the purple theme we have constructed offered the perfect canvas to blend our passions for gaming, allowing us to push the boundaries of traditional game design while exploring novel optimization techniques. Our methodology prioritized agile development, enabling us to adapt swiftly to emerging challenges while staying aligned with our vision. For me, I can definitely say that learning while developing the project was my favourite part of the project, showing how practical implementation maximizes the realization of the knowledge process.
Q: How did you navigate the challenges of not having a traditional client for your project?
A: Navigating the absence of a traditional client presented unique challenges that we transformed into opportunities for innovation. Instead of relying on external directives, we embraced a self-ruling mechanism, allowing us to explore out-of-the-box solutions and push the boundaries of classical game design. This autonomous approach created a culture of creativity and experimentation, empowering us to create a truly unique gaming experience tailored to our vision and values.
Q: How did you handle challenges individually and as a team during your game development?
A: Throughout the game development journey, we encountered many challenges that tested our resilience and problem-solving abilities. We improved our technical skills during the first weeks of the start of the project to acquire sufficient knowledge. As a team, we have embraced a growth mindset, leveraging setbacks as learning opportunities. We fostered a culture of collaboration and open communication via weekly and biweekly meetings on top of a clean and organized agile plan, allowing us to deal with challenges easily. Each challenge that we have faced became a steppingstone towards the game’s collective success. The past eight months have been a significant learning journey as we had to maximize our soft skills and elevate our creativity to new heights, alongside developing our technical skills.
Q: What were the key takeaways from working on this Capstone project?
A: The key takeaways from working on our Capstone project extend far beyond technical proficiency. I gained invaluable insights into the iterative design process, the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration, and the transformative power of creative problem-solving. Moreover, the project reaffirmed my belief in the limitless potential of merging diverse fields to drive innovation and inspire positive change.
Q: Looking ahead, how has this project shaped your career path and academic journey?
A: Capstone had a great effect on my career path and academic journey, as it opened new doors to many opportunities and experiences. With the diverse skill set I have equipped myself with the help of my capstone, I am confident with my skills ranging from game development to project management and teamwork. Moving forward, I am excited to use these skills to pursue interdisciplinary research and innovation, bridging the gap between academia and industry to effect meaningful change.
Q: What would your advice be for a student who will be doing Capstone next year?
A: My advice for the future Capstone students is simple: embrace curiosity, collaboration, and resilience in your team. I think the most important part of this is understanding from approaching challenges with an open mind, viewing setbacks as opportunities for growth, and leveraging collective wisdom for your team. It is important to remember that the journey may be challenging, but the lessons learned and connections formed along the way will shape you as a resilient and adaptable problem-solver.
Q: Do you have anything else you would like to share?
A: I’m so grateful for the chance to work on Capstone and help our game succeed. As I celebrate this achievement, I’m committed to continuing our journey of learning, innovating, and making positive changes. Capstone is only the beginning of a big journey ahead of us!
Check out this link to play MAGE MADNESS
The start screen of Sebnem’s game, Mage Madness