Jack Murrell

Experience

• 

  Teesside University

  Oct 2016 - Sept 2019

  Student Ambassador
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  Redcar and Cleveland SCITT

  Sept 2019 - Jun 2020

  Newly Qualified Teacher

  I worked in the SCITT for Redcar and Cleveland, teaching and learning in schools as well as outside of them until I achieved my newly qualified teacher status this year.

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  CARE

  Mar 2020 - Jun 2021

  Unpaid Carer

  I started to care for my disabled wife when the coronavirus pandemic hit. We were uncomfortable with outsiders coming and going so I took over full time. Recently we were both vaccinated, so I am now looking for work again. During my time as a full time carer I consistently worked under pressure and I kept well organised in order to flourish.

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  Vision for Education

  Jan 2021 - Sept 2021

  Supply Teacher
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  CER Education Recruitment

  Mar 2021 - Sept 2021

  English Teacher
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  Games Design MA

  Sept 2021 - Oct 2022

  Masters Student
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  Teaching Personnel

  May 2022 - Jan 2023

  I tutor students either in groups or in one to one sessions on various different subjects. I tutored secondary school students in English and Mathematics online, ranging from year seven to year eleven.

  • Private Tutor

    May 2022 - Jan 2023

  • Online Tutor

    May 2022 - Jul 2022
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  Omniplay Games Ltd.

  Jan 2023 - May 2023

  After my internship I became a freelance games designer currently based at Omniplay Games in Middlesbrough! I am currently working at a studio in Middlesbrough on two IPs.

  • Game Designer

    Apr 2023 - May 2023

  • Game Designer

    Jan 2023 - Apr 2023
• 

  Tanglewood Games

  Jul 2023 - Jan 2024

  I worked with Tanglewood Games in person and remotely as well as Third Kind Games fully remotely. Below are some of my duties:-Collaborated on an undisclosed project with dozens of designers to iterate upon various game mechanics.-Worked with the design team to create innovative game mode ideas.-Participated in multiple weekly playtesting sessions, providing feedback and in-game footage to the company.-Attended regular meetings discussing critical industry aspects, receiving and incorporating advice on ongoing work.-Implemented engine changes on Perforce to test new systems on behalf of the design team.-Developed comprehensive game design documentation for clients, collaborating with team members and integrating feedback from senior staff. Show less

  • Social Media Manager

    Nov 2023 - Jan 2024

  • Game Designer

    Jul 2023 - Oct 2023
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  Dovetail Recruitment Ltd

  Oct 2023 - Mar 2024

  Games Design Lecturer

  -Instructed students in game design principles and methodologies, focusing on Unreal Engine 5 blueprints.-Facilitated hands-on workshops to enhance technical skills and design expertise.-Integrated current industry trends and emerging technologies into the curriculum.-Collaborated with colleagues to enhance curriculum content and maintain alignment with industry standards.-Created detailed lesson plans and assignments centered on game mechanics, level design, and narrative development.-Supervised the development of student game prototypes, offering feedback on design and functionality. Show less

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  Grads In Games

  Feb 2024 - Apr 2024

  Industry Advocate

  -Reviewed student materials to provide initial feedback and support for their game design projects.-Offered guidance and insights into industry standards and expectations to aspiring game designers.-Engaged with the Grads in Games community, enhancing my understanding of mentoring and educational processes in the gaming industry.

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  Sunderland College

  Mar 2024 - Mar 2025

  Programme Leader - Games Design

  My responsibilities include:-Contribute towards a high-quality pre-entry and initial assessment process to ensure that learners' needs are met.-Ensure the provision of high-quality pastoral and supportive care of students as part of the whole learner journey.-Ensure the provision of highly effective guidance to students to assist them through their programme and in their progression onto a positive destination, for example, higher learning or employment.-Oversee the needs and positive progress of all students with an EHCP or ALS need enrolled on a course/ programme for which you are responsible.-Work effectively within teams responsible for devising, reviewing, and maintaining effective management of study programmes, and contribute towards sharing of good practice.-Ensure quality files and course/programme team information on platforms such as SharePoint are appropriate, support the team, reduce workload, facilitate great teamwork, and sharing of practice. This includes ensuring schemes of learning/lesson planning are in line with college policy and expected practice.-Celebrate and promote staff and student success within the college to support the college's culture for valuing people and recognizing excellence. Show less

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  Into Games

  Jul 2024 - Mar 2025

  Video Game Ambassador

  -Engage with the future generation of games talent by sharing knowledge and experience.-Inspire students and career seekers through career talks and workshops.-Collaborate with UK educational institutions to host activities that boost career prospects in the games industry.-Advocate for increased representation from underrepresented backgrounds in the games industry.-Promote diversity and inclusion in all activities and initiatives.-Provide meaningful guidance and mentorship to students and individuals interested in pursuing a career in the games industry.-Participate in career talks, game jams, employability days, and other events that inspire students to explore careers in the games sector. Show less

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  Blaze Games (UK)

  Oct 2024 - now

  Founder

  -Game Design & Development: Conceptualizing, designing, and developing original games from the ground up.-Project Management: Overseeing all aspects of game production, from initial concept to final release.-Business Strategy: Developing business plans, setting long-term goals, and managing the financial aspects of a solo venture.-Marketing & Branding: Creating marketing strategies to build the company’s brand and promote games across multiple platforms.-Creative Direction: Leading the vision for gameplay, narrative, and art direction.-Sales & Distribution: Handling product launches, platform selection, and managing sales channels like itch.io or Steam.Public Relations: Building industry connections and engaging with players through social media and public events.Customer Support: Managing player feedback, troubleshooting issues, and ensuring customer satisfaction post-launch. Show less

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  IN4 Group

  Feb 2025 - now

  Lead Technical Instructor for Unreal Engine

  -Deliver live Unreal Engine training to a diverse cohort of learners, ranging from complete beginners to advanced 3D artists, across a 16-week skills bootcamp.-Design and adapt technical exercises and learning materials in response to shifting curriculum needs, covering Blueprints, Lighting, Post-Processing, Static Meshes, Asset Management, Source Control, and Industry Project Integration.-Provide real-time student mentoring in technical problem-solving, project planning, and Unreal best practices during live sessions and through asynchronous support channels.-Took ownership of curriculum redevelopment mid-course, transitioning from a Technical Designer focus to a 3D Artist pipeline focus, aligning content with current industry standards in asset creation, lighting workflows, and rendering optimization.-Develop and deliver practical exercises that simulate real-world development pipelines, reinforcing both technical and soft skills (problem-solving, communication, iteration).-Manage a mixed-ability class, balancing direct instruction, self-paced tasks, and peer review, ensuring engagement and measurable progress across all skill levels.-Act as the primary bridge between delivery and curriculum, proactively identifying gaps in learning materials, and creating supplementary resources to enhance student success. Show less