About Me
Qualifications
Bsc (Hons) Computer Games (Software Development) First Class Degree
SVQ Level 6 Business and Administration
Higher Maths
Higher English
Higher History
Higher PE
Skills
4 years C# programming experience
2 years C++ programming experience
Knowledge in Java, JavaScript and CSS
Proficient with Unreal Engine
Proficient with Unity
Excellent written and verbal communication skills
Excellent teamworking skills
Strong Problem solving skills
Determined and driven personality
Sets high standards for self and willing to go the extra mile to achieve them
Background
I’m Michael Crainie a 24 year old software developer from a small town just outside of Glasgow known as Kilsyth. Although I am fascinated by all forms of software, and technology in general, my true passion is games programming. This probably stems from the day my Grampa brought home a Sega mega drive accompanied with a cartridge of Sonic the hedgehog. Needless to say 3 year old me and my newly acquired games console were completely inseparable, day and night I would be collecting those golden rings trying to defeat Dr Eggman.
As I grew up nothing really changed except my console of choice depending on the generation. I spent as much time as I could playing every genre of game you can possibly imagine as I was so enamoured by video games. I loved the emotion they could evoke, I loved the bonds I formed with these digital characters, I loved beating my friends at video games, I loved how engaging video games were in comparison to other forms of media, I just loved games. As I progressed through high school my love for video games was as strong as ever but the inevitable decision of what exactly I wanted to do with my life was hanging over my head. Back then I wasn’t sure if making games was actually a viable career path and any mention of it to someone was met with a firm nudge in a safer direction, so I played it safe.
Upon graduating high school I was accepted to study sports at the University of Stirling. I still wasn’t sure exactly what I wanted to do with my life but hey I was good at sports and made it in to university. Within the very first day I knew this wasn’t what I wanted for my life. In my eyes a degree in sports had two end outcomes, P.E teacher or a personal trainer. Both great jobs but just not the jobs for me. As much as I love teaching people new skills or helping them reach their goals I had ambitions of my own. After leaving my sports degree I knew I wanted to be involved in games in some way but wasn’t quite sure how to do it so I worked for a year before finally starting my journey in to games. Fast forward 4 years and I’m now coming towards the end of my degree and on track to graduate with a first class degree! Graduation is just the beginning however not the end as I hope to one day be involved in the creation of critically acclaimed and award winning projects.
Favourite Games (In no particular order)
God of War (2018)
Bully
GTA: San Andreas
Kingdom Hearts 2
Red Dead Redemption 2
Dishonoured 2
Divinity Original Sin 2
Dragon Age: Origins
Assassins Creed 2
Batman: Arkham Asylum
Fallout 3
Hitman Blood Money
Bioshock: Infinite
Life is Strange
GTA 4
The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt
Persona 5
Portal 2
Mass Effect 2