Ghina Andriana: A Journey from SAE Graduate to International Game Design Star

Forget a role as an under-appreciated intern! Mere months after donning her cap and gown and walking away with a Bachelor of Animation from SAE Melbourne, Ghina Andriana has shown the world that (alongside excellent chocolate biscuits and Hollywood hunks), Australia’s gaming community is ready to make its mark across the globe. 

Specifically, Ghina recently found herself in the spotlight at the 14th annual International Rookie Awards. Where her work, namely her standout project “Frontiers End,” not only landed her a finalist position for the Career Opportunity prize with PlaySide Studios but also earned her an ‘A’ rating in Game Design. Accolades that are a testament to Ghina’s exceptional talent and promise in the world of game development.

In Frontiers End, Ghina thoughtfully executes every detail – from the realistic textures to the dynamic lighting – to intimately immerse user senses in the sounds and surroundings of a classic tavern scene.

Assets included building structures, small props and even foliage. Once built, Ghina spent hours crafting and implementing textures and movement in the scene. Ghina’s attention to detail extended to the lighting, for which she used angles and shading to perfectly recreate the desired time of day – 11 am.

“It was done roughly in 15 weeks, but it was an intense 15 weeks,” she said.

As a result, she has created a fantasy game featuring a meticulously designed environment that enhance player experiences to world-class levels.

To execute her work, Ghina admits to drawing inspiration a number of sources. Including, the magical worlds of Studio Ghibli and the immersive environments of games like Grounded, Genshin Impact, and Stray.

However, her creative prowess doesn’t stop there. Her “Retro Post-Apocalyptic Building” project further showcases her flair for hand-painted textures and imaginative design. With a clear goal to excel as an environment artist and look developer, Ghina is determined to infuse her projects with a unique, non-generic style that stands out in the industry.

Reflecting on her success, Ghina credits the role of SAE Melbourne in her achievements. “SAE equipped me with more than just technical skills,” she shares. “The practical experience, industry insights, and collaborative opportunities were crucial in preparing me for the real world.” Her rapid rise in the industry underscores the value of this comprehensive preparation.

Luke McMillan, General Manager at SAE University College, highlights Ghina’s achievements. And, reflects on his institute’s commitment to encouraging excellence among its graduates. “Ghina’s A-Grade industry ranking are clear indicators of the high level of skill and readiness our graduates possess,” he says.