Students from the University of Westminster’s Computer Games Development BSc Honours course have made their mark on the gaming industry by showcasing their game Bloodrush at two major events - Pocket Gamer Connects and the Red Bull Gaming Sphere.
Bloodrush is a fast-paced first person rogue-like game that blends strategic gameplay with immersive storytelling. It challenges players to make quick decisions while navigating an intense, dynamic world. The goal is to create an experience that is both thrilling and rewarding for players of all skill levels.
The game was created by Computer Games Development BSc Honours students Nikolaos Ntvouretenski, Aleksander Kaminski, Krishna Pillai and Oliver Guy. The team have been mentored by Westminster Computer Games Development BSc Honours alumnus Joseph Calabro, an experienced Game Designer for Electric Square, and supported by local Tranzfuser hub coordinators Dariusz Piotrowski, Computer Games Development Lecturer at Westminster, and Markos Mentzelopoulos, Computer Games Development BSc Course Leader.
First up for Bloodrush was Pocket Gamer Connects 2025, which took place between 20-21 January. The two-day conference brought together the global gaming community from across the entire ecosystem with all the key formats covered, from mobile, PC and console to XR, AI, web3 technology and beyond. At the event Nikolaos and Aleksander showcased the game together and had the chance to discuss upcoming opportunities with Tristan Osborne, Labour MP for Chatham. They also spoke with potential investors about Bloodrush, opening up exciting possibilities for the game's future.
Next was the Red Bull Gaming Sphere in London, which took place between 27-28 January. The Gaming Sphere is a content studio and venue that supports creators, E-sports professionals and gaming communities. During the weekend Nikolaos presented on behalf of the team, meeting other talented game creators and sharing his own insights on bringing Bloodrush to life. He also engaged in an insightful panel discussion with Natalie Bahbout, a Sports and Gaming PR Specialist, who shared her strategies on how to successfully launch a game.
Team leader Nikolaos Ntvouretenski said: “Showcasing our game at Pocket Gamer Connects and Red Bull Gaming Sphere was an incredible experience for our team, Anker Studio. It was inspiring to see people engage with the game, provide feedback and show genuine interest for what we’ve been building. Being part of these events gave us the opportunity to network with industry professionals, receive valuable feedback and gain exposure for our game. It was a fantastic learning experience that fired up our motivation and passion for game development again.”
The Westminster team have also helped found Anker Studio as part of the Tranzfuser programme, a government-funded scheme designed to help graduate students establish their own indie studios.
About the studio Nikolaos added: “Our goal is to build a strong foundation for a self-sustained indie studio where we can push creative boundaries and develop games that leave a lasting impact. Through hard work, collaboration and innovation, we are dedicated to crafting memorable experiences that will define our future in the industry.”
Markos Mentzelopoulos added: “Special thanks to the University of Westminster Ignite Fund for their support in securing space and assets for these incredible events! It's exciting to see our students’ work come to life, demonstrating the passion and dedication we nurture in our course. The team received fantastic feedback from visitors and fellow exhibitors, playing a crucial role in refining their game concept. Meeting talented creators and gaining insights into game development has been truly inspiring. Now, the team is gearing up to polish Bloodrush even further and secure a spot in the Tranzfuser 2025 development programme.”
Providing students with the opportunity to showcase their game at high profile global events directly contributes to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth and 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure. Since 2019, the University of Westminster has used the SDGs holistically to frame strategic decisions to help students and colleagues fulfil their potential and contribute to a more sustainable, equitable and healthier society.
Discover more about the Computer Games Development BSc Honours course at the University of Westminster.
Photo credit: Anker Studio
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