Fraser Connolly

About me

I am a games programmer and educator currently working full time for Blazing Griffin. I have a wide variety of experience working with digital technology and software development,. I have spent the last few years upskilling in Unity, C++, and Blender.

During my career I have demonstrated a variety of transferable skills including running a production team, managing strict schedules, working with large budgets, and communicating effectively with colleagues, students, and the public. In the last few years, I published my first commercial desktop application, OCPE, an emulator for network lighting control protocols and launched the Architecture Showcase website for the University of Strathclyde in response to the pandemic.

Please feel free to reach out to me through my LinkedIn profile.

Skills

I have been developing in C# for Windows Desktop, Web and Games (Unity) since 2012. Most recently I have been developing a real time network protocol emulator with Electron for the GUI and WinPCap for network communications. I have also worked with WPF, and EF6.

C++

At GCU I have developed a retro style game using C++ for which I received the maximum possible mark. Previously I have used C++/C for microcontroller including Arduinos and PIC 18s & 32s. I am currently working on an OpenGL 3D game.

Unity Game Engine

I have used the Unity Game engine on a variety of different prototype projects including VR (OpenVR), AR (Niantic Lightship 3), 3D third and first person, and 2D games.

Website Design

I have designed and developed websites using Bootstrap, ASP.net, Umbraco CMS, and the Proton Javascript library. The biggest website I've developed so far is the Architecture Showcase website for the University of Strathclyde.

PlayCanvas Game Engine

I have honed my skills using the PlayCanvas web-based game engine to develop multiplayer game for both iOS and Android platforms. This project has allowed me to navigate the intricacies of cross-platform mobile game development,

Python and Java

I have taught Python, Java, and SQL at HND level at Glasgow Clyde College.

Featured projects

Game Development Projects

Mirror Mirror

Mirror Mirror is a puzzle-solving horror game that’s pits the player against a mysterious monster trapped within the "Mirror World" Our player must utilise their problem-solving skills and spatial awareness to complete a series of puzzles within the sealing ritual and banish this evil for good.

Not a Laughing Matter

I participated in the 2024 Global Game Jam at Glasgow Caledonian University. The theme was 'Make me Laugh'.

Graphics Programming

This is the coursework I submitted for the Graphics Programming module at GCU.

Games Programming 1 (C++)

For GP1 I developed a version of Space Invaders and Paranoid for the Windows command prompt.

Stellar Raiders

I created a space combat game, Stellar Raider, for the Synty 2023 game jam. I used the Synty Space and Partial Effects packs for this project.

Vigard

Final Project for the Academy of Music and Sound's short course Music and Sound for Games

Secrets of the Saint

Secrets of the Saints is an AR cultural experience built using Unity and Lightship 3.0.

Games AI Coursework

For the Games AI module at GCU I implemented a series of steering behaviours, A* pathfinding, and a designer friendly fuzzy logic system.

Software Projects

Offstage Controls Protocol Emulator

OCPE is a commercially available development and teaching tool designed to support the entertainment lighting industry by emulating the network behaviours of various hardware products.

Architecture Online Showcase

I designed the 2020 and 2021 showcase website for the Department of Architecture at the University of Strathclyde.

CV

Private Sector

Games Programmer

Blazing Griffin - 2024 - Ongoing

I am currently working as a full stack developer on a prototype game that utilises Unity, Luna, PlayCanvas, and the Colyseus multiplayer platform. I have implemented minigames with complex mobile web based UIs and real time networking.

Senior Software Developer

Artistic Licence Engineering Ltd - 2015 - 2016

I developed desktop software using Visual Studio C# and Borland C++ as well as PIC Microchip firmware using MPLAB X. As a senior manager, I supervised colleagues and collaborated on product design.

Production Coordinator

Artistic Licence Engineering Ltd - 2013 - 2015

I managed the company's product assemblies including the outsourcing of PCB assemblies and cases. I also supervised product testing and packaging.

Junior R&D Technician

Artistic Licence Engineering Ltd - 2012 - 2013

I tested the company's software products and redeveloped the web interface for Multi-Play to make it iOS compatible.

Education Sector

Computing Lecturer

Glasgow Clyde College - 2022

As a Computing Lecturer I taught SQA modules at levels 5 through 8 covering subjects in Software Development and Cyber Security.

IT Support Technician

University of Strathclyde - 2020 - 2022

Technician to the department of architecture and the faculty of engineering operations team. Web developer of the Architecture Showcase website.

Production Technician, Digital

Royal Central School of Speech and Drama - 2017 - 2019

I taught technical theatre skills to BA and MA students. I supported learning by providing practical expertise whilst encouraging students to think creatively to solve problems. I completed a PGCert in teaching and learning during which I researched ways to improve the teaching practices for lighting control protocols.

Freelance

Offstage Controls

2017 - Present

I founded Offstage Controls to develop and launch the Offstage Controls Protocol Emulator which supports the development of ethernet based lighting control products by emulating ethernet lighting hardware.

Embedded Website Design

I re-developed the embedded website on a popular Art-Net ethernet gateway utilising a PIC32 microcontroller.

Visiting Lecturer

I have run several classes on lighting control protocols and lighting control networks.

Electronic Theatre Props

I have worked on Arduino and electronic props for theatre and live entertainment events.

Education

BSc Games Development (Software Development)

Glasgow Caledonian University - 2023 - 2025

I won the award for best level three student in the 2023/24 cohort.

Modules:

Music and Sound for Games

Academy of Music - 2022

MSc Software Engineering

University of Westminster - 2012 - 2013

Modules:

Algorithmics
Software Design
Database Languages
Enterprise Development
Object Orientated Programming
Dissertation: Theatre Control using Art-Net and Open Sound Control

PGCert Cyber Security - Graduate Apprenticeship

University of Strathclyde - 2020 - 2021

PGCert Teaching and Learning in Higher Education

Royal Central School of Speech and Drama - 2018 - 2019

Action Research - development of a protocol emulator to support the teaching of lighting control systems. Upon completion of this course I became a Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (FHEA).

BA Theatre Practice – Production Lighting

Central School of Speech and Drama - 2009 - 2012

Chief electrician on Epsom Downs
Deputy chief electrician on Divine Words
Set electrician on Guys and Dolls
Venue chief electrician on Common Chorus and As I Lay Dying

Training Courses

GameDev.TV

2022-2023

Online courses:

Unity Multiplayer: Intermediate C# Coding & Networking
The Ultimate Guide to Cinematography with Unity
Low Poly Landscape - Blender
3rd Person Combat Traversal - Unity

GameDev HQ

2023

Unity Tech Art: Realistic Lighting for Game Development

Rhino – Level 1

Simply Rhino Limited - 2019

First Aid at Work

Red Cross - 2017

Intermediate Electricity for Entertainment Technicians

Lamp and Pencil - 2017

Practical Pyrotechnics

Just FX - 2011

PAT Competency

Techno Serve - 2010

Voluntary Sector

Software Developer / Results Officer

Wiltshire Schools' Athletic Association - 2009 - 2017

In 2015 WSAA hosted the South West Cross Country Championship for which I developed a data entry and analysis solution. The solution included mobile and web applications to capture participant’s times and positions more effectively and accurately.