by Gerrit Bester
In 2024, third-year and Advanced Diploma in Visual Communication: Integrated Communication Design (ICD) students, along with some staff members, took part in the exciting PUBG Mobile design competitions. The PUBG MOBILE Ptopia Design Project (PDP) stands out as a unique initiative that brings together top designers from around the globe to craft exceptional game content for players everywhere.
Among the participants, several students and part-time staff member Brent Swart shone brightly with their unique character skin designs, garnering multiple prestigious awards.
Their talents earned Swart and Ayanda Mzobe, a 2024 Advanced Diploma student, an invitation to the PMGC - PUBGM spotlight awards in London in December, where their award-winning designs were presented to a vast international audience. The awards are quite prestigious, as they gather all entries from all PDP competitions for the year and select nominees from there.
Swart received a Special Contribution Award and Mzobe Best Newcomer Award.
On 8 January, they were also featured in filmed interviews for PUBG's social media channels shot on the Arts Campus. The spotlight was on Swart and Mzobe, as they showcased their remarkable achievements.
They were joined by ShazTokyo, a renowned award winner from Cape Town, who also participated in the interviews. Together, they delved into their backgrounds, influences, the South African narrative and the profound impact PUBG has had on their careers.
Mzobe’s entry: In a wintry wilderness where towering mountains meet endless snow, a unique character roams – both a hunter and an enchantress, embodying nature’s frozen beauty. Inspired by the breathtaking landscapes of Eastern Europe and mythical stories, Mzobe chose the red fox as the central figure, symbolising cunning and enchantment. She stands as a protector and guide, weaving magic through her icy realm while guarding its secrets.
Brent shared some fascinating insights about the competition:
USER BASE: By 2024, PUBG boasted approximately 30 million daily active users.
PDP INITIATIVE: The PUBG MOBILE Ptopia Design Project encourages collaboration among elite designers, with monthly competitions drawing thousands of artists eager to create engaging game content.
EDUCATIONAL INTEGRATION: In 2024, the PDP programme was incorporated into the ICD curriculum, resulting in significant achievements, including 24 awards earned by 9 students.
Proudly, Schalk van Staden, a lecturer in the Department of Visual Communication, highlighted several key points:
IMPACT ON STUDENTS: Winning design competitions bolsters the credibility of the Integrated Communication Design programme and helps students gain valuable international exposure.
SKILLS DEVELOPMENT: The programme nurtures creativity, technical expertise and innovative problem-solving skills, all vital for careers in gaming and design.
NETWORKING OPPORTUNITIES: Participation in these competitions cultivates relationships with global organisations and peers, paving the way for future collaborations and career advancement.
CURRICULUM VALUE: The success in competitions underscores the relevance and effectiveness of the ICD curriculum, establishing it as a leader in preparing industry-ready graduates.
When asked what the experience meant to him, Ayanda replied, “Not only did I earn recognition from the judges, but I also secured the Best Newcomer Award. This moment changed everything for me and allowed me to step onto the global stage. It has brought me closer to my dream of becoming a concept artist, beyond just being a graphic designer, for one of my favourite games. This experience has also helped me meet new people and provided an escape from academic stress.”
Among the participants in the PUBG MOBILE Ptopia Design Project (PDP) were several students, including part-time staff member Brent Swart (left). They stood out with their unique character skin designs, earning multiple prestigious awards. In January, they were featured in filmed interviews for PUBG's social media channels, with particular focus on Brent and Ayanda Mzobe (right), a 2024 Advanced Diploma student.