James McNamara
Cover Image Degree Show

Name

James McNamara

Course

Games Design, BA (Hons)

Contact

About

Hi, I'm James, a Games Design student with a focus on game programming and technical development. I'm passionate about creating memorable experiences that combine engaging systems with immersive atmospheres. Using Unreal Engine 5, I've developed projects across several genres, including horror games, dungeon crawlers, and office simulations.

Project overview

God's First Shift

God’s First Shift is an office simulator where players act as God while balancing miracles, budgets, reputation, and chaotic objectives.

In the game, players are “promoted” from omnipotent deity to overworked middle manager, while containing floods, answering prayers, and avoiding interference from the Devil, all before the quarterly review!

As the game progresses, new mechanics and interactions gradually open up, encouraging experimentation and providing players with increasingly engaging strategic choices. God’s First Shift successfully combines humour, satire, and management gameplay into a cohesive and polished experience that reflects both creativity and technical confidence.

UCLan Degree Show artwork submission by James McNamara named God's First Shift

The Manager's View

Full Gameplay Video

UCLan Degree Show artwork submission by James McNamara named God's First Shift

Server Room Puzzle

UCLan Degree Show artwork submission by James McNamara named God's First Shift

Office Space With Miracle Machine Puzzle

UCLan Degree Show artwork submission by James McNamara named God's First Shift

Angel HR