Murray Smith
Computer Science Specialist with a focus in Game Design
Cinema Studies Minor
Victoria College
Murray Smith set out on a path to design and develop video games during his undergraduate studies and his four years at U of T provided him with many opportunities to develop and hone those skills, resulting in an award-winning video game.
At the 2024 Level Up Showcase, Smith and his teammates won third place in Achievement in Accessibility for their video game, Paw Pirates. The exhibition event caps off months-long work for students taking CSC404: Introduction to Video Game Design and brings together over 100 teams of students in game design, animation and computer science programs from colleges and universities across Ontario.
Ahead of convocation, Smith reflects on his time at U of T.
How would you describe your experience studying computer science at U of T?
These past four years have helped me grow immensely. I’ve discovered what’s important to me and what my passions are. I don’t think I’d have the opportunities I have today if I’d chosen another program. My biggest takeaway from my experience at U of T is learning how to work hard and commit to something.
From your involvement as president of the University of Toronto Game Design & Development Club (GDDC) to your on-campus work as a research assistant in two separate psychology labs, what have you enjoyed about channeling your interests and passions outside of the classroom?
I knew going into university that I wanted to make video games, and I had some really great opportunities at U of T to do just that. I’m grateful to Professor Wil Cunningham and Professor Craig Chambers (both of the Department of Psychology) for giving me the opportunity to find new applications for games in research. Running the GDDC was an absolute pleasure as well, and I met a lot of really fantastic creative people there.
I think everyone in CS has a part of them that wants to make games, and there’s a lot discouraging folks from doing so. I think it’s important to follow your creative passions, and I hope future students at U of T will make more games.
In addition to studying computer science and game design, you have also minored in cinema studies. What opportunities did you have to bring these areas of study together?
I think games and movies affect people in similar ways. I think that’s why the mediums are blending together now in popular culture with movies based on games and games that are shot like movies. I feel like my cinema studies minor gave me a better understanding of how to send a message visually, which has definitely helped me in game development. For one of my cinema classes I got to make a Twin Peaks fan game, which was awesome.
What’s one piece of advice that you would give to incoming students?
Look deep inside yourself and figure out what you want to spend your time doing.
Grab onto that and don’t let go. If you don’t know what that is yet, take a risk and try something. Nothing matters as much as you think it does.
What’s next for you?
For the next few months, I’m working full-time on my indie game “Paw Pirates” with a team of other students. We’re planning to release the game for free in August. I will be working part-time to support myself. It feels really great to be doing what I love all day.