Planning a Game Dev Career? Attend the Abertay Information Session

For many gamers, the dream goes beyond playing the next big title; it’s about creating one. 

From open-world adventures like Grand Theft Auto to cinematic storytelling seen in Uncharted, the global games industry is powered by developers, artists, and designers who once started exactly where many aspiring creators are today: with passion but questions about the right path forward.

How do you move from loving games to actually building them?

What skills do studios look for?

And what education pathway can help you enter this competitive industry?

These are some of the questions that will be explored at the upcoming MAGES-Abertay Information Session, an event designed for students interested in pursuing careers in game design, development, and digital arts.

Understanding the Path into Game Development

Breaking into the game industry requires more than creativity. Studios look for individuals who combine technical expertise, artistic vision, and practical development experience.

Aspiring game developers often explore roles such as:

• Game Designer
• Game Programmer
• Technical Artist
• Level Designer
• 3D Artist or Animator

Each of these roles requires a strong foundation in game design principles, programming, and portfolio development. Understanding which direction to take and how to prepare for it can be challenging for students just starting their journey.

This is where industry-focused education pathways and guidance become crucial.

Why Learning from Industry-Connected Programs Matters

Many professionals in the games industry build their careers through specialised game development programs that emphasise hands-on learning and portfolio creation.

For instance, graduates from Abertay University, widely recognised for its contributions to game design education, have gone on to work at some of the world’s leading game studios, including Ubisoft, Rockstar Games, and Naughty Dog.

Several notable alumni illustrate the kinds of career paths students can pursue in the gaming industry:

• David Jones, creator of Grand Theft Auto and Lemmings, and founder of DMA Design (now Rockstar North).
  Source: BBC News
• Liam Wong, former Art Director at Ubisoft Montreal, who worked on titles including Far Cry and Crysis.
  Source: Abertay University News
• Michael Barclay, Game Designer at Naughty Dog, who contributed to Uncharted and The Last of Us Part II.
  Source: 80 Level

These examples show how strong training in game development can open doors to careers shaping some of the industry’s most influential titles.

What You Can Learn at the Abertay Information Session by MAGES

The upcoming Abertay Information Session is designed to help aspiring students take their first steps into the gaming industry.

During the session, attendees will gain insights into:

• Game design and computer arts education pathways
• How diploma programs can progress into international game development degrees
• Portfolio preparation for game design programs
• Skills required for careers in the global games industry
• Questions about studying game development and future opportunities

The session will also provide participants with an opportunity to better understand how education programs align with real-world industry expectations.

A First Step Toward a Career in Games

The gaming industry continues to grow rapidly, creating opportunities for developers, artists, and designers worldwide. But building a career in this field begins with understanding the right pathway and developing the skills studios value most.

For students who are curious about turning their passion for games into a professional journey, the Abertay Information Session offers a valuable opportunity to explore what that path could look like.

Event Details

Event: MAGES-Abertay Information Session

Format: Online (Zoom)

Date: 18 March 2026

Time: 7:00 PM (SGT)

Students interested in game design, game development, and digital arts are encouraged to attend and learn how to begin preparing for a future in the global games industry.