Strategic Career Plan: Breaking into Gameplay

Programming and Creative Roles

Gaining Industry Knowledge and Insight
To succeed in the games industry, you’ll need to become a student of the industry itself. This means
continuously learning about game development techniques, design theory, and industry trends. Here are
actionable ways to build your knowledge base:

• Read and Study Foundational Texts: Dive into well-regarded books and free online resources. For
example, Game Programming Patterns by Robert Nystrom (available free online) covers core coding
patterns and best practices, while The Art of Game Design by Jesse Schell offers insight into design
principles 1 2 . These will strengthen your programming architecture skills and your
understanding of what makes games fun. Also brush up on math and physics fundamentals
(algebra, geometry, basic physics) as they apply to gameplay mechanics like movement, collisions,
and AI 3 4 .

• Follow Industry Media and News: Subscribe to game development blogs, newsletters, and
YouTube channels to stay current on trends 5 . Websites like GameDeveloper.com (formerly
Gamasutra) regularly publish postmortems and articles about how games are made. The GDC (Game
Developers Conference) Vault and YouTube channel offer free talks by experts. Follow channels like
Game Maker’s Toolkit or Extra Credits for design analysis, and Brackeys or Jason Weimann for Unity
programming tips. Staying informed about new tools, engine updates, and industry shifts (e.g. the
rise of VR/AR or AI in games) will keep your knowledge fresh 6 .

• Leverage Online Courses and Tutorials: Take advantage of online learning to supplement your
formal education 7 . Platforms like Unity Learn, Coursera, and Udemy have courses specifically on
Unity, C# programming, and even game design. Look for project-based courses that have you build
games from scratch, as these provide structured practice 8 . For instance, Coursera’s game
development specialization (such as the Michigan State University series) or Udemy’s Unity 2D & 3D
courses can help deepen your engine expertise. Many are low-cost or free for students. Additionally,
explore tutorials on YouTube for specific topics (Unity’s official tutorials, Brackeys’ archive, etc.) 1 .
Given your interest in narrative-driven games, you might also study resources on interactive
storytelling (for example, blogs or talks on narrative design in Disco Elysium or The Last of Us).

• Play and Analyze Games Thoughtfully: Continue playing the kinds of games you love (e.g. Disco
Elysium, Inscryption, The Last of Us) but now with a developer’s eye. Take notes on their gameplay
systems, narrative integration, and level design. Try to deconstruct how a mechanic might be coded
or how a level directs the player. You can even write brief analyses or blog posts about these games –
this helps solidify your understanding and gives you talking points in interviews or networking chats,
demonstrating your passion and critical insight into game design 9 .

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By combining book learning, online courses, and analytical gameplay, you’ll build a strong theoretical
foundation to complement your practical coding skills. Importantly, stay curious and keep learning
continuously, as the game industry evolves quickly. Subscribing to industry newsletters and following
developer blogs will help you keep up with new techniques and discussions 5 .

Building Connections and Networking

Breaking into game development is not only about what you know but also who you know. Effective
networking can uncover opportunities and provide mentorship 10 . As a student in Edmonton, you have
access to both online communities and a growing local game dev scene. Here’s how to make meaningful
connections:

• Join Student and Local GameDev Groups: Connect with fellow developers through school and city
organizations. At NAIT, get involved with the NAIT Game Creator’s Space club, which provides a
platform for students and alumni to interact and learn from each other 11 . They host relaxed
networking meetups, game jams, and industry talks – all great chances to meet peers and local
professionals. Similarly, consider attending events by the MacEwan Game Development Club (an
IGDA academic chapter focused on helping students build portfolios and break in 12 ) and the
University of Alberta’s Games Den. These groups often collaborate on community game jams and
host speaker panels, so you can expand your network beyond your own campus.

• Leverage the IGDA and Meetups: Edmonton has an active IGDA (International Game Developers
Association) chapter (branded as GameCamp Edmonton). They organize monthly meetups, guest
speaker nights, and weekly co-working sessions, as well as regular game jams 13 . Join their Discord
or Facebook group to hear about upcoming events. Showing up consistently, asking questions, and
showcasing your projects at these meetups can put you on the radar of local industry folks. Don’t
hesitate to introduce yourself as a student eager to learn – the community tends to be welcoming to
newcomers. Also attend broader tech meetups or hackathons in Alberta when game-related; any
face time with developers can lead to referrals or advice.

• Attend Conferences and Exhibitions: Keep an eye out for regional game dev events. For example,
the Game Discovery Exhibition (GDX) in Edmonton is a large annual gathering showcasing indie
games and studios from Alberta and beyond 14 . Attend these events to play new games, chat with
the developers, and attend panels. Even volunteering at such events can give you behind-the-scenes
access and networking opportunities. On a bigger scale, consider attending conferences like the
Calgary Expo (which often has a game dev presence) or even international ones like GDC in the
future (GDC offers student passes or volunteer programs to make it affordable). These events let you
meet industry veterans, hear the latest ideas, and even hand out your resume/business card to
recruiters in person.

• Use Social Media Professionally: Create a polished LinkedIn profile and start connecting with game
industry people – from local studio employees to recruiters and developers whose work you admire.
Many game jobs are never publicly posted and are filled via networks, so a strong LinkedIn
presence can attract opportunities (recruiters actively scour LinkedIn for game development
talent 15 ). Share your project updates or interesting articles to show you’re active. Twitter (or X) is
also popular among game developers; follow studios you like and professionals (engine
programmers, indie designers, etc.) and don’t shy from interacting (commenting positively on a post,

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 asking thoughtful questions). Being genuine and passionate in these interactions can gradually get
you noticed 16 17 . Over time, you might find that someone you met online can refer you to a job or
collaborate on a project.

• Engage in Online Communities: Beyond social media, join dedicated game dev communities on
Reddit, Discord, and forums. Subreddits like r/gamedev (general development), r/IndieDev, r/
GameDevClassifieds (for finding team projects) and even r/gamedesign can be valuable. Participate
by sharing progress on your games, asking for feedback, and helping others with what you’ve
learned. There are also Discord servers for Unity developers, Unreal Engine, and local Edmonton
game dev Discords (e.g. the GameCamp Edmonton Discord 13 ). By engaging regularly, you can find
collaborators or even mentors who guide you through challenges 18 19 . Many community
veterans are open to giving advice if you show initiative and a willingness to learn. Remember to be
respectful and contribute (not just consume); answering a beginner’s question on a forum or
sharing a useful resource is a great way to build goodwill in the community.

• Network Authentically: As you connect with people, focus on building genuine relationships, not
just what others can do for you. Show interest in others’ work – if a local developer released a small
game, try it and congratulate them. When you attend meetups or chat in forums, listen more than
you pitch. Over time, share your passion: talk about the kinds of games you want to make or what
you’re working on. Your enthusiasm can be your calling card. In fact, recruiters and hiring managers
often look for that “fire” in newcomers – genuine passion and curiosity can set you apart 9 20 .
Networking can eventually lead to job referrals or partnerships, but it’s also about finding a support
system of peers. Many successful careers in game development have begun with “I met someone at
a game jam/meetup who later recommended me for a position.”

Overall, make it a goal to expand your network each month – whether that’s having a new conversation at
a meetup or participating in a discussion online. The relationships you build now as a student can become
invaluable when you start looking for internships and jobs. And remember, networking is a two-way street:
offer help or collaboration to others, not just what you can take. In the tight-knit games industry, a
reputation as a friendly, engaged community member will travel with you 10 21 .

Upskilling: Courses, Tools, and Portfolio Projects

Your skill set is already off to a strong start (Unity projects, some web development, and a grounding in
business analysis). The next step is to sharpen those skills and expand into new ones that will make you a
prime candidate for gameplay programming or hybrid design roles. Here’s how to upskill effectively:

• Master Your Primary Engine (Unity) and Beyond: Since you have built several games in Unity,
continue to deepen your Unity expertise. Tackle more advanced features of the engine: for example,
learn about Unity’s lighting and post-processing to make your games look polished, experiment with
the physics engine for more complex mechanics, and explore tools like Cinemachine or Timeline
(useful if you want to add cutscenes or narrative moments). Try implementing a common gameplay
system from scratch (e.g. a basic inventory or dialogue system) to understand how to structure
larger game code. Additionally, consider gaining basic familiarity with Unreal Engine – many
studios (especially AA/AAA) use Unreal, and knowing its workflow and Blueprint visual scripting can
only broaden your opportunities 22 . You don’t need to become an Unreal expert overnight, but
following a beginner tutorial to create a simple game will expose you to C++ and the engine’s

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 ecosystem. Unity will likely remain your strongest tool (it’s very popular among indie and AA studios,
with extensive documentation and community support 23 ), but a taste of Unreal shows versatility.

• Develop a Standout Portfolio with Diverse Projects: Your portfolio will be your calling card as a
gameplay programmer, so make it as strong as possible. Focus on quality over quantity – it’s better
to have a few well-polished, creative projects than a dozen similar class assignments 24 . You already
have several classic clones (Space Invaders, tower defense, etc.), which show you can complete
projects. Now elevate some of them or create new projects that highlight gameplay innovation and
your personal interests:

• Pick one or two of your Unity games to polish: For instance, take your platformer or tower defense
game and add a unique twist or feature that wasn’t in the original tutorial. This could be a novel
game mechanic, a story element, or a clever level design. Use free assets or Unity Asset Store
packages to improve the visuals and UI (showing that you can integrate art content, even if you’re
not an artist). The goal is to turn a basic clone into an original project you’re proud of – something
that a recruiter can play and say, “Oh, this is interesting!” Make sure to document what you added or
changed in a readme or devlog on your portfolio site.

• Create a small original game (game jam style): Outside of class, challenge yourself to build a game
prototype that’s entirely your own concept. It doesn’t need to be big – even a single level or core loop
is fine – but it should showcase creative thinking. For example, if you love Disco Elysium’s narrative
depth, try making a simple dialogue choice game in Unity with branching outcomes. If you’re
intrigued by Inscryption, prototype a unique card-game mechanic or a fourth-wall-breaking puzzle.
This will show potential employers that you can not only follow tutorials but also design and code
original gameplay mechanics. It also flexes your design muscles, which is great for a gameplay
programmer aiming to be a creative generalist.

• Include Variety and Hybrid Skills: To target gameplay programmer roles with a design/level design
bent, ensure your skill set and portfolio reflect both technical prowess and design sensibility. For
instance, you might build a 3D level in Unity using ProBuilder or a level editor tool – block out a level
layout for a platformer or FPS and script some gameplay in it (triggers, moving platforms, enemy
spawners). This shows you understand level design workflow. Consider also writing a short game
design document for one of your projects – outlining the concept and player experience – and
include it in your portfolio. It demonstrates that you can think systematically about game design, not
just coding. Employers value a gameplay programmer who understands design principles and can
collaborate well with designers. Showing both code samples (e.g. on GitHub, linked from your site)
and design artifacts (level maps, design write-ups) will underline your generalist capabilities 25 26 .

• Learn Teamwork and Version Control: In the industry, you’ll be working with others on the same
codebase. Start using Git or other version control for all your projects (if you haven’t already) to get
comfortable with branching, merging, and collaboration workflows 27 . You could contribute to an
open-source game project on GitHub or collaborate with a classmate on a small Unity project to
simulate a team environment. This not only teaches you technical collaboration skills but can also
produce a team project to talk about in interviews (teams are the norm in game dev, so showcasing
that you’ve worked on a team project or game jam is very valuable 28 ). Additionally, practicing Agile
or iterative development (perhaps use Trello or Jira on your own tasks) can give you insight into
how real studios manage work.

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 • Pursue Relevant Courses and Certifications: Within your academic program, choose electives or
projects that align with gameplay programming or design. If your curriculum has courses on AI,
graphics, or level design, take them and use class projects as portfolio pieces. Outside of school, if
you want a structured boost, you might pursue a Unity certification (Unity offers a “Unity Certified
Associate” or “Professional” exam). This is optional – a strong portfolio speaks louder – but the
preparation for such certifications can round out your knowledge of engine features. You mentioned
a business analysis introduction; consider taking a project management or production course if
available. It’s not directly coding, but understanding the production side (scheduling, requirements)
can make you a more effective team member and is a bonus skill if you end up in a smaller studio
where everyone wears multiple hats. It complements your creative generalist goal by adding
organizational skills.

• Expand Tool Proficiency: While coding and engine use are primary, knowing other common tools
can set you apart. For example, familiarize yourself with a 3D modeling tool like Blender (even just
basics of importing/exporting models, or tweaking an asset) 29 , since as a gameplay programmer
you might need to adjust properties on models or animations. Try using Adobe Photoshop or GIMP
to edit textures/UI images in your projects so you’re comfortable making minor art tweaks. If level
design interests you, learn about tilemap editors or level scripting tools. Also, since narrative is an
interest, you might experiment with scripting dialogue using a tool like Ink by Inkle (an open-source
narrative scripting language) and integrate it into Unity – this would be a neat way to combine
programming with storytelling. These extra skills show that you’re a well-rounded developer who
can bridge the gap between disciplines, a valuable trait in smaller indie/AA teams.

• Keep Adapting and Learning New Tech: The tech world changes fast. Make it a habit to stay
updated on emerging technologies relevant to games. For instance, keep an eye on any new Unity
DOTS (Data-Oriented Tech Stack) developments, or the latest in Unreal Engine 5 if you venture there.
If something like VR or AR piques your interest (perhaps for a future innovative project), there are
beginner-friendly SDKs (Oculus, ARCore) and you could try a small AR demo 30 31 . Not that you
must become a VR developer, but having exposure to these areas can spark ideas and signal
flexibility. Similarly, follow news on how AI is used in games – for example procedural generation or
even the burgeoning field of using machine learning in game design – as these could become
important in the years ahead. Being proactive about learning new tools shows employers you’re
enthusiastic and self-driven, which is exactly the attitude they want in a fresh graduate 32 5 .

Finally, as you upskill, document your journey. Maintain a simple portfolio website (or itch.io page) where
you host your games and write short devlogs about what you learned in each project. This reflective
practice will not only reinforce your learning, but also demonstrate communication skills. Employers
appreciate developers who can clearly explain their work and thought process. As EA’s recruiters have
noted, they look for entry-level talent with passion and the potential to grow – individuals who show “a fire
burning inside” and who can communicate and collaborate effectively 20 33 . Upskilling in technical areas
is crucial, but don’t neglect soft skills like communication, teamwork, and time management (your business
analysis background gives you a head-start in understanding teamwork and requirements). Participating in
team projects or game jams will help hone these interpersonal skills while you sharpen your technical ones
33 .

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Searching for Internships and Entry-Level Roles
With growing skills and a network in place, the next challenge is landing that first industry role. You
mentioned being open to internships (even during the school year) and willing to relocate or work remotely
– that flexibility will work to your advantage. Here’s how to maximize your chances of securing internships
and eventually a job by graduation:

• Utilize NAIT’s Co-op Program: Since you’re in the DMIT program, make sure you take advantage of
the co-op/internship placement support NAIT offers. Maintain the required GPA (≥ 2.8) and credits
to be eligible 34 – you’re on track with a ~3.3 so far. Proactively reach out to the DMIT co-op
coordinator ([email protected]) early to express your interest and get guidance 35 . NAIT’s close
connections with industry mean companies often come to them looking for co-op students 35 . This
could include local studios in Edmonton/Alberta or even companies elsewhere in Canada. Co-op
positions are typically 4 or 8 months and are sometimes a pipeline to full-time jobs. Treat applying
for co-ops like a job search: have your resume, portfolio, and references ready. Even if a co-op isn’t a
formal requirement, doing one (or more) will provide invaluable real-world experience and a resume
boost before graduation.

• Search Smart and Wide: Begin your search for internships on multiple fronts. Regularly check
game-specific job boards such as Gamasutra’s job board (now on GameDeveloper.com),
CanadianGameDevs.com (which lists jobs across Canadian studios), and Work With Indies (a site
for indie game jobs). Mainstream job sites like Indeed and LinkedIn are also useful – a search for
“Game Programmer Intern” or “Unity developer intern” in Canada will turn up postings 36 37 . Don’t
forget to search the career pages of studios that interest you. For instance, Edmonton’s own BioWare
(EA) may list summer internships; other Canadian studios like Ubisoft (Toronto, Montreal), EA
(Burnaby/Vancouver), WB Games, and smaller outfits often have internship or junior roles. Set up
alerts on LinkedIn or Indeed for keywords like “gameplay programming”, “Unity developer”, etc., so
you get notified when new positions pop up.

• Look for Local Opportunities: Keep an eye on opportunities in Alberta’s growing game scene.
Edmonton has a handful of studios – BioWare (larger AAA, known for narrative games), Beamdog
(indie/AA, known for remasters of Baldur’s Gate etc.), Inflexion Games (a newer Edmonton studio
working on the game Nightingale), and various smaller indies like XGen Studios, Fluik Entertainment,
Beamdog, Improbable Canada, Violet Games, etc. Calgary and other Alberta cities also have indie
studios and mobile game companies. Even if some don’t have formal internship programs, a polite
inquiry via email or LinkedIn, expressing admiration for their work and asking if they take students
or need part-time help, can sometimes open a door. Leverage your network here: if you meet
someone from a local studio via IGDA events or school clubs, let them know you’re seeking an
internship – personal connections can lead to unadvertised positions.

• Consider Remote and Indie Collaboration: Since you’re open to remote work, broaden your scope
to studios outside your immediate area. Many indie studios are fully distributed and might consider
a remote intern or junior contributor. Check communities like the Unity Discord or Unreal Slackers;
they often have a jobs or collaboration channel where small teams look for help. Websites like
Hitmarker or Remote Game Jobs list remote-friendly positions in game development. You might
also find opportunities to contribute to a mod team or an open-source game project – while not a
formal “job,” these can count as experience and yield recommendations. For example, contributing

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 code to a popular mod or joining a team for a notable game jam (like a month-long jam that results
in a published game on itch.io) can be something you show on your resume.

• Polish Your Application Materials: When opportunities arise, you want to put your best foot
forward. This means having a clear, concise resume and an accessible portfolio. Your resume should
highlight relevant coursework (e.g. “Diploma in Digital Media – Game Programming Specialization,
NAIT”), technical skills (C#, Unity, etc.), and your game projects with one-line descriptions (mention
impressive details like “Developed a 2D tower defense game in Unity with custom pathfinding and
wave management”). Include any teamwork experience (“Collaborated with 3 peers on a Global
Game Jam project”) and roles in clubs (“Member of NAIT Game Creator’s Space”). Since you don’t
have industry work experience yet, your projects and academic work are the focus. As the LinkedIn
advice suggested, hiring managers don’t sweat entry-level resumes’ lack of professional
experience – they look for passion and potential 20 . So make sure that comes through in your
cover letter or email: express why you’re excited about their company and games specifically (e.g.
“I’ve been inspired by the narrative design of your latest title, and I’m eager to contribute my own
programming and design skills to create immersive experiences”). Tailor each application to the
studio’s profile; if it’s a narrative indie studio, emphasize your story-driven projects, whereas for a
gameplay programming role at a larger studio, emphasize your technical chops and ability to
collaborate with designers 26 .

• Showcase Your Portfolio Prominently: Have a portfolio website or page ready when you apply. It
should neatly showcase your best projects (3-5 is plenty). Provide download links or video demos for
each game, and short text about what you did (e.g. “Implemented all gameplay mechanics in C#;
designed and built 5 levels”). A recruiter should be able to grasp your abilities within minutes of
browsing. Importantly, include a link to your portfolio (and possibly your GitHub) on your resume
and LinkedIn. Since many applications are online, consider also making a PDF “one-pager” visual
portfolio – a single page with screenshots of your projects and brief descriptions – that you could
attach if appropriate. Never underestimate LinkedIn in particular: ensure your profile has your
projects listed and uses keywords like “Unity, C#, game developer, gameplay programming” –
recruiters often search for those 15 . You can even make occasional posts on LinkedIn about your
projects; it shows you as an active and passionate candidate.

• Apply Early and Broadly for Internships: Timing is key for internships. Larger companies often
recruit summer interns very early (sometimes as early as September or October for the next
summer). So, as you begin your second year, start checking for Summer 2026 internship postings.
Don’t be discouraged by requirements that seem to ask for a lot – many “requirements” for
internships are wishlists. If you meet some and are eager to learn, you should still apply. Use your
school’s career center too; they might have listings or can help review your resume/portfolio. Keep a
spreadsheet to track applications, and aim to send out many – game jobs are competitive, so treat it
partially as a numbers game. Each application can also be a learning experience to refine your
materials.

• Prepare for Interviews: When you start getting interview callbacks, be ready to talk about your
projects in depth – what challenges you faced, how you solved them, what you learned. Practice
discussing a technical problem you overcame (e.g. optimizing your tower defense game’s
performance, or fixing a tough bug in your platformer). For gameplay programming roles, you might
be asked technical questions or to do a coding test. Review the basics of data structures, object-

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 oriented programming, and common Unity patterns. Since some studios use C++ (Unreal), be
prepared for general programming questions (even if you code primarily in C#, fundamental
concepts carry over). It’s also a great idea to practice a few coding problems (sites like Codility or
HackerRank) just to get comfortable thinking on your feet with code 38 . Many game studios will
also assess team fit and communication in interviews – they might ask about how you handle
critiques or solve problems in a team. Draw on your game jam or school project experiences to
provide examples (“In our group project, I took the initiative to implement feature X and coordinated
with my teammate who was designing the level to ensure it fit well…”). Showing that you can
collaborate is crucial, since making games is very much a team effort 33 .

• Stand Out with Passion Projects: When competition is tough, one way to stand out is by having a
passion project that’s a bit different. In your case, your interest in narrative and innovative indie
games can be a distinguishing factor. For example, if you have a small narrative game prototype or a
unique mechanic demo on your portfolio, that could catch an interviewer’s attention (“tell me more
about how you implemented this card game system”). It signals that you’re not just doing the bare
minimum; you’re experimenting and pushing yourself creatively. Also, involvement in the community
can be a plus – if you’ve given a small talk at a club, written a blog post, or won a prize in a game
jam, mention it. These show initiative and passion, which hiring managers love to see in a newcomer.

In summary, approach the job search as both an online and offline endeavor: use online tools and
applications to cover ground, but also harness your networking contacts and local opportunities for leads
and recommendations. By building a solid portfolio and presenting yourself as a motivated, team-oriented
developer, you’ll increase your odds of landing that first role. It might take time and many applications (the
process can be grueling 39 ), but persistence is key. Each interview (even if you don’t get the job) is practice
and one step closer to success. Keep refining your approach, and remember that sometimes breaking in is
about the right fit at the right time – your continued skill growth and networking will eventually intersect
with an opportunity.

Action Plan and Timeline (Month-by-Month)

Breaking into the industry is a journey, so it helps to set concrete goals over time. Below is a month-by-
month strategic timeline to build your knowledge, network, skills, and resume. (Adjust the timeline as
needed based on academic calendar or opportunities that arise, but maintain the general progression.)

1. Months 1–3 (May–July 2025) – Foundation Building and Community Engagement: Now that your first
year is done, start the summer by assessing your portfolio and identifying one project to polish. For
example, spend June improving your Unity platformer or tower defense game with new features or
better UI. Simultaneously, dive into learning: complete an online Unity course (or specific modules
on topics you find challenging, like C# design patterns or Unity UI) 7 . Dedicate time to reading –
finish at least one of the recommended books (Schell’s Art of Game Design for design perspective, or
Nystrom’s Game Programming Patterns for coding) 1 , and incorporate one principle you learn into
your project. Begin networking online: update your LinkedIn profile and connect with your
classmates and professors. Join the Edmonton game dev Discord (if you haven’t already) and
introduce yourself. Aim to attend at least one meetup or IGDA Edmonton event in this period – many
might be virtual or casual summer gatherings. Also, consider doing a small game jam or personal
mini-project to keep momentum. For instance, in July you could join an online game jam (itch.io
hosts many). This will help you practice building a game under constraints and give you another

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 project to show 40 . By the end of Month 3, you should have a polished project on your portfolio, a
clearer idea of what to improve next, and a foothold in the local dev community.

2. Months 4–6 (Aug–Oct 2025) – Expand Skills and Initial Outreach: As you head into your second
academic year, continue upskilling while leveraging school resources. In August, start learning the
basics of Unreal Engine (spend a few weeks following a beginner tutorial to make a simple game) to
broaden your engine experience 22 . This will also reinforce C++ knowledge – even a basic grasp will
look good on your resume. In September, focus on your coursework – try to align any class project
with your portfolio goals (e.g. if you have a game dev project class, bring in the creativity you’ve been
cultivating to make it stand out). Around this time, begin your internship search prep: draft a
general resume and have it reviewed by a mentor or career services. Start making a list of target
companies and note their internship application dates. Many big studios post summer internships in
early fall, so by October you should be checking their websites. Also in this window, attend the Game
Discovery Exhibition (GDX) if it takes place (usually mid-summer in Edmonton) 14 – if it happened
in July and you attended, follow up with any contacts you made there; if it’s upcoming or a similar
event is happening, be sure to go. GDX or any fall tech events are perfect for meeting recruiters or
seeing local indie projects (you might even discover small studios hiring or get inspiration for your
own work). By the end of Month 6, aim to have: at least one application out (even if it’s early) or an
informational interview set up (perhaps you reached out to a developer on LinkedIn for advice), an
updated portfolio online with your summer improvements, and continued involvement in your
school’s game dev club as the new semester gets underway.

3. Months 7–9 (Nov 2025–Jan 2026) – Project Enhancement and Networking Boost: In November and
December, step up your efforts on networking and applications. This is a good time to reach out to
professors or industry connections for references – let them know you’re looking for internships and
ask if they’d be willing to recommend you or keep an ear out. Continue improving your skill set:
maybe start a small side project specifically to showcase a gameplay feature (for example, over
winter break, code a prototype of a dialogue system or a cool AI enemy behavior that you can later
merge into a larger project). Use December to polish your portfolio site content – add any new
school projects from the fall term and ensure all links and descriptions are up to date. By now you
should also actively participate in online communities; for instance, do a “#gamedev” Twitter post or
an r/gamedev feedback Friday post showing a GIF of your project to get some visibility and
feedback. January 2026 is a key networking opportunity: plan to participate in the Global Game Jam
(GGJ) at the end of January 40 . Many cities (including Edmonton/Calgary) have local GGJ sites (often
organized by IGDA or universities). Join a team at GGJ and spend that intense weekend making a
game. It will force you to collaborate, learn new tricks, and create a finished product under time
pressure – exactly the kind of experience that employers value 40 . Plus, you’ll meet more local
developers and students. By the end of Month 9, you ideally have a GGJ project to add to your
portfolio (and show teamwork), a couple of internship applications submitted (with more to come),
and stronger connections in the community thanks to your increased engagement.

4. Months 10–12 (Feb–Apr 2026) – Internship Secured & Finalizing Academic Projects: In this phase, focus
on landing an internship for the summer if you haven’t already. February and March are when
many companies finalize intern hires, so follow up on any applications you sent (don’t hesitate to
politely email a recruiter or check application portals for updates). Keep applying to any new
postings; sometimes smaller studios or local businesses (even outside entertainment, like simulation
software companies or educational game startups) hire closer to summer. Leverage your professors’

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 connections – let a friendly professor know you’re still looking; they might know an alumnus hiring.
Meanwhile, continue excelling in your coursework. If you have a capstone or final project this
semester, treat it like a portfolio center-piece: for example, if you’re doing a group capstone game,
maybe you can take on the gameplay programmer role and implement something novel or complex,
which you can later showcase. Polish all your portfolio pieces one more time before summer: fix
any remaining bugs in your older projects, update your GitHub with clean, well-documented code
(since you may share it in interviews), and possibly record a new demo reel video that quickly
montages your best games. As graduation (or the end of your diploma) nears, also prepare for the
transition: attend any career fairs or “portfolio show” events NAIT hosts for graduates, as these can
put you in direct contact with employers. By April 2026, aim to have an internship offer in hand for
the summer. If you do secure an internship by this time – congratulations! Make sure to prep for it
(review the company’s tools, play their games, etc., in May). If not, don’t panic – use the summer
proactively (see next steps) and consider taking on a self-directed project or even a part-time job in a
tech-related field to keep gaining experience.

5. Months 13–18 (May–Oct 2026) – Real-World Experience and Specialization: This period will differ
depending on whether you’re working or continuing school (in case your program extends or you
pursue further education like a degree). If you landed a summer internship (May–Aug 2026),
immerse yourself in that experience fully. Treat it like a 4-month interview – learn as much as
possible about professional game development, ask for feedback often, and contribute positively to
the team. This could potentially turn into an offer for a subsequent co-op term or a full-time role
after graduation. Keep notes about what you do in the internship (non-confidential) to update your
resume later. Also, maintain your network: connect on LinkedIn with the colleagues you meet and
join any group chats or communities at the company. If you did not get an internship this summer,
create your own “internship”: pick a challenging project or a freelance gig to simulate that growth.
For example, you could team up with other students who also are free and develop a small but
polished game over the summer – perhaps something good enough to publish on itch.io or the app
stores. This will show initiative and can fill the experience gap. Come Fall 2026, if you’re back in
school (final year if pursuing a 4-year path, or doing a second diploma, etc.), use that time to
specialize and lead. Maybe run for a leadership position in the game dev club (organize a jam or a
workshop) to demonstrate leadership skills. Academically, choose a specialization project that aligns
with your desired role (e.g. an advanced AI project if you like gameplay AI, or an experimental
narrative game for your design side). Around Oct 2026, start looking at full-time entry-level job
postings if graduation is within a year – some new grad programs open early. Update your resume
with your summer experience and projects, and begin the cycle of applications again, this time for
permanent roles.

6. Months 19–24 (Nov 2026–Apr 2027) – Final Launch to Career: In this final phase (assuming you
graduate around spring 2027 if on a 4-year track, or earlier if not – adjust accordingly), the focus is
on securing your first full-time job and rounding out any remaining skills. Continue networking
vigorously: attend meetups or conferences like MIGS (Montreal International Game Summit) or GDC
2027 if you can manage – now that you have more experience, these can be prime opportunities to
meet hiring managers. Over the winter, work on any weak spots identified in internship or projects –
for example, if you realized your C++ could be stronger for certain engine roles, practice that, or if
your portfolio lacked a certain type of project, do a quick prototype to fill the gap. By now you should
have a robust portfolio of 4-6 projects including possibly a shipped student game or jam game, so
focus on presentation: maybe write a medium article or a Gamasutra blog post about something

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 you learned during a project. Having a published article or talk can distinguish you as someone who
contributes to the community. As graduation nears, ramp up job applications (starting 3-4 months
before grad). Use your network: let your contacts know you’re graduating and looking – sometimes a
casual tweet or LinkedIn post about “open to work” with your portfolio linked can lead to referrals.
Prepare intensively for interviews by reviewing everything you’ve done – at this point you have plenty
of talking points. When you do land interviews, convey confidence bolstered by your internship or
project experiences and the professional manner you’ve been developing. By Month 24, the goal is
to have multiple leads or an offer for an entry-level gameplay programmer (or related) position. If by
some chance things are slow, consider a shorter contract or indie collaboration to gain time and
keep learning – but given all your preparation, you’ll be a very strong candidate in the job market.
Stay persistent and positive; the games industry can be competitive, but you’ve built a portfolio,
network, and skill set that truly make you job-ready.

Throughout each phase of this timeline, remain adaptable. If a great opportunity comes earlier than
expected (say you meet someone who offers you part-time contract work in Month 5, or you win a
hackathon in Month 8), adjust and seize it. The timeline is a guideline to keep you on track, but the real
world can throw surprises – sometimes positive ones. By following this plan, you will steadily transform
from an aspiring student to a skilled, well-connected, and confident game developer ready to break into
the industry.

Remember, breaking in is as much about perseverance and passion as it is about planning. Keep that love
for games at the heart of what you do – it will not only fuel you through the hard work, but also shine
through to those in the industry, convincing them that you’re a great addition to any game development
team 9 10 . Good luck on your journey – with dedication and smart planning, you’re well on your way to
achieving your gameplay programming career goals!

1 2 3 4 8 18 19 21 23 27 29 40 What resources do i need to be a … | CareerVillage

https://www.careervillage.org/questions/966574/what-resources-do-i-need-to-be-a-game-developer

5 6 7 10 16 17 22 24 25 26 28 30 31 32 Breaking into the Games Industry: Tips for 2024 Success

https://harveynewman.com/breaking-into-the-games-industry/

9 20 33 Fueled by passion: Tips for new grads to break into the gaming industry
https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/fueled-passion-tips-new-grads-break-gaming-industry-sokolowski

11 12 13 Game Development Groups – Alberta Makes Games

https://www.albertamakesgames.com/game-development-groups/

14 Events - Canadian Game Devs

https://canadiangamedevs.com/events

15 38 39 How to Break into the Game Industry Through Programming

https://www.gamedeveloper.com/programming/how-to-break-into-the-game-industry-through-programming

34 35 Digital Media and IT-Game Programming - NAIT

https://www.nait.ca/programs/dmit-game-programming

36 Game Programming Intern Jobs (with Salaries) | Indeed Canada

https://ca.indeed.com/q-game-programming-intern-jobs.html

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37 58 Game Programmer Intern jobs in Canada (4 new) - LinkedIn
https://ca.linkedin.com/jobs/game-programmer-intern-jobs

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