Posted: 31 October 2025
Game Development students from across University Campus Doncaster (UCDon) and Game Design New College Doncaster came together on Friday 17th October for an inspiring Game Development Careers Day, gaining invaluable insights from industry professionals and UCDon alumni shaping game studios across the country.
Warren Leigh (Senior Talent Acquisition & Development Specialist), Sam Sauer (QA Lead), and James Smith (Programmer) from Cast Iron Games in Wakefield shared their expertise on studio structure, team dynamics, and creating a standout portfolio and workflow. They encouraged students to explore a wide range of production practices from day one, emphasising adaptability, curiosity, and a diverse skill set as essential for success in the competitive games industry.
Warren commented, “It was a great opportunity to share our journeys, answer questions, and hopefully spark a few ideas (and ambitions!) among the next generation of developers.”
Luke Ellis, UCDon BA( Hons) Games Design and Animation Top-Up alumnus and Gameplay Scripter at Larian Studios, reflected on his journey from student to industry professional. He urged students to follow their passions, cultivate strong work habits, and understand both their strengths and areas for growth. Luke also emphasised the importance of networking and building meaningful industry connections to unlock early career opportunities.
Kenan Wilsher, Founder / Creative Director and Joe Kennett, Environment Artist and UCDon Game Development lecturer, shared the story of Observer Interactive, which began with an idea for a game and has grown into a thriving games development studio in the North East of England, currently working on their latest project, Good Boy. Matty’s journey from game artist to company founder highlighted a key lesson: success comes from surrounding yourself with a motivated, aligned team. “The biggest mistake you can make is thinking you can do everything on your own,” they said, emphasising the power of collaboration and shared vision.
Reflecting on the event, James Cotterill, Game Development Programme Leader at UCDon, said “Events like this are invaluable for our students. They provide real-world insights, inspiration, and connections that help bridge the gap between study and industry. The engagement and enthusiasm we saw today demonstrate the future of game development is in very capable hands.”
The day offered students an unparalleled opportunity to hear directly from industry leaders, explore diverse career paths, and gain practical guidance to turn their game development dreams into reality.
