Let me start by saying that it was through a LOT of hard work, and some coincidences that I joined the industry.

The short version of the story:

• I had a basic portfolio that I made when I was doing my undergraduate studies, and continually pursued my interest in making games during this time period.
• While working professionally, I continued to participate in game jams and honed my skills where I could. Following which, I did a Master’s in Games Development and once I finished the course, made more games.
• During this time as well, I attended lots of conventions and conferences, asked for feedback, polished, improved and kept looking to grow my skillset.
• As soon as I started looking at jobs, I had education that reflected my interest, and a strong portfolio of varied work. I broadened my search to pursue opportunities I may not have considered otherwise (I was super keen to land a role working on an RPG) and so landed my first gig.

The long version of the story:
To understand where this all begins, we’ll have to go all the way back to my education. During my undergraduate studies in animation, I had a two week course in Game Design. This course happened to be an elective, and funnily enough, coincided with another course I was hoping to take.

The course was interesting – it gave me tools, showed me interactive storytelling, made me understand basic mechanics for board games, and so much more. It gave me a way of expressing myself and the stories I wanted to tell in a way that I had never discovered before.

It should come as no surprise then, that the rest of my undergraduate studies I spent time making games for my projects instead of animation. I loved the challenge that came with figuring out a new piece of software, or what I wanted to do with a story. I spent weekends making games and teaming up with others who loved games to try all sorts of experiments!
Despite all that, I didn’t piece together that a job in games could provide me with a livelihood. 

My first couple of years as a professional, I ended up working as a Marketing Director and covered everything from content calendars to social media posts, digital marketing and the list goes on. I enjoyed some of my work, but never really felt fulfilled. Come the weekend, I’d be out looking for a jam and making games, figuring out new engines in record times because it was fun!

Eventually, and thanks to my parents support, I decided to pursue a Masters in Games Design. It took me quite a while to even settle on doing a Masters in Games Design as at the time in India, it was still in its very nascent stages. But after looking at several different courses, from film making to screen writing and audio design, I chose a course at Abertay where I felt it might just work out.

Abertay’s studio simulated course was the best education I’ve experienced, and I’d recommend it to anyone who benefits more from practical learning than theoretical learning. I met and worked with some amazingly talented people there, and learned so much from them. 

While attending university, I made sure to make time for conferences and conventions where I got to speak to other devs. I learned, listened, asked for feedback and continuously improved and polished my skillset and portfolio.
This was when I was fortunate to receive a BAFTA mentor (through their mentorship programme) and she taught me so much. From tools to building confidence, she helped me further advance my skillset and understand my interests, as varied as they were.
Her insight and questions helped me understand that there was so much more than narrative design, from systems to gameplay and game design, all different and nuanced in their own way!

Following my course, I applied for jobs and after 6 months of searching and applying, I landed my gig at Playground Games. My first introduction to Forza Horizon made me think it wouldn’t be my first choice – it was a racing game, but didn’t play like other racing games. There was more to it that was interesting!
I had dreams of being an RPG game designer, doing cool combat rolls and balancing enemies and pew pew damage, but at the time and with the opportunities available alongside my experience, I needed to look at other opportunities that piqued my interest for various other reasons.

Taking a shot in an unexpected direction allowed me to design a really fun and fulfilling player experience, that I never would have gotten otherwise. It got my foot in the door and I met so many wonderful people who all came together to make cool games, just like me, and I loved every moment!