Elisa Pojaga

• Year of study: Second (in 2023/24)
• Length of course: Three years

I chose to study at the University of Northampton because of the well-structured courses, newly built campus, and convenient location. The University is situated in an area that’s easily accessible by public transport, and provides many opportunities for students, with a warm welcome for international students.

I was motivated by my passion for video games and my curiosity to delve deeper into their creation process beyond the player’s perspective, but in my home country, opportunities to explore the gaming industry are non-existent. So, I decided to come to the UK and specifically to the University of Northampton, to fulfil my aspirations.

My ambition is to immerse myself in the game industry as a Game Writer, driven by my profound passion for story-driven games. I find myself deeply invested in the stories, characters, and immersive worlds of such games, often envisioning my own narratives that I hope to one day see come to life in the gaming world – it’s a dream I fervently pursue. I derive immense satisfaction from creating detailed levels, ensuring a seamless and captivating experience for players. My exacting standards for level design underscore my commitment to delivering nothing short of perfection for player engagement.

In addition to my love of storytelling and level design, I have a keen interest in modelling and programming. As I chart my future in the gaming industry, I see myself in roles such as Level Designer or Gameplay Designer, where I can work on my diverse skill set to contribute to game development.

Learning Unreal Engine 5 with blueprinting, and Unity with scripting, not only enhances my technical proficiency but also expands my opportunities within the industry. Mastery of both engines equips me to tackle diverse projects and navigate different development environments, ultimately increasing my value as a designer, and opening doors to exciting career prospects.

Knowing modelling software like 3ds Max is important in the gaming industry, as it enables the creation of intricate and visual game assets. Furthermore, I value the flexibility to explore other software tools such as Houdini and ZBrush in my free time, knowing that I have the full support of my lecturers. This encouragement to expand my skill set outside of the core curriculum fosters creativity and allows me to remain adaptable in an ever-evolving industry landscape.

The University of Northampton provides numerous opportunities for its students to thrive in the gaming industry. Firstly, through initiatives like Game Jam and group projects, I’m developing important communication, teamwork, and leadership skills, which are essential for success in the field. Also, the University facilitates industry connections through organised trips to events such as EGX, WASD, and conventions like Let’s Talk Game. During the annual Changing Futures Week, we’re able to benefit from first-hand accounts and wisdom shared by industry professionals and alumni who have successfully transitioned into the gaming industry. These experiences offer invaluable networking opportunities and insights into the industry’s latest trends and innovations.

The entire degree programme is providing me with a solid foundation which will be applicable to various roles within the gaming industry. Whilst specialisation is crucial, possessing a vast knowledge is equally valuable for my versatility and adaptability as a designer.

Additionally, the University offers exemplary employability support services, including CV reviews and interview training, ensuring that students are well-equipped to enter the workforce with confidence and competence.

The advice I would give to undergraduates interested in this career path would be to embrace the journey of hard work and perseverance, as it’s the path to success. Dedicate yourself to continuous learning, remain resilient in the face of challenges, and always pursue your passions with love and determination. And remember not to be too hard on yourself.

So far, my UON experience is hard work but lots of fun, with friends around me, working together to achieve something great.