So you want to make games? But what does working in game dev actually look like?
At Ubisoft, it’s crafting immersive worlds, telling impactful stories, and creating memorable gaming experiences. And it takes a lot of people. Working together.
In our new video series, Level With Me, we explore game development in all its shapes and forms through simple conversations.
In each episode of the series, we’ll explore one area of game development from the perspectives of a senior talent and a junior talent within the same job family. After all, who better to teach us about what goes on in the various aspects of game production than the people who are in those roles?
We’ll delve into their personal career journeys, their proudest peaks and biggest challenges, what working at Ubisoft Toronto is really like, we even dig into really tough personal questions like how do they feel about pineapple on pizza… the possibilities are endless so let’s dive right in!
Episode 1: Let’s talk narrative design in video games
How do you write a captivating narrative that resonates with people? For Narrative Director Navid Khavari and Scriptwriter Jean Kim, it’s all about drawing from personal experience. Together, they dig into their 14 years at Ubisoft Toronto and shed light on how they got their start in games, what it’s like to work and play at UbiTO, and even drop their top tips for other aspiring writers seeking to break into the industry!
Episode 2: Let’s talk level design in video games
Great level design is often the product of tight collaboration and in-depth consideration of all aspects of the game and the player, but all of it is moot if the level designer fails to achieve one crucial element — FUN!
Associate Level Design Director Zavian Porter and Level Designer Camila Kukulski draw on 6 years of combined experience at Ubisoft Toronto (and 16 years in the industry) to share what’s the secret sauce behind good level design, why “finding fun” in a level can be elusive and just why it’s so damn difficult to design doors in video games!
Episode 3: Let’s talk programming in video games
Curious just how much programming has evolved over the past two decade? Just ask Technical Lead David Cheung whose experience spans over 23 years in games! He shares what he’s learnt since his days from working on games for the Nintendo GameCube, and how he continues to learn from knowledge–sharing events at Ubisoft and innovative ideas from his teammates such as Gameplay Programmer Shaked Brosh!
As someone who joined Ubisoft Toronto two years ago through winning Develop at Ubisoft, Shaked also sheds light on how mentorship opportunities and support from the broader programming community at Ubisoft have been impactful to levelling up her career.
Together, they reflect on why your ability to collaborate and communicate with partners (who may not be programmers) is as vital as your ability to code or fix bugs.
Have a burning question of your own? Or are there other roles in game dev that you’re curious about? Share it with us on LinkedIn, X or Instagram!
Interested in joining our team? Check out our open roles!
