Is this programme right for you?

Clara Lüty, from Germany and Brian Luai Barikhan, from Syria.

In order to have my studio and create meaningful games, I want to learn about what makes a game good, how to work effectively in a team, and about the industry – Brian.

How did you choose your programme?
Brian – I was very interested in finding a programme that helps me explore my passion for games. This programme seemed to provide a multi-faceted experience for learning game design through its different subjects. I thought Game Design and Project Management was a great fit for me, as I believed that I was a good team facilitator.

Clara – In 2019, I did a short internship at a Malmö-based game design studio. Since I had been interested in game design but not yet convinced, this gave me the final push I needed to commit and learn more about the industry.

What is the best thing about studying at Uppsala University?
Clara – Similar to working in a real game design company, the students can decide when and where to work and meet up during a game project. This allows us to improve our self-organisation and communication skills, as the tutors are more like assistants rather than strict directors telling us what to do.

Brian – We are fully provided with all the tools needed for my studies. We are also provided opportunities to meet people from the industry.

What is it like to be an international student?
Clara – I imagined it would be more complicated to be an international student but to my surprise, it was way easier than I thought. Everyone on Gotland speaks English, with that I do not only mean the students and teachers, I also mean the employees at ICA, at the library, the hairdresser, café employees, almost everyone. Therefore, the language barrier does not really pose as big of a threat as one might think. I found friends really quickly.

What is your reason for studying?
Brian – I want to study so I can take the ideas I've had for years and turn them into reality. After this programme, I wish to work in the game development industry, and eventually start my own studio.

Clara – My ultimate goal is to have my own game studio and create story-driven games that stay in people's minds. I want to work with creative people and have a final product that one can be proud of. In order to have my studio and create meaningful games, I want to learn about what makes a game good, how to work effectively in a team, and about the industry.

Do you remember your first impression of Visby?
Clara – Visby looks like a beautiful Harry Potter movie set. That was my first impression when walking through the alleys and parks of the little town. Some might say it's like going back in time and seeing how cities looked hundreds of years ago. For me, Visby sparked my curiosity and I just wanted to explore every little alley.

What is your best experience so far?
Brian – The student life is one of the best elements of studying this programme. You get to meet people that are all passionate about different aspects of game development. One of my greatest experiences so far is winning an award at the Gotland Game Conference. The conference is hosted by the University, and was a perfect reward for our hard work. It also assisted students in getting closer to the industry by helping them create a portfolio, and display their games to people from companies.

Two quick questions:
What is your favourite place on Gotland?
Clara – The library café.

Brian – The G building on campus. It's the perfect place to hang out with your classmates and study.

Where is the best place to study?
Brian – The B, and G buildings on campus, or the Almedal Library.

Clara – On the beach next to the University.

Autumn 2022