Talent Play Zone - Issue 12 🎮
Welcome to the 12th issue of Talent Play Zone!
Hey there, it’s Matteo!
Let me ask you something.Have you ever felt like you’re doing everything right - you’re sending applications, polishing your portfolio, following all the advice out there - but somehow, you’re still not getting any closer to your dream job in the gaming industry?
You’re definitely not alone.I talk to a lot of people who are passionate, skilled, and working hard… but still feel stuck.
And here’s something I’ve learned:Even the people who land their dream jobs were once in that exact same place.Feeling frustrated. Wondering what they were missing.
The good news? There is a way through it.And today, I want to show you how others found their way forward +and how you can too.
In this issue, I’m sharing:
Real success stories from people who broke into the gaming industry
A breakdown of what held them back
The turning points that changed everything
The strategies that finally got them hired
And, most importantly, practical steps you can take right now to move your career forward
By the time you’re done reading, you’ll have a much clearer picture of what works -and maybe even the inspiration you need to take that next step.
Ready? Let’s get started!
From Stuck to Hired: How They Did It (And How You Can Too)
Breaking into the gaming industry isn’t easy.Competition is fierce. Studios are selective.
And I’ve seen a lot of talented people get stuck in the same loop:You send out resume after resume…Wait for a reply…And then? Nothing.
But here’s what most people don’t talk about:Behind every “I got the job!” post on LinkedIn is a story of what really worked.And that’s exactly what I’m sharing today - three stories of people who found a way to stand out and get hired.They started in different places.A student. A QA tester. A recent grad artist.But they all figured out how to turn things around.
And you can too.
Lisa’s Story:
From “No Responses” to Junior Concept Artist in Three Months
Where She StartedLisa was six months out of art school.She had built up a portfolio and was applying to every job she could find.But nothing was happening.
“I thought I was doing everything right. But no one even looked.”
What Was Holding Her BackHer portfolio was solid… but it lacked focus.
She included too many unrelated pieces
She didn’t show her design process - just finished work
And she wasn’t targeting studios that matched her stylePlus, her LinkedIn profile? It barely existed.
What We Worked On Together
Lisa and I cut her portfolio down to six carefully chosen pieces that reflected the style of studios she admired
She started explaining her creative process, breaking down how she approached each design
We completely rebuilt her LinkedIn profile
New headline: “Junior Concept Artist | Stylized Environments”
A featured link to her portfolio
She started posting regular updates on her work, sharing her process, and commenting on others’ work in the community
I helped her craft a clear, consistent story - across her portfolio, resume, and LinkedIn profileAnd we targeted studios where her style and interests made the most sense.
What Happened NextWithin three weeks, Lisa landed two interviews.A few days later, she had her first job offer as a Junior Concept Artist at a studio that loved her work.When they made the offer, the art director told her:
“We hired you because we could see how you think through your work. And your LinkedIn made it clear you were already part of the industry.”
Adeel’s Story:
From QA Tester to Game Designer by Sharing His Process
Where He StartedAdeel had been working in QA for four years, but what he really wanted was to move into game design.He figured since he was already in the industry, people would see his potential.But that wasn’t happening.
“I assumed it was obvious that I was ready for design, but no one saw me that way.”
What Was Holding Him Back
He didn’t have a game design portfolio
His LinkedIn profile still said “QA Tester,” with no mention of game design
And he wasn’t showing his ideas or thought process anywhereTo studios, he was still a QA Tester, not a designer.
What We Worked On Together
First, Adeel joined a game jam and built a small project where he owned the design
We rebuilt his LinkedIn profile
New headline: “Junior Game Designer | Level Design & Gameplay Systems”
He added his game jam project to his featured section
He started posting weekly breakdowns of games he loved and tested - analyzing mechanics, balance, level flow, and offering design critiques
I helped him shift how he presented himself - From QA to game designer
What Happened NextAfter about three months of showing up consistently online, a Lead Designer at an indie studio messaged him directly.They invited him to apply for a Junior Game Designer role… and he got it.Now Adeel is working on level design and mechanics for their next release.
Simon’s Story:
From International Student to Confirmed Game Designer
Before Graduation
Where He StartedSimon was studying game design in France, but he wanted to get international experience.In his final year, he moved to Canada to attend a specialized game design school.He assumed he’d need to finish school before applying anywhere.
“I thought I had to graduate first. I didn’t think anyone would hire me while I was still a student.”
What Was Holding Him Back
His school projects were strong, but he didn’t see them as portfolio-ready
His LinkedIn profile hadn’t been updated in a year
And he wasn’t networking at allStudios didn’t know who he was or what he could do.
What We Worked On Together
We turned his school projects into professional case studies, showing his design process and decisions
He rebuilt his LinkedIn profile
New headline: “Junior Game Designer | Gameplay Systems & Level Design”
Added his portfolio and case studies
He started sharing insights and breakdowns of his work
Simon attended local meetups and school-hosted industry events, where he introduced himself to recruiters and designers
He applied for internships before finishing schoolI helped him reposition himself as an emerging designer, not just a student.
What Happened NextSimon landed a Junior Game Designer internship at a mid-sized studio while still finishing his final year.By the time he graduated, he was already a key member of their design team.Now he’s a Confirmed Game Designer, working on their new IP.He owns several core topics in gameplay systems and mechanics, collaborating directly with the Lead Designer and Design Director to bring the project to life.
What They All Have in Common
What do Lisa, Adeel, and Simon all share?
They stopped waiting for things to happen and took action
They rebuilt their LinkedIn profiles to reflect who they were becoming, not who they had been
They made their work visible, whether through portfolios, game jams, or thoughtful posts
They connected with studios and industry professionals in a real and authentic wayAnd they didn’t give up.
None of it was luck.These were repeatable steps - and they’re steps you can take too.
What You Can Do Next?
If you’re stuck right now, here are three things you can do today:
Review your story. Are you showing how you think and work? Or just listing tasks?
Make your work visible. Don’t wait for permission. Share it. Show people what you can do.
Rebuild your LinkedIn profile. Position yourself for the role you want next - not the one you’re in now.
And if you’re not sure where to start?I’m here to help. Send me a message on LinkedIn or Instagram, and let’s figure it out together.
What’s new in the gaming industry?
Blizzard Entertainment Announces the Return of BlizzCon in 2026
After a three-year break, Blizzard Entertainment has announced that BlizzCon will return in September 2026, hosted at the Anaheim Convention Center.
Blizzard’s new president, Johanna Faries, describes the event as a reimagined BlizzCon, with a focus on community engagement, esports, and exclusive game reveals.
The 2026 event will be the 15th edition of BlizzCon, marking a fresh chapter for the company following its recent internal restructuring and Microsoft acquisition.
Fans can expect major announcements for franchises like World of Warcraft, Diablo, and Overwatch, as Blizzard aims to reconnect with its global player community.
Microsoft Reportedly Developing Xbox Handheld Device for 2025 Release
Microsoft is planning to release a handheld Xbox device in 2025, internally codenamed “Keenan”.
Reports suggest this portable console will offer a genuine Xbox gaming experience on the go, integrating the full Xbox game library and services.
Microsoft is also said to be working on its own in-house handheld for a later release, potentially alongside the next-generation Xbox console expected in 2027.
Source: Polygon
Warhammer 40K: Space Marine 3 Officially Announced
Saber Interactive has announced it is officially developing Warhammer 40K: Space Marine 3, following the successful launch of Space Marine 2 just six months ago.
The sequel promises an immersive campaign, multiplayer modes, and large-scale battles that aim to redefine third-person action games.
While still early in development, the studio confirmed that Space Marine 2 will continue to receive support, including a new horde mode and additional content later this year.
Source: Kotaku
Fun Fact!
What’s Coming Next?
In the next issue, we’ll walk you through how to ace your next gaming industry interview - whether you’re applying as an artist, designer, programmer, or community pro.
We’ll break down the most common interview questions, show you what hiring managers are really looking for, and share proven strategies to help you stand out from the crowd.
You’ll also learn how to present your portfolio or demo, how to handle tricky questions, and what to avoid if you want to make a great impression.
By the end, you’ll have a clear idea of how to prep, what to say, and how to confidently tell your story - whether it’s your first interview or your tenth.
Let’s get you ready to shine and one step closer to your dream job in gaming!What’s the toughest interview question you’ve faced? Let’s talk about it on LinkedIn or Instagram!
Catch you in two weeks!
