Tools, mindset shifts, and support to help you stay confident and keep building your career in games.

Welcome to the 16th issue of Talent Play Zone!

Hey there, it’s Matteo!

Let’s get real for a second. You finally landed the interview, the recruiter replied, or someone praised your portfolio – and instead of celebrating, your brain goes:

“They must have made a mistake.”

“I don’t actually belong here.”

“What if I get exposed as a fraud?”

If that sounds familiar, I see you.

Impostor syndrome is something almost everyone experiences - especially in a creative, fast-moving industry like gaming where no two paths are the same.

And if you’re feeling it?

That doesn’t mean you don’t belong. It means you’re growing.

This issue is about learning to recognize impostor syndrome, manage it, and remind yourself that your story, skills, and voice matter in games.

Here’s what we’ll break down together:

By the end, you’ll feel more equipped, more grounded, and more ready to take that next step.

It’s that small voice whispering:

Here’s the truth:Impostor syndrome doesn’t show up when you’re doing nothing.It shows up when you’re growing when you're applying for a bigger role, learning a new skill, or entering unfamiliar territory.

So if it’s showing up for you right now?It’s not a sign you’re a fraud.It’s a sign you care and that you’re in motion.

Even senior developers, experienced artists, and team leads deal with it.

So the next time that voice shows up? Recognize it for what it is - not a warning, but a reflection of your ambition.

Impostor syndrome isn’t always loud. It often whispers.

Here’s how it might be showing up in your journey:

Before you know it, those small thoughts can lead to missed opportunities.

Start by calling it out.

Once you can name what’s happening, you can start to take control back.

Confidence isn’t something you’re born with. It’s something you build.And no, you don’t have to wait until you feel 100% ready.

Here are 4 simple ways to strengthen your sense of confidence…starting now:

1. Keep a Win FolderSave every compliment, kind message, project you're proud of, or feedback you received.

Review them when you start to doubt your progress.

2. Reframe the Narrative

Were you really “just lucky”? Or did you do the work, show up, and deliver?

3. Talk About ItMost people feel impostor syndrome but stay silent.When you talk to others in the industry, you’ll realize you’re not alone; and that’s powerful.

4. Celebrate Progress, Not Just PerfectionYou don’t need a AAA title or 10 years of experience to be proud.Every small win counts: a finished asset, a good comment in playtesting, a prototype that worked. They matter more than you think.

It can feel discouraging when things take time.But remember:

This industry needs different voices, perspectives, and lived experiences.

Whether you’ve come from another field, taught yourself a tool, or are still learning as you go; you’re part of the future of games.

You don’t need a perfect background to contribute meaningfully.You don’t need permission to start applying or sharing your work.You don’t need someone else’s path to validate your own.

Keep showing up.Keep applying.Keep making things.

Impostor syndrome doesn’t go away overnight.And yes; this industry is competitive.

There’s uncertainty.

There’s rejection.

There are moments that make you question your path.

But there’s also growth.There’s progress.And there’s a place for people who keep going even when they don’t feel ready.

You won’t feel confident all the time. You won’t land every opportunity.But every application you send, every skill you improve, every conversation you initiate; that’s forward motion.

This isn’t about faking it.It’s about taking honest steps, learning out loud, and refusing to quit.

So what now?

Keep learning. Keep applying. Keep building.And when doubt creeps in again, recognize it for what it is:Proof that you’re growing into something bigger.

Because doubt means you care.And you belong here - not someday, but now.

Impostor syndrome thrives in silence.But the moment you speak up, share your doubts, or tell your story - you help others realize they’re not alone.

What’s one thing you wish you knew before your last application?Was it doubt? A missed opportunity? A surprise win? Something that made you second-guess yourself… or push through?

Your story could be the one someone else needs to read.

DM me on Instagram or message me on LinkedIn.Let’s open the conversation. Let’s share what’s real.Because no one builds a career alone, and we’re not doing it now, either.

The highly anticipated MMO Dune: Awakening is running a large-scale open beta from May 9 to May 12, ending Monday at 5:59 PM EDT / 2:59 PM PDT — and if you pre-order, you can still join.

Set in an alternate Dune timeline, the beta features up to 25 hours of content, including Act 1 missions, character creation, crafting, base-building, sandbike travel, and intense PvE survival on Arrakis. Choose your path as a Trooper, Bene Gesserit, Mentat, or Swordmaster… and yes, sandworms are a real threat.

With no NDA, players are free to stream and share their experience.

The full game launches June 10, with early access starting June 5 for Deluxe and Ultimate editions.

Join the beta here

Source: Polygon

Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 has become 2025’s breakout RPG hit, earning a 92% score on Metacritic and OpenCritic, making it the highest-rated game of the year.

What makes this even more impressive?It’s the first-ever game from Sandfall Interactive, a brand-new studio made up of former Ubisoft devs who’ve gone indie and delivered something truly unforgettable.

Set in a surreal Belle Époque-inspired world, this turn-based fantasy RPG tells the haunting story of Expedition 33, a group trying to stop a mysterious ritual called the Gommage, which causes people to vanish once they reach a certain age. It’s dark, poetic, and packed with emotion, including a major plot twist at the end of Act 1 that players can’t stop talking about.

Just 12 days after launch, the game sold over 2 million copies, caught the attention of international press, and even got a nod from French President Emmanuel Macron, who called it “a shining example of French creativity.”

If you haven’t checked it out yet, Expedition 33 is available now on PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC, and it’s already a serious Game of the Year contender.

Source: TheVerge

You’ve probably seen the headlines; but it’s official: Grand Theft Auto VI won’t hit shelves until May 26, 2026.

Originally expected in 2025, Rockstar announced the delay to give the team “extra time to deliver at the level of quality you expect and deserve.” The decision follows massive hype since the first trailer shattered YouTube records in late 2023.

Fans are frustrated, but also hopeful. Rockstar’s track record speaks for itself, and the studio says it’s aiming to exceed expectations once again with its biggest title yet.

Yes, the wait just got longer. But the stakes, and the ambitions have never been higher.

Source: GamesIndustry.biz

In the next issue, we’ll explore how to get noticed by studios before you even apply; why it matters, how it works, and what you can do to stand out early.

We’ll cover:• How recruiters actually find talent in the gaming industry• Ways to build your presence without feeling fake• What you can do now to stand out…before the job goes live

What’s one thing you wish you knew about getting seen before your last application?I’d love to hear your story, your doubts, your wins, all of it.

Find me on LinkedIn or Instagram. Because no one builds a career alone.Your next opportunity might already be looking for you. Let’s make sure they find you.

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