“My passion has always been game programming”

futuregames feature

After completing his studies at Futuregames Boden, Tobias got his first job just next door to the school – at the QA company Northify. He later joined Blamorama Games in his hometown Luleå, where he now works as a Game Programmer.

– I’ve always wanted to pursue a career in game programming. Before starting my education, I worked in the gaming industry in various roles, but my true passion has always been game programming. I felt that this education would provide me with the opportunity to focus on game programming and the ability to work as a game programmer in the future. I was therefore very excited when I came across Futuregames and the Game Programming education, as I saw it as a chance to fully transition into my core interest—game programming.

A day in the life as a Game Programmer

Tobias shares what a typical working day at Blamorama Games is like:

– Most days start with quick morning meetings. First, I meet with the core team of the company, and then have quick stand-ups with the development team. After that, I dive into coding, working on the tasks planned for the current sprint. I also assist the other developers with any issues they may have. I wear many hats and am involved in various aspects of the studio, but tech and programming are my main responsibilities.

Shared passion for the game dev industry

When asked about the best part of his work, Tobias points to the opportunity to collaborate with like-minded professionals who share his passion and drive for the gaming industry.

– The majority of my days are spent programming, which is why I applied to Futuregames in the first place. I have the opportunity to learn new things, work on personal development, and expand my knowledge in topics that truly interest me. I am continually educating myself to gain more expertise in the areas I’m passionate about, constantly learning and increasing my knowledge. I’m also able to challenge myself by tackling new problems and challenges.

– Additionally, I have the opportunity to create something that will be used by others. My voice and input are valued, and I am able to broaden my understanding of the gaming industry, from development to publication, including the intricacies of marketing, attracting players, and the business side of things. I’m gaining knowledge and improving in all these areas. My job feels incredibly fulfilling because I’m learning and doing so much, and that matters to me. And, of course, I get to code!

Game Programmer skills go beyond game dev

Tobias highlights that studying game programming provides a strong foundation for various programming roles beyond game development.

– You will become familiar with both C# and C++ and gain a solid understanding of programming fundamentals. Some of the courses include computer technology, data structures, and algorithms, as well as diving into network programming and learning the relationship between server and client. This provides a strong foundation to pursue many types of programming roles, as it allows you to quickly pick up other languages and frameworks for various programming roles besides game development. You will also learn to work with methodologies like Scrum and collaborate with other developers in teams, skills that are valuable not just in game development but in any development team.

“Futuregames provides the ideal atmosphere”

What was the best part about studying to become a Game Programmer at Futuregames?

– I had the opportunity to spend 2.5 years learning what I wanted to learn. I gained a better understanding of the game industry as a whole and not just the areas I had been focusing on in my previous work. I now have knowledge of the different aspects and disciplines within the game industry, from game creation to the business side. I have a much better understanding of how the gaming industry functions behind the scenes and how people from various disciplines and professional backgrounds come together to make it all work.

– I believe the environment at Futuregames Boden provides the ideal atmosphere for studying or working in the game industry. It really puts you in the right mindset and motivates you.

“Game programming can be very rewarding”

Tobias describes Futuregames Game Programmer education as ideal for anyone who wants to make games.

– In my opinion, having a solid understanding of the editor and basic coding is essential, and out of all the Futuregames programs, this one is the best suited for game creation. If coding interests you and you want to create games, this is a great starting point. It provides a solid foundation to build upon in the game industry, as well as a good understanding of how the industry operates. If you’re creative and enjoy coding, game programming can be very rewarding as you’ll often see the results of your work changing on the screen quickly when working in a game engine.

What does it take to enter the job market and work as a Game Programmer?

– You need to become skilled at what you’re doing and dedicate the necessary time to it. I believe this industry is only for those who are truly passionate. You have to put yourself out there and create opportunities for yourself. Simply sending an application to a job listing is probably not going to lead where you want it to – in order to stand out, you must step outside your comfort zone and make that extra effort. My job requires me to quickly learn new frameworks and workflows and understand them effectively. I’m always learning new things and am open to taking on various roles.

– The game development industry in the north of Sweden is still small, but many people are working hard to help it grow. There’s a lot of drive and motivation among those working in the industry in this region, and that energy is contagious. People are determined to make northern Sweden a valid hub for the game industry, and it’s also my personal wish to see the local industry thrive!