Keep reading to learn more about Robbie and the integral role Unity Learn has played in getting his career and studio off the ground.
How did it feel when you completed the Junior Programmer Pathway?
In a word, brilliant. It felt as though I finally had something that I was passionate about and could focus on. I could spend hours on various tutorials and building my own projects and it would feel as if no time had passed at all. The only other time I have that feeling is when playing games.
How long did it take you to complete the course?
It took around a month, and I completed it alongside part-time work. I advise anyone embarking on it to work little and often – you’ll burn out if you try to do too much in a short time. It’s easier to build the habit if you’re able to work consistently over a long period, and if that means only doing half an hour every other day, that’s what you do. Find a schedule that works for you and avoid burnout at all costs.
What was your career before you started learning Unity?
I had worked briefly in film and television in a range of roles on documentaries, dramas, and animations. I’d explored film and television a lot, and while there were things I enjoyed about working in that industry, I always felt a little out of place.
What career challenges did you face?
I felt as though I lacked hard skills. I was good at communicating and being a team player, but whether it was due to lack of confidence or something else, I always felt uncomfortable putting myself forward to do more technical work.
What made you want to switch careers?
The COVID-19 pandemic had dried up all opportunities in the industry I worked in previously. It was a move almost out of desperation. To even my older siblings, games were an idle pastime at most. Unity Pathways and the support from Unity really showed me how much of an opportunity there was in the games industry. I have met people and done things that I would never have dreamed of prior, as well as found a huge passion that continues to drive me to push myself further.
“Unity Pathways and the support from Unity really showed me how much of an opportunity there was in the games industry.”
Has the career change had an impact on your salary?
It’s a lot more stable, for one. I came from a work-for-hire industry, and immediately before learning Unity I was unemployed due to the pandemic. Having mostly done short contract work in the past, learning Unity has allowed me a lot more financial freedom and opportunities to increase my salary.
“Learning Unity has allowed me a lot more financial freedom and opportunities to increase my salary.”
Can you tell us about your new career?
I’m now a director in my own studio. I was very lucky to receive funding from Northern Ireland Screen after completing my Unity Pathways course. With that initial investment I, along with two others, were able to start our own studio, HoloMoon Games. We want to make games that reflect our culture and make people laugh. We’re currently working towards our first official release, Guitar Zeros, which will hopefully be on Steam sometime next year. And, I’ve recently become a BAFTA Connect member, which I never thought I could achieve. I keep wondering when they’re going to realize and kick me out.
“We’re currently working towards our first official release.”
Can you tell us how you secured funding for your project?
We applied for an incubator scheme with Northern Ireland Screen called MiniGame, which involved written and in-person pitching. My advice for anyone looking to do the same would be to get comfortable talking about your game idea in front of others. One thing that helps is to ask three questions: Can I make this? Should I make this? And, do I want to make this? If I answer yes to all three, then I know I can comfortably pitch that idea. In general, I’d recommend keeping an eye out for funding opportunities, especially those provided by local organizations in your area. Without the support from Northern Ireland Screen, I wouldn’t be in the position I am now.
Source: Unity Technologies Blog