How we approach student learning
You can't imagine a career in games until you have experience making games. Starting out learning is hard enough, but to keep learning as your skills expand requires the right approach.
Reduce Access Barriers
Learning Skills
Most high schools don't offer game development. Many students who want to learn are
doing it alone. Game Devision exists to change that by bringing structure,
mentorship, and like-minded community to students who would otherwise have none.
Connect Students to Each Other
Sharing Skills
It's not realistic for every aspirational game developer to do everything solo.
We put students with different skill sets into collision course with one another, so when you need an artist or programmer or advice you just ask someone in the community. We encourage students to explore other areas of game development to cross-pollinate their skillsets.
Bridge High School to College
Higher Education
Many programs and communities simply cease to exist when students graduate high school. Through active partnerships with the game development
programs at UC Berkeley and UC Davis, we create opportunities for students to witness the collegiate experience. Students gain familiarity to bridge this critical academic transition, and they retain continuity with peers that doesn't disappear just because of graduation.
Connect Students to the Industry
Expanding Horizons
The Bay Area is one of the world's great game development hubs. We use that
proximity to give students real access to professionals: not just as role models,
but as people they've actually talked to.
Creating Projects
Demonstrating Skills
Game development is a project-based artform, and to improve you must create. The final step in this approach is for students to keep challenging themselves to create new game experiences. Expo events, game jams, and showcases help create healthy deadlines to hone those skills.
What we envision for a sustainable career in game development
The Problem
Circumstances have changed since students could get an entry level job somewhere in their field of career interest. Game development internships are competitive, AAA studios have degree and experience requirements, indie studios are looking for talent that can wear many hats. So what is a college student or recent graduate supposed to do if they want to be a game developer? The common answer we've heard time and time again is an unsatisfying “get a real job and moonlight as a game dev.”
Creating entry-level industry positions
Paid Mentors
College students and recent graduates teach incoming high school cohorts, gaining real mentorship and teaching experience while reinforcing their own craft.
Internal Publishing
Student groups form Studio Divisions, retain the IP as a group, and license the publishing rights to Game Devision. No need to form companies, hire lawyers, or dedicate a marketing budget.
Pop-Up Arcades
It's like games on consignment. The pop-up arcade charges admission, so any student game gets a cut of the surplus revenue.
Our philosophy on the future of work
democratic governance
It's a work in progress, but we fundamentally believe in the power of worker-owned cooperatives. We envision our most dedicated members being an integral part of the governance and democratic decision-making process of the business. There is legal complexity, so we are in the phase of forming pilots to establish how this will work in practice. There is no precedent, so we're figuring this out as we go. Good thing the kids are all right.
Want to help
build this vision?
We believe in mission alignment, both in spoken sentiment and in action. Let us know where you think you fit in.