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DREAM JOB PATH - Horror Focused Game/Media Creator

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DREAM JOB PATH - Horror Focused Game/Media Creator

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My dream job is to become a horror-focused game and media creator, combining roles such as gameplay designer/programmer, VFX artist, 3D animator, 3D game artist, or VR designer/programmer. I’m particularly passionate about horror as a genre because of its deep storytelling, immersive visuals, and emotionally charged sound design. Whether working on horror games, films, or interactive VR experiences, I want to help craft terrifying, atmospheric worlds that push creative and technical boundaries. My ideal role would involve designing gameplay mechanics that enhance tension, creating haunting visual effects, and animating eerie creatures or environments that captivate and disturb players across different media platforms.

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These are 2 majors needed to achieve my goal, Games and Simulation to learn game design skills, ETBD to get OTP for more than 3 years in the US.

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Event 2: Clubs/Communities needed to participate

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Event 2: Clubs/Communities needed to participate

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These are clubs I need to join: Miami Game Design Club to learn game design skills and gain networks, D&D Club to learn to be creative, and XR Club to do more things in the XR Stage.

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I've already built a website to showcase my portfolio, I will need to add a short VR experience, animated short, and spooky game demo to demonstrate my skills and which aspect I am focusing in.

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These are on-campus and online resources that I can use to enhance my skills. I will ask professor Liz Hejny for resume and portfolio review, and sign up for portfolio review at the Student Success Center. I can go to LinkedIn to network and learning new things from creators, go to Unity for gaming industry trends or gain experience from guest speakers, go to Udemy for courses to improve my skills.

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For potential internship opportunities, I plan to explore roles that align with both my technical and creative interests. These include positions as a VFX artist, 3D animator, 3D modeler or texture artist specializing in game art, and game designer/programmer. I’m also open to internships in related areas such as web design or front-end programming to strengthen my UI/UX skills, and video editing to enhance my understanding of pacing and visual storytelling. Additionally, I’ll look for opportunities with horror film production companies, where I can gain experience in crafting atmosphere and narrative specific to the horror genre.

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To succeed in the horror-focused creative field, I’ll need to develop a variety of specialized skills. Studying psychology will help me understand how fear works and how to craft effective scares and unsettling atmospheres. Gaining a strong foundation in sound design is also essential, as audio plays a huge role in building tension and delivering impactful moments—taking an online course, such as one on Udemy, could help me get started. Additionally, exploring film studies, particularly with a focus on horror, will teach me the storytelling techniques and cinematic language used to create suspense and emotional impact in both games and visual media.

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To grow professionally and stay connected with the industry, I plan to join several national organizations that support my career goals. The International Game Developers Association (IGDA) will connect me with game development professionals and provide access to events, mentorship, and resources. For my interest in visual effects and graphics, ACM SIGGRAPH is an excellent organization that offers cutting-edge insights into VFX, animation, and computer graphics. Additionally, since I’m interested in virtual and augmented reality, joining the XR Association or attending AWE (Augmented World Expo) will help me stay up to date with the latest advancements and connect with leaders in immersive technology.

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To build experience, expand my portfolio, and connect with other creatives, I plan to participate in game jams and film festivals, especially those focused on horror. Events like Scream Jam and 48-hour horror film festivals offer great opportunities to experiment with horror concepts under tight deadlines, helping me strengthen my storytelling, design, and collaboration skills. I also aim to take part in annual game jams held each January at Miami University, where I can network with local developers, showcase my ideas, and gain valuable feedback from both peers and industry professionals.

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To expand my professional network and stay updated on industry trends, I plan to attend major industry conferences during my junior and senior years, specifically in 2026 and 2027. Attending the Game Developers Conference (GDC) will give me insight into current practices in game design and programming, while SIGGRAPH will expose me to the latest advancements in VFX and computer graphics. For inspiration and connections within the horror niche, I’m also planning to attend genre-specific events like HorrorCon, Monsterpalooza, or the Midnight section at Sundance Film Festival, which features experimental and horror films. Additionally, AWE (Augmented World Expo) will allow me to explore the latest in VR/AR technology and connect with innovators in the immersive media space.

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As a key milestone in my academic journey, I plan to complete a capstone project that highlights my skills and passion for horror media. This will be a horror-themed interactive experience or animated short, designed to showcase my abilities in storytelling, visual design, and sound implementation. The project will serve as a portfolio centerpiece, demonstrating my creative vision and technical proficiency to potential employers or collaborators in the game, film, or immersive media industries.

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Event 11: Pursue Entry-Level Job or Paid Freelance Work (Post-Graduation)

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Event 11: Pursue Entry-Level Job or Paid Freelance Work (Post-Graduation)

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After graduation, I plan to pursue entry-level positions or paid freelance work to gain professional experience and further develop my skills. Some of the roles I’m targeting include Junior Game Designer, where I can contribute to gameplay mechanics and level design; Technical Artist, bridging the gap between art and programming; VFX Intern or Assistant, to work on visual effects for games or films; and 3D Generalist, handling modeling, texturing, and animation tasks. These positions will provide valuable hands-on experience and help me build industry connections as I work toward more specialized roles in the horror niche.

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Event 12: Break into Horror Industry Niche (3-5 years after graduation)

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Event 12: Break into Horror Industry Niche (3-5 years after graduation)

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Within 3 to 5 years after graduation, my goal is to fully break into the horror industry niche by creating and sharing original work that reflects my passion for the genre. I plan to pitch or publish a horror-themed indie game or animated short, using it as both a creative outlet and a calling card for future opportunities. At the same time, I’ll actively apply to studios known for horror content, such as Bloober Team, Supermassive Games, SpectreVision, or A24, where I can contribute to projects that align with my interests. Building a strong network of like-minded collaborators will also be essential, allowing me to grow creatively and professionally within a community that shares my love for horror storytelling.