Case Studies

Background

Oliver comes from a Physics background and has just finished his PhD in Fusion plasma simulations. His hobbies include playing board games, TTRPGs, Ultimate Frisbee and riding a unicycle.

In their own words

I'm hoping to learn all the skills I need to make it in the industry. I have previous coding experience but not in C++ or in a game's context, so I have a lot to learn! I'm also keen to build professional relationships with the other apprentices and staff.

Where are they now?

To be added.

Background

Carter previously worked in QA for both Rare and Rockstar before joining the Academy to pursue a career in programming. They enjoy playing games of all kinds, though mostly multiplayer games like MMOs and League of Legends, as well as football and weightlifting.

In their own words

I am hoping to become a competent, trusted and valued member of the Sumo Programming team and help to produce some great games!

Where are they now?

To be added.

Background

Erwin has a background in Mechanical Engineering and worked in product development prior to joining the Academy. His hobbies include badminton, turn-based games and tabletop, occasionally tinkering with his 3D printer.

In their own words

[I want to] Be competent as a programmer, build great relationships and ultimately release a game.

Where are they now?

To be added.

Background

Arune has a keen interest in human psychology and neuroscience. They don't have any tech background and used to work in customer service before joining the Academy.

In their own words

I hope to learn some cool things both from apprenticeship programme and other peers. I also hope to pass all tests and achieve the required standard to work in games industry.

Where are they now?

To be added.

Background

Reece arrived at the Academy from a Computer Science BSc. His favourite hobbies include gaming and climbing.

In their own words

Team communication skills and explore which area of game development I might be interested in specialising.

Where are they now?

To be added.

Background

Ricky-Lee loves games and was an indie game developer for a long time before arriving at the Sumo Digital Academy.

In their own words

I wanted to turn my hobby into a career.

Where are they now?

To be added.

Background

Tom was a QA Tester for four and a half years before joining the Academy. He's interested in gaming, bouldering, programming, and 'lucid dreaming'.

In their own words

Strong understanding of programming in games, so I can continue to work in my favourite industry, with my favourite people.

Where are they now?

To be added.

Background

Isaac studied an Undergraduate degree in Maths and Music and a Postgraduate degree in Music Performance. For the past two years he's worked in admin at Leeds University — but he found that he could quickly automate a lot of day-to-day tasks, so despite not being hired as a programmer he got into the habit of writing code on a regular basis.

In their own words

I'm hoping to be able to get the skills to make some fantastic games and have the chance to make some fantastic games that I can be really proud of. I also want to meet some awesome friends that love games as much as I do!

Where are they now?

To be added.

Background

After working in a laboratory role, Adittya was keen to be in an industry that has a progressive culture, is creative in nature and moves with the technology of its time. They took part in the Academy's Diversity Internship Training Programme, which gives people from under-represented groups the opportunity to receive training and mentoring in game programming.

In their own words

Being a DITP intern, it provided a pathway for someone like me that didn't do a game programming course at university but was looking to pivot into games. Learning quite late on in my life that I have ADHD, the Academy provides a fantastic learning setup for me — I get a lot of learning support and structure, but I also get a lot of freedom to take learning at my own pace. I'd love to learn to proficiently write friendly, industry-standard code, and apply this skillset to working on game projects with other programmers.

Where are they now?

To be added.

Background

Jack graduated from the University of Bath with a degree in Physics and worked for the NHS before joining the Academy. One of Jack's friends is part of the 2023 cohort and had nothing but great things to say about the programme.

In their own words

As someone with ADHD I really value an environment that is friendly and accessible to that type of thinking. Even during the interview process, Jacob and George were really inquisitive about how I approach learning and thinking about things, and I just thought this would be a comfortable environment to follow a passion that I'd always had.

Where are they now?

To be added.

Background

Hollie has a background in computer science, digital media, art and product design, which fed into doing BA Game Art at De Montfort University. In their spare time, they enjoy playing D&D, Call of Cthulu, Palworld, modded Minecraft and Overwatch.

In their own words

I hope to make plenty of friends, and gain skills from being in an industry-style situation. I also really hope to be a part of a game release through the Academy.

Where are they now?

To be added.

Background

Mihai is a 3D Game Art graduate from Sheffield Hallam University where he won the Rebellion North Game Art & Animation Award for his final project. His hobbies are playing video games, as well as cooking and woodworking.

In their own words

I am hoping to learn new things, get the chance to work on shippable projects, network with people, and make new friends in this field, as well as hopefully secure a long-term job at Sumo Sheffield. I love Sumo's culture, and Sheffield is a city that I hold dearly in my heart.

Where are they now?

To be added.

Background

January joins the Academy after obtaining an MA in Game Art at Sheffield Hallam University. They like Pokémon, puzzle games and sketching/life drawing.

In their own words

Plenty of new experiences and learning opportunities. I'm never done improving and I believe I can get a lot out of my time here. Making friends with like-minded people is always a nice bonus too.

Where are they now?

To be added.

Background

Ellie studied Game Design at Hopwood Hall College and BA Game Art at Sheffield Hallam, graduating with first class honours in 2023. She has always had an interest in art which she picked up from her grandma who was an artist, and regularly draws and writes in her free time — she hopes to create a sci-fi comic for fun! She also enjoys playing games like the Souls games, reading manga, and playing DnD with friends.

In their own words

I hope to keep building my knowledge and skills while meeting more people I have common interests with, building friendships and experiences that will shape me professionally and personally.

Where are they now?

To be added.

Background

Tashan recently graduated from Birmingham City University where they studied Video Game Digital Art as a BA and Feature Film Development as an MA. They enjoy playing FPS games like Halo and Rainbow Six Siege, as well as writing and producing songs.

In their own words

I am hoping to expand my skillset and work on exciting new projects.

Where are they now?

To be added.

Background

Holly joins the Sumo Digital Academy as the first ever Shadow Apprentice. During her time with the Academy, she'll be studying and engaging in the same projects as the current apprentices — documenting the entire process in video form to give an inside look into what it's like to be an apprentice.

In their own words

It's important for underrepresented groups to see people like themselves in industry roles, so that's a key part of the Academy's goal with this new role. I'm honoured to be the face that will hopefully inspire future cohorts and underrepresented groups to apply to the apprenticeship in years to come.

Where are they now?

To be added.

Background

Grace joins the Academy off the back of being a student in our Diversity Internship Training Programme. Whilst studying Physics with Astrophysics at university, Grace discovered her passion for gaming and programming, and is eager to join the games industry due to its creative flair. She's really looking forward to learning the ins and outs of all things gaming, discovering how things are made and subsequently putting her knowledge to use. In addition, she's also looking forward to the social aspect of the apprenticeship and getting to know her peers.

Where are they now?

To be added.

Background

It was during his studies in Software Engineering that Imisioluwa discovered an interest in game development, which led to applying and — successfully — obtaining a place in the Sumo Digital Academy. He's really looking forward to making games, and hopefully planning to release something themselves. Aside from learning the ways of game development, Imisioluwa has interests in esports (generally FPSs and MOBAs), 3D art/modelling, and reading.

Where are they now?

To be added.

Background

Having always loved playing games, Duncan took the opportunity during lockdown to start learning how to code. The Sumo Academy was the perfect opportunity to solidify their skills for something they love doing and hopefully turn it into a career. Duncan is hoping to meet lots of lovely people and learn lots of exciting new things during their time in the academy. Aside from a passion for games, they also enjoy cycling and DJ-ing.

Where are they now?

To be added.

Background

A graduate student of digital media design, and part-time Python tutor at Software Academy, Haitao saw the Sumo Digital Academy as an opportunity to work within a friendly environment with a group of talented industry professionals. Through the knowledge and expertise of the apprenticeship, Haitao hopes to become a great game developer, with a vast knowledge across all relative aspects. Post-apprenticeship, he would like to become a Junior Developer here at Sumo.

Where are they now?

To be added.

Background

During her university studies, Alice created games on Unity to cope with the stress of the course — it was through this that she realised that she preferred game programming due to its logical problem-solving nature. Alice hopes to one day become confident in game-specific coding to secure a full-time game programming job and feels that the academy is the right environment to push her and see where her potential can lead. More importantly, Alice hopes to gain lifelong friends from the apprenticeship who, hopefully, may be her colleagues in the future.

Where are they now?

To be added.

Background

Having recently graduated with a BSc in Artificial Intelligence & Computer Science, Abdullah was keen to take his learnings and implement them in an opportunity like the apprenticeship. Video games were the reason he got into computer science and technology, and the academy will allow him to bring these interests together in the best way possible. Abdullah is looking forward to working with a like-minded, yet diverse range of people.

Where are they now?

To be added.

Background

Luke had always been trying to shift his skills towards game development, and when he saw what the academy offered, it was a no-brainer. He's looking forward to one day becoming a competent developer with enough skills and knowledge to be able to work on large games and exploring different paths available in the industry through the academy. Luke previously spent a few years designing and building an escape room in South Yorkshire, as well as working in industrial automation following his degree in Aerospace Engineering.

Where are they now?

To be added.

Background

Though Matt's main university studies revolved around Physics, it was the small programming projects that he enjoyed due to the problem-solving aspect. This, combined with his love of playing games, is what first inspired him to try out game programming. By the time he finishes his apprenticeship, Matt's goal is to have the knowledge and skills to be able to get a job working in a professional game studio, helping to make some amazing games. Away from the programming side of life, he enjoys playing Dungeons & Dragons.

Where are they now?

To be added.

Background

Mathematics graduate Simran has always had a passion for playing games. She considered game programming to be her dream career but didn't think it was achievable to switch careers after finishing her degree. Thankfully, Simran found out about the academy and was successfully chosen as one of the latest cohorts. From being a complete beginner to C++, Simran is looking forward to seeing the whole process of making a game first-hand. Her goal is to reach a point where she is confident enough to write code in order to contribute to a project during her time in the academy.

Where are they now?

To be added.

Background

Having a PhD in Quantum Physics is a fantastic achievement, but Fagin is hoping to progress further by using his experience in maths and physics to program games. He's looking forward to gaining knowledge with the academy's guidance to go on and have a successful career in the games industry. When he's not putting his maths and physics skills to the test, Fagin enjoys hobbies such as D&D, photography, hiking, and gaming.

Where are they now?

To be added.