What does it take to get accepted to Gamedev Camp?

With every new season and application, we’ve heard many great artists, game designers, and developers tell us that they simply feel not good enough and that their skills are too lacking for Gamedev Camp. They feel not suited for the Camp, so we’re finally having this much-needed conversation: what are our requirements for being accepted into Gamedev Camp and what do we expect from you once you’re here?

Your motivation is important

Before anything else, what we notice first is always your motivation.
Our applications are structured the way that they are for a reason - the way you answer and carry yourself when talking about why you want to join helps us get a better look at what we can expect from you.

One-word answers are always a red flag, even if the applicant's portfolio seems great, the lack of motivation in talking about your skills or what you want to do makes us skeptical when considering the application, it raises questions - if this person seems uninterested now, what will happen when they’re in a team, will they lack communication then as well, perhaps accepting them wouldn’t be a good idea then?

After your application we will reach out to you personally as well, ask you some questions, and have small conversations, this also helps us determine how well you communicate with someone as communication and how you converse with someone is a big part of Gamedev Camp and overall working within any team.

… but so are portfolios

But of course, motivation and good communication skills aren’t the only things we’re looking for, your portfolio is extremely important too. Of course, you don’t have to be a professional with flawless work, but your work should showcase your skills well and your skills should be polished enough to allow you to work, learn, and improve quickly.

In short, when it comes to artists, we don’t ask for portfolios with every piece of art you’ve ever worked on, 3 or 4 pieces of art that you’re proud of and that showcase your abilities the best are more than enough.

As for game designers, your portfolio should consist of at least one good example of what you’re capable of (this includes pitch decks, games you’ve worked on, a presentation on a game idea, or game jam games). If you don’t have a portfolio or have one that is weak, but we still see you have great potential, we will assign you a small test task. It’s easy to miss on great talent by brushing someone off because their portfolio isn’t yet well polished, we’d like to eliminate that risk and give you a chance to show off your abilities.

We always take skill levels into account and try to make teams that include people of various capabilities so everyone can learn how to grow and adapt to working with teammates who progress at different paces.

What are our expectations and what is “success”?

Now what about our expectations for you? How scary is it once you’ve made it in?

Many think that the end goal of the Camp is to make the most successful game ever, to create something perfect that’s never existed before, but in reality, the goal is for you to create something you are proud of, not us, not everyone around you, but you.

Yes, you will feel pressure as deadlines get closer and there are still tasks left to do, and things might get difficult as the season goes on, but at the end of the day no one will be forcing you to create something impossible; if a mentor says that you can improve something, then that means that the mentor sees your potential and knows that you’re more than capable of letting that improvement happen.

At Gamedev Camp what we consider success isn’t making the best game ever, what we see as success is much more simple - it’s your improvement, it’s our participants creating something with their minds and hands, bringing ideas to life, learning something new, trying something different, and ending the season with a personal and challenging experience that will help you grow, something that you can say you enjoyed being part of.

Even if you are still unsure of your skills or if you plan to participate we still invite you to apply, applications are completely free, and who knows, maybe you’ll be chosen for the next season, and even then, the final decision is all up to you. Applying will also give you a chance to talk to us and ask us questions if you’re unsure of something or simply need advice.

But, of course, if you feel it’s not a good time to apply you can send us a simple email with any questions you may have or your current portfolio to get some advice, whatever the outcome may be, you can always benefit from it.

You can send in your emails at lera@gamedev.camp

Art by Kateryna Konik, Season 3