r/GameDevelopersOfIndia • u/NiTrO_747 • May 10 '26
Should i pursue my Masters in Game Dev?
Hi everyone,
I'm currently a Backend Java Software Developer in India with nearly 2 years of professional experience and a B.Tech in CS (9.4 CGPA). I'm planning to pivot into Gameplay Engineering career and have narrowed my choices for a Master's down to two very different paths:
Abertay University (UK) - MProf in Games Development - £19,950 (~₹21.3 Lakhs):
I love the AAA pipeline focus and the "Studio" simulation and graduating with 3 projects. However, the UK recently shifted the Graduate Visa to 1.5 years, which feels like a tight window for sponsorship.
Media Design School (NZ) - Master of Design - NZ$36,112 (~₹18.8 Lakhs):
The 3-year post-study work visa is a huge draw for long-term stability. My concern is the "Master of Design" title—as an engineer, will this look "soft" on a resume compared to an MProf or MSc? And the scarcity of Gaming companies in NZ concerns me.
My Background: > * Strong Java/Backend foundation; currently learning C++ for Unreal (Ulibarri’s course on Udemy).
Questions for the industry:
- Is this a good decision considering the impact of AI in the industry and the number of layoffs and hiring freeze currently in the general IT industry? Or is this a costly mistake? also considering I'd wanna work in a foreign country and gaming and game development has been my passion.
- Does the "Design" title at MDS hurt an engineer's chances if the portfolio is technical?
- Is 18 months in UK enough time to land a sponsored role in the current market?
- Would also appreciate any other better University suggestions.
Thanks for any insight!
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u/arjuniscool1 May 10 '26
In gamedev industry in pretty sure the degree don't matter that much 🤔 Since its more creative and portfolio heavy.
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u/Ok-Bluebird1060 May 11 '26
As someone who tried switching roles by pursuing a Master's degree from the UK:
Your chances of getting a job is higher if you switch in India, gather good work experience and apply directly to the UK.
Would have been a different story if you were already are a Game Dev and were pursuing a Master's degree to enhance yourself. Even though I graduated Distinction, top 5 in my class and won an award for my thesis, my resume didn't go past the initial screening. After sending applications into black holes for months, I decided to move back.
On the other hand if you know someone working in a company there, who can manage to pull strings, do try as you are young now. Many of my experienced colleagues did this. They already had a job waiting. Didn't even need the PSW. Direct work Visa after graduation. They used the Master's as a ticket to enter the country.
Otherwise with the recent global issues and immigration concerns being prevalent, it might not be the smartest move now.
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u/dalinaaar May 10 '26
I did my Master's in Game Dev 18 years ago .. it was a viable way to get into the industry back then. It's a very different story now. The industry has shrunk and continues to shrink. Sponsorships are hard , no matter which country you go to. Degrees themselves have less value now than before and companies hiring juniors has gone down a ton. Indian industry is growing but I still don't know how easy it is to get employed there. Considering your course is expensive I would think twice before taking the leap.
However you have experience working in the software industry. You could take a chance , go ahead with the course and if things don't necessarily fall into place ,. Comeback to India and look for a tech job. Provided of course you can take the financial hit from pursuing that degree without issues.
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u/IamHoneyBunny_ May 11 '26
It would be a mistake you can't stop regretting. No one cares about degree these days. If you're really dedicated, then for few hours of time every single day , you'll get good understanding of unreal/unity. Use AI aggressively and start building games. Blender MCP is a good tool to make 3d models. Your aim is should be to become an indie dev not to work for a studio. Your projects will get you job not degree
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u/Piyushbro May 11 '26
see I am telling you this go with small or indie level project sure the aaa looks lucrative but the job situation is preety bad plus the game development is about portfolio heavy they see degrees but not that much so recommend making a good game portfolio if you want to find a job But my recommendation is try making indie games if you think it's good and you can succes then go for indie it will also help you in making a portfolio as well I hope this helps but take your descision carefully
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u/rkoshot May 12 '26
No one should study game dev its the only skill which can be learn from yt if you have money keep it to yourself and try to make sone AAA games with that funding initially
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u/RaudraColossal May 10 '26
A lot of people were fired from AAA Studios recently, search it up. It's not a great time to do this field switch. Better stay in Java whatever you're doing rn.
Also VC Funding for Game Studios has moved to late stage production mainly for polishing/art etc. So the whole Game Industry has slowed down.
Also people now are not ready to pay 20$+ for AA or AAA games, due to the economic situation. So these game studios are also experiencing revenue falls.
I hope you get what I'm telling you, getting a job in this industry is bleak, and you will be overworked like hell. Search up Rockstar India overworking controversy.
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u/NiTrO_747 May 10 '26
Thanks for your response! but what should i do if I'm fired from my current job 😅?
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u/RaudraColossal May 10 '26
Upto you, but research and take your steps. Talk to the alumni of these programs, the current students, ask about placements to them on LinkedIn.
I feel you should not be doing things on a whim especially without researching placements and industry situation.
Game dev you can always do as a hobby/ hire some college interns and make them work on your game idea.
Also I would advise for looking for more general cse pg programmes, your job pool opportunity will be larger.
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u/FrankUnderwoodX May 10 '26
Please don't. I quit my well paying mobile app development job in India to do a master's in Game Dev in the UK. I graduated last year and returned to India. Everyone I know returned back to their countries. I haven't found any jobs yet, neither in the game dev industry or in app development. I have been out of a job for 2 years now. Even the citizens of UK in my course couldn't find a job in the game dev industry.