Building a Game Development Career: Dreams, Reality & The Journey in Between
- Inês Lagarto
- Feb 21
- 2 min read
Inês Lagarto's - Journal entry #xxx
Little Inês only dreamt of the possibility of having a Game development career. Even when I had the chance to study and take my first steps in the field, the dream remained the same—to one day join studios like #NaughtyDog, #CrystalDynamics, #DontNod, and, in the last five years, #SantaMonicaStudio. Their games, their impact, and their ability to blend storytelling and emotion into unforgettable experiences shaped what I aspired to create.
But dreams don’t happen overnight.
Over the past year, being a teacher has been one of the most humbling experiences of my life. I’ve come to realize how many young devs now look up to me—not just as a mentor, but as proof that someone from Portugal can break into this industry. Representation matters, and I know how rare it is to see Portuguese game developers in global studios.
That’s why I want to share something important: I’m also one of you. With more experience, but with the same dreams. A person who applied over and over for roles, only to receive automatic rejection emails. A person who still dreams of working at these studios but understands that, in the meantime, we must build our own path forward.
That’s why I started MakeShift Interactive. To give my self a chance! If I wasn’t getting the opportunity, I’d create one myself. Starting small, but with the ambition to grow into a studio of that level—or to develop the skills and experience to work alongside those I admire most.
To anyone reading this who feels stuck, unheard, or like they’re not "there" yet—your time will come. Keep building, keep learning, and most of all, don’t forget to enjoy the journey along the way. 💜
