Computer Games Technology student Bryce has secured a placement with Bulkhead Studios, a renowned game development company known for creating immersive and high-quality titles. He shares his experience working with them and how it has enhanced his knowledge, skills, and employability, as well as how it will support his final year studies.
How did you secure your placement?
I found my placement searching for internships related to the gaming industry. Indeed, LinkedIn, IntoGames, and on their own websites, which was where I found my placement at Bulkhead. I applied for every single one I could find in the gaming industry knowing that the options are limited and the competition is tough. I put a lot of effort in tailoring my cover letter and CV to stand out to the criteria of the placement, also taking many initiatives to practice my interview skills with friends and lecturers, and putting a lot of effort into making my portfolio stand out with my projects as well as show my interests and individuality.
Why did you choose to do a placement?
There were many good options but some of the skills I wanted to develop were related to Unreal Engine and Engine programming. Many choices were limited to gameplay or something general. Bulkhead gave me the opportunity to pick and choose where I would like to develop and continues to do so. During my placement with Bulkhead there was no downside other than the travel. But really, I’ve loved every minute and would commute any distance to do it!
Tell us about a typical day on placement at Bulkhead.
In my role as an intern developer in the Core Tech team, my day begins typically syncing the local project with the latest updated changes on the server while looking through Slack to catch up on things. I then start up the project once synced and start off with what I have been assigned on Jira. Every Tuesday and Thursday we have a morning stand up to catch up on task progress and discuss any sticking points
Milestone goals are set at the beginning of a sprint and these goals are expected to be completed where specified, either end of the milestone, or by certain sprints. The tasks that are assigned to me are what I work through. I speak with the senior developers and the team around me to move through sticking points as well as discussing ideas and potential paths forward with current tasks.
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What skills have you learnt from your placement?
I have spent my time here learning a great deal of new skills and problem solving techniques, I have met and actively work with several departments of the studio, animation, design, tech art, UI to name a few.
I have spent a large amount of time focusing on the code base and core systems to the game where my role as an intern programmer lies. in this I have participated in code reviews, stand ups, ideation and contributed and created aspects that are currently used in game or for ongoing testing.
I continue to learn more aspects of unreal and good design and systems architecture through my supervisor and other members of the team not only from lead and senior developers, but also from the mid-level and juniors too.
Some notable takeaways in my placement
- New Skills and Problem-Solving Techniques.
- Cross-Department Collaboration and Communication.
- Adapting to new systems and unfamiliar workflows quickly.
- Being reliable and meeting deliverables.
What is your favourite memory from your placement so far?
When I first started, I was introduced to many of the department leads and was able to get insight to the whole studio and their passions. There are many people there that have worked on games that I still play such as Hell Let Loose. Being able to solve my first problem in the code base and submit it to the main branch was another moment where I had the realisation, I was actually contributing to a game that would be published!
How has this placement helped your career aspirations?
My career aspirations are to continue into the gaming industry as an engineer and work on games progressing up the ranks as a developer. I would love to progress within Bulkhead if the opportunity presents itself.
Why did you choose to study your course?
I have always wanted to get into the games industry as a developer, and as a mature student I decided to come to university to pursue my career goals. The course matched exactly what I was hoping to attain from game engine knowledge as well as developer skills in many areas of the field, such as game engines, graphics, modelling, coding etc.
Do you have any advice for someone starting a placement?
My advice for someone starting or looking for a placement would be to make sure it is in something you truly feel you’ll enjoy. It will keep your motivation for looking and going through the process. Also aligning your skills with the job will give you the best chance of getting in. and once you’re in take full advantage where you can, remember you are the to learn! Talk to as many people as possible and ask as many “stupid” questions as you see fit. As a mature student I can truly say there is no such thing as too much exposure in the field you want to work in.
*Computer Games Technology has been renamed to Game Technology from September 2025