Video game production brings together designers, programmers, and artists, among other roles and departments. This reality raises a common question: what does daily life look like for the professionals who shape a game, and what steps help someone reach top studios in the industry, whether in Spain or abroad? The answer lies in understanding the paths, skills, and experiences that define careers in game creation. For students and industry practitioners who want to deepen their specialization or expand their knowledge alongside leading professionals, U-tad, the University Center for Technology and Digital Art, organized a cycle of free online master classes. The sessions run from May 17 to May 26 in an online format and can be joined after registration.
Video game design: this is how we did it, featuring the Destroy All Humans Remake. This engaging master class occurs on May 17 at 18:30. Pablo Lafora, Level and Mission Designer at Black Forest Games GmbH, describes the work that went into recreating the remake of Destroy All Humans from his perspective, fifteen years after the original game’s release. The discussion covers the pros and cons of using a pre-made IP and story, as well as the challenges of balancing modernization with fidelity to the source material.
On Tuesday, May 18, at the same time, 18:30, Arturo Paiva leads a session titled Enjoying Video Games with Pleasure. Paiva serves as the video game animation director at Tequila Works. During the talk, he reviews effective methods for running an animation team, drawing on his experience in visual effects, film, television, and now gaming. The session also offers practical tips for sustaining production momentum in game development.
We will have to wait a few days to access Mikel Aretxabala’s master class. It takes place on May 24 at 18:30, under the title Video Game Programming: My Experience in the Indies and AAA. The Game Engineer at Playground Games speaks about his journey at U-tad, sharing tips and anecdotes from the Master in Video Game Programming. He discusses the indie project Greyfall, which emerged during his university years, and explains the motivations that kept him and his team moving forward. The talk ends with guidance for anyone dreaming of joining their dream studio, as well as how to transition into AAA studio roles.
Javier Mombiela, Level and Game Designer at Digital Sun Games, speaks on May 25 at 6:30 PM. He explores some of the everyday challenges, questions, and decisions that video game designers face. The session draws on his personal journey, from choosing to study game design to landing a role in the field, including the job search process and career entry.
Marcos Ramos continues with The Golden Triangle: What It Takes to Enter and Grow in the Video Game Industry on May 26 at 6:30 PM. In this Art Director Master Class from Shapefarm, attendees discover the three core qualities that art directors look for when recruiting concept artists for game teams.
Daniel Pastor brings the cycle to a close with The Important Thing Is the Concept on May 31 at 18:30. The session covers the keys to building clear, solid foundations that yield smoother productions. Pastor began his industry career at Electronic Arts in 2005, working as a Lead Localization QA Tester and Production Assistant on titles such as The Lord of the Rings, Harry Potter, and Burnout. He now serves as a Senior Game Producer at Lingo Kids, a studio focused on Play Learning for children at home. Registration remains open for those who wish to follow any of the talks and join the sessions. (Source: U-tad master class series)