NCW Alumni Spotlight: Issac Haslehurst From College to Gaming Industry Leader
From college student to Lead Producer at Yogscast Games, Isaac Haslehurst’s journey into the world of video game publishing started with a BTEC in Computing at NSCG. His passion for gaming led him to study Video Game Technologies at university, paving the way for a career in an industry he loves.
We caught up with Isaac as he shares insights into his career path, the lessons he learned along the way, and his advice for current students looking to break into the gaming industry.
Introduction & College Experience
Can you introduce yourself and your current job role?
Hey! I’m Isaac, and I’m the Lead Producer at Yogscast Games, a video game publishing company. I’m part of the team that brought you games like PlateUp!, Dungeons & Degenerate Gamblers, and Trolley Problem, Inc.
What year did you study with NSCG?
I studied from 2013 to 2015.
What course(s) did you study during your time at college?
I was enrolled in the BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma in Computing.
What motivated you originally to choose the course(s) you did?
When I left high school, I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do. I enjoyed IT and had always been told that computer skills would be in high demand. The course appealed to me because it covered a broad range of topics, giving me a strong foundation to specialise in later.
What were your aspirations and career goals at that time?
I didn’t have a clear career vision at the time. My main goal was to find a field that I genuinely enjoyed. I followed the idea that if you enjoy your job, you’ll never work a day in your life.
What was the most valuable thing you learned during college (academically or personally)?
I realised that video game development is a real career path. At college, I took an optional module in video game development, which ultimately led me to where I am today.
Next Steps
After college, what path did you take? How did college prepare you for it?
After college, I went to Manchester Metropolitan University to study Video Game Technologies. Studying the video game module in college gave me a strong foundation to build upon at university.
Looking back, was this the right choice for you? Why or why not?
Although my university course didn’t fully prepare me for the professional world of game development, the experience itself was invaluable. University gave me the time and freedom to explore my passion without the pressure of a full-time job.
Did you encounter any unexpected challenges?
The transition from college to university was smooth, and the staff were always supportive throughout the process.
Career Expectations vs. Reality
What did you think your career would look like when you were in college?
When I first learned that making video games could be a career, I had no real idea what that would look like day to day.
What is your career now, and how did you get there?
I work in video game development as a Lead Producer at a publishing company. After university, I actively engaged with the gaming industry, attending trade shows, testing games, and volunteering to gain experience. This eventually led to my first industry job, and from there, I worked my way up through different roles and companies.
Have your ambitions changed since college? If so, how?
My ambitions remain largely the same, I wanted to make video games, and now I want to make the best games possible for people to enjoy.
What has been your proudest achievement so far?
Helping bring PlateUp! to market and seeing it sell over 1 million copies while being played by top influencers on all platforms.
If you could go back in time, would you do anything differently regarding your career path?
Breaking into the gaming industry was tough, but the journey taught me invaluable skills. I wouldn’t change a thing because those challenges helped shape my career.
Advice for Current Students
What advice would you give to students currently in college who are unsure about their next steps?
College is the perfect place to experiment and try new things. You don’t need to commit to the first thing you try. When you find something you enjoy, the next steps will naturally reveal themselves.
Are there any skills or experiences you wish you had focused on more during college?
Networking! I wish I had attended more job fairs and industry events. Meeting professionals and learning from them is crucial in any field, and I regret not taking advantage of those opportunities.
If you could tell your college-aged self one thing, what would it be?
At 16 or 17, I thought I understood how the world worked, but I was wrong. Enjoy the structure and safety of education while you have it. It’s a time for growth, so take full advantage of it.
Final Thoughts
How did your college experience shape who you are today?
My time in college sparked my passion for video game development, and I’ve been able to turn that passion into a fulfilling career.
What does "success" mean to you now compared to when you were in college?
It hasn’t changed, success is finding a job you enjoy that allows you to live a comfortable life.
What would your advice be to students on picking a future career?
Use your time in college to explore different fields. Find something you love, research how people make a career out of it, and use that as your starting point.