Isak Wahl has a plan. Although the details are not entirely clear yet, he is certain that programming will play a significant role. After high school, where he focused on STEM subjects and contemplated a career in programming, he explores the possibility of combining it with game development. Despite being an avid gamer, he lacks knowledge about how games are designed and programmed. Nevertheless, the prospect seems intriguing. Can a career be forged in something he is passionate about and finds incredibly enjoyable?
Navigating the educational landscape at the age of 20 is no easy feat. However, fate leads him to secure a spot in the Bachelor's program in Game Technology and Simulation at the Game School in Hamar.
On a crisp autumn day in August, he arrives. Hamar is adorned with red leaves, and a cool mist envelops Mjøsa. Naturally, there's a flutter in his stomach – he's officially a student. For the first time. But is it the right choice?
Programming - a lifestyle
Within just two weeks at the Game School, Isak's outlook changes. The program is a perfect fit for him. He encounters numerous open and inclusive individuals, both among teachers and fellow students. People like himself, with an interest in programming, gaming, and a curiosity for problem-solving. And Isak excels in that. It seems like he has a unique ability to think differently. While many would give up, he perseveres, takes a step back, and tackles challenges head-on.
–You can't give up if you encounter a setback or problem.
Instead, you have to reframe the issue and ask different questions. What does it take to solve this? Or how can we make it happen? The goal is to make a living from the education you pursue, and the challenges that come with it will be solved along the way," he says with youthful enthusiasm.
Isak engages in the program and joins Valmuen, the Game School's student association. Becoming familiar with third-year students, they suddenly leave, leaving the association's board dwindling from seven to two members. Something has to be done. Isak takes on the role of leader, creating new meeting places for Game School students and fostering connections across disciplines and academic years. Everyone is welcome. They organize events and facilitate activities. Then, the biggest brake the world has seen in our time occurs – the pandemic.
–We had to think differently, and perhaps our advantage in an environment that easily adapts to technology helped us find solutions. We managed to build a nice digital arena where we played board games, socialized, and had events during the pandemic, enabling Valmuen to persist and evolve even after the pandemic.
The student years
The Global Game Jam proved crucial for Isak Wahl. Game developers from around the world, including Hamar, gather for this event. Highly motivated, Game School students attend, unaware that the foundation they lay in the next 48 hours will be decisive for their future paths.
Instead of sticking with experienced game developers and learning from them, the students decide to form a small group of peers with the criterion that they know as little as possible. They impose a limitation on themselves, or a dogma. Can they create a new game in these 48 hours with no prior knowledge?
The group ends up developing a game called "Good O'l Days."
–The Global Game Jam was an inspiration to start working on games in our free time. The joy we experienced in completing a game encouraged us to begin working on games in our spare time.
Impressed by what they achieved as a group, they continued working on student projects at school and their own games in their free time. Back in their dorms, the game "Evergreen" sees the light of day. This multiplayer game later wins the Gamers Choice award at the Norwegian Game Awards in 2021.
In the third year, the bachelor project begins. A single-player game titled "Brew." This game earns Isak several recognitions, including winning the 2023 Industry Award from the East Norwegian Film Center.
–It's, of course, very pleasant and touching. It provides extra energy to be recognized, and at the same time, it's very gratifying that the gaming industry is embraced in this way.
In addition to the Industry Award, "Brew" received the Gamers Choice Award. Perhaps most importantly, the game has received support from the Norwegian Film Institute, East Norwegian Film Center, and FilmInvest, providing the opportunity to launch it on the commercial market.
Own workplace
Today, Isak Wahl is the CEO of his own game development company, Snow Leaf Studios. Alongside five other former Game School students, they invested time, savings, and financing in their company. Isak is proud and happy that they took this step.
-We will continue to build on our formula. We have assembled a team that excels in each area. We complement each other, and everyone is involved in what they are passionate about. This has proven to be a successful recipe for us.
Hamar boasts Norway's largest game development community with 13-15 companies. They are proud to be part of it. Isak hopes they can achieve something similar to what Malmö in Sweden has done – creating close ties to the industry, county, municipality, financiers, and educational institutions. Their goal is to contribute to building a thriving industry and creating lasting jobs. At the same time, they recognize the need to contribute to the development of new talents and expertise in the Inland region.
Isak Wahl had a plan – to make a living from what he finds most exciting. Now he's there, discovering that the path he chose offers incredibly exciting and educational opportunities.
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