Inaugural cohort: May 27 - Aug 15, 2025

Invest in your career.
Work on real games.

Invest in your career.
Work on real games.

Invest in your career.
Work on real games.

12-week part-time externship program to work remotely with real game studios, mentored by principle-level engineers.

Apply Now

Deadline: May 11, 2025

The image featured at the top of the about us page #1
The image featured at the top of the about us page #1
The image featured at the top of the about us page #1
The image featured at the top of the about us page #2
The image featured at the top of the about us page #2
The image featured at the top of the about us page #2

Artwork by Arkhai and Grant Yun

What

RealXP Lab offers students a unique opportunity to work on real programming assignments from beloved indie studios—not hypothetical exercises. Through mentorship, office hours, code reviews, weekly stand-ups, and guest lectures, it provides a professional game development experience in a structured, supportive format focused on growth and industry readiness.

"Games are the ultimate combination of art and science"

- Will Wright, creator of The Sims

Who is eligible

01

You have not previously worked in the game industry as a programmer

It’s fine if you’re a software engineer at a tech company or have worked in the game industry in a role other than a programmer. Otherwise, we ask that you give this opportunity to someone else.

02

You have a demonstrated strong background in game development

Whether it’s through completing rigorous online courses or creating a few small games. This program is not for beginners and won’t cover game dev or programming fundamentals.

What you'll get

Practical skills & industry experience

Whether you’re professionals exploring a career shift into game dev or passionate individuals looking to pursue their dream, this program equips you with the hands-on skills and real-world experience needed to take the next step.

Portfolio-ready work

By partnering with beloved small to medium-sized studios, we offer you the chance to gain broad exposure and make meaningful impacts. You’ll take ownership of tasks that showcase your abilities, not just work on scattered bug fixes.

Community & industry connection

Join a collaborative network of peers, mentors, and industry veterans, meeting like-minded people who share your passion for games. Build relationships that could open doors to future opportunities.

Part-time to fit your schedule

Designed to fit around your schedule, this part-time, fully remote program expects just 10-20 hours of commitment per week. But as with anything worthwhile, what you put in is what you’ll get out.

Mentors

Siobhan Beeman

Former Principle Engineer, Harebrained Schemes
(developer of BattleTech)

Former Senior Lecturer, DigiPen Institute of Technology

Zak Whaley

Chair, International Game Developers Association

Former Engineering Director, PlayEveryWare
(collaborator on Among Us, Fall Guys)

Former Lead Software Engineer, Magic Leap

How it works

$1299

(USD) fee per person

01

Submit your application

The inaugural cohort will consist of 20 students in partnership with 2 studios. After submitting your application, expect to hear back within 1-2 weeks if you're selected for an interview.

02

Interview

Interviews will include a mix of technical and personality questions. It’s a chance to showcase your passion for game dev and demonstrate a solid foundation in programming.

03

Match with a studio and get started

Once accepted, you’ll be paired with a game studio and get started!

Apply now

Deadline: May 11, 2025

Studios

Led by veterans from PlayStation, Ubisoft, and Netflix, Little Buffalo was founded in 2021 in Toronto, Canada to create visually stunning games rooted in crafting, exploration and survival. Their debut title Akiiwan: Survival will be officially announced at PAX East 2025.

3C Combat Prototyping Externship

Join the pre-production of a greenlit, satirical horror game set in a twisted all-inclusive resort. You'll prototype novel 3C (Character, Controls, Camera) combat systems using improvised weapons mapped directly to input keys—no inventory wheels or loadouts. Focus on real-time, immersive gameplay that prioritizes feel over realism. Collaborate with veteran engineers and artists under the guidance of our mentor Siobhan.

Unity

PC

GitHub

3C Combat Mechanics

  • Week 1: Onboarding

    • Program overview and project debrief.

    • Set up tools (Unity, IDE, GitHub).

    • Go over code review and feedback rituals.

    • Import and explore Little Buffalo assets.

  • Week 2-6: Prototyping in Parallel

    • Rapid experimentation in 3 feature tracks: Game Infrastructure, Targeting and Weapon Effects, and Weapon-Unique 3Cs.

    • Continuous integration into a shared sandbox scene.

    • Weekly playtests.

  • Week 7-9: Vertical Slice Sprint

    • Polish successful prototype ideas into production-ready modules.

    • Refine integration of art assets from Little Buffalo.

  • Week 10-12: Finalize & Delivery

    • Bug fixes, tuning, and final polish.

    • Final presentation.

  • Throughout the Program

    • Weekly stand-ups and office hours hosted by both mentors and studios.

    • Participate in studio meetings to witness their creative process.

    • Engage with mentors, studios, and peers through Discord. We strongly encourage peer programming and collaboration.

    • Attend guest lectures by industry veterans to gain real-world insights.

Serenity Forge is a video game development and publishing company based out of Boulder, Colorado. Established in 2014, they work with both US-based and international developers and publishers to bring impactful and meaningful games to the world.

Gameplay Prototyping Externship

Join the pre-production of a greenlit, fast-paced, horror-themed mountain biking game. You'll prototype core gameplay, camera, horror mechanics, and environmental effects in Unity—focusing on responsive movement, scary moments, and replayable loops using simple controls. Emphasize on feel over visuals. You’ll work alongside creative directors, engineers, and artists under the guidance of our mentor Zak.

Unity

PC

Git / Bitbucket

Gameplay Mechanics

  • Week 1: Onboarding

    • Program overview and project debrief.

    • Set up tools (Unity, IDE, Gitbucket).

    • Go over code review and feedback rituals.

    • Import and explore Serenity Forge assets.

  • Week 2-6: Prototyping in Parallel

    • Split the team and prototype 4 feature tracks: Controls, Camera & VFX, Environmental Effects, and Horror Mechanics.

    • Continuous integration into a shared sandbox scene.

    • Weekly playtests.

  • Week 7-9: Vertical Slice Sprint

    • Polish successful prototype ideas into production-ready modules.

    • Environment greyboxing, camera tuning, game loop structure.

    • Refine integration of art assets from Serenity Forge.

  • Week 10-12: Finalization & Delivery

    • Bug fixes, tuning, and final polish.

    • Final presentation.

  • Throughout the Program

    • Weekly stand-ups and office hours hosted by both mentors and studios.

    • Participate in studio meetings to witness their creative process.

    • Engage with mentors, studios, and peers through Discord. We strongly encourage peer programming and collaboration.

    • Attend guest lectures by industry veterans to gain real-world insights.

FAQ

How is this different from an internship that I have to pay for?

This is not a traditional internship. It’s a project-based educational program designed to provide a structured, professional game development experience. Key differences: • Dedicated mentorship – You’ll be guided by top-caliber mentors whose sole focus is to support your growth, not by teammates balancing their own workload. • Comprehensive support – Access office hours, guest lectures, and a strong peer community. • Thoughtful assignments – Work on projects that emphasize learning and growth, not just random bug fixes. • Part-time format – Designed to fit your schedule. The studios we partner with often lack the time and budget to offer internships or provide meaningful training on their own. RealXP bridges this gap, creating a win-win for both students and studios. The fact that your work could make it into a real production game is just a bonus. Wouldn’t you rather create something with real impact instead of a hypothetical exercise no one will ever use?

How is this different from a certificate program, bootcamp, or skill course?

While many programs focus on taking you from 0 to 1, RealXP takes you from 1 to 2—working on real studio assignments to gain practical experience and building portfolio-ready work that reflects the challenges and responsibilities of a professional game developer.

How is this different from an apprenticeship?

RealXP Lab is a shorter, part-time alternative to traditional apprenticeships, designed to fit your schedule. While apprenticeships are typically employer-driven and focus on on-the-job training, this program prioritizes your growth through real-world experience, guided learning, and direct mentorship in just 12 weeks.

Do you offer scholarships?

Yes, we are committed to making our program accessible to passionate and talented individuals. For our inaugural cohort, we are offering a limited number of partial scholarships (e.g., 25%–50% of tuition) based on merit and need. These scholarships are designed to support exceptional candidates who may require financial assistance to participate. If you believe you qualify, let us know in your application, and we’ll consider your request.

Do participants need to quit their job or school?

No, this program is designed to be part-time and flexible, so you can balance it with your existing commitments. However, keep in mind that the more time and effort you invest, the more you’ll gain from the experience.

How will I be assigned to which studio?

You’ll have the opportunity to indicate your preferences for the studios or areas you’d like to work on. We’ll do our best to match you based on your interests and skill set. Each studio offers incredible opportunities to gain real-world experience, so regardless of your placement, you’ll leave with valuable skills and portfolio-ready work.

Is this hybrid?

No, this is a fully remote program.

How is this different from an internship that I have to pay for?

This is not a traditional internship. It’s a project-based educational program designed to provide a structured, professional game development experience. Key differences: • Dedicated mentorship – You’ll be guided by top-caliber mentors whose sole focus is to support your growth, not by teammates balancing their own workload. • Comprehensive support – Access office hours, guest lectures, and a strong peer community. • Thoughtful assignments – Work on projects that emphasize learning and growth, not just random bug fixes. • Part-time format – Designed to fit your schedule. The studios we partner with often lack the time and budget to offer internships or provide meaningful training on their own. RealXP bridges this gap, creating a win-win for both students and studios. The fact that your work could make it into a real production game is just a bonus. Wouldn’t you rather create something with real impact instead of a hypothetical exercise no one will ever use?

How is this different from a certificate program, bootcamp, or skill course?

While many programs focus on taking you from 0 to 1, RealXP takes you from 1 to 2—working on real studio assignments to gain practical experience and building portfolio-ready work that reflects the challenges and responsibilities of a professional game developer.

How is this different from an apprenticeship?

RealXP Lab is a shorter, part-time alternative to traditional apprenticeships, designed to fit your schedule. While apprenticeships are typically employer-driven and focus on on-the-job training, this program prioritizes your growth through real-world experience, guided learning, and direct mentorship in just 12 weeks.

Do you offer scholarships?

Yes, we are committed to making our program accessible to passionate and talented individuals. For our inaugural cohort, we are offering a limited number of partial scholarships (e.g., 25%–50% of tuition) based on merit and need. These scholarships are designed to support exceptional candidates who may require financial assistance to participate. If you believe you qualify, let us know in your application, and we’ll consider your request.

Do participants need to quit their job or school?

No, this program is designed to be part-time and flexible, so you can balance it with your existing commitments. However, keep in mind that the more time and effort you invest, the more you’ll gain from the experience.

How will I be assigned to which studio?

You’ll have the opportunity to indicate your preferences for the studios or areas you’d like to work on. We’ll do our best to match you based on your interests and skill set. Each studio offers incredible opportunities to gain real-world experience, so regardless of your placement, you’ll leave with valuable skills and portfolio-ready work.

Is this hybrid?

No, this is a fully remote program.

How is this different from an internship that I have to pay for?

This is not a traditional internship. It’s a project-based educational program designed to provide a structured, professional game development experience. Key differences: • Dedicated mentorship – You’ll be guided by top-caliber mentors whose sole focus is to support your growth, not by teammates balancing their own workload. • Comprehensive support – Access office hours, guest lectures, and a strong peer community. • Thoughtful assignments – Work on projects that emphasize learning and growth, not just random bug fixes. • Part-time format – Designed to fit your schedule. The studios we partner with often lack the time and budget to offer internships or provide meaningful training on their own. RealXP bridges this gap, creating a win-win for both students and studios. The fact that your work could make it into a real production game is just a bonus. Wouldn’t you rather create something with real impact instead of a hypothetical exercise no one will ever use?

How is this different from a certificate program, bootcamp, or skill course?

While many programs focus on taking you from 0 to 1, RealXP takes you from 1 to 2—working on real studio assignments to gain practical experience and building portfolio-ready work that reflects the challenges and responsibilities of a professional game developer.

How is this different from an apprenticeship?

RealXP Lab is a shorter, part-time alternative to traditional apprenticeships, designed to fit your schedule. While apprenticeships are typically employer-driven and focus on on-the-job training, this program prioritizes your growth through real-world experience, guided learning, and direct mentorship in just 12 weeks.

Do you offer scholarships?

Yes, we are committed to making our program accessible to passionate and talented individuals. For our inaugural cohort, we are offering a limited number of partial scholarships (e.g., 25%–50% of tuition) based on merit and need. These scholarships are designed to support exceptional candidates who may require financial assistance to participate. If you believe you qualify, let us know in your application, and we’ll consider your request.

Do participants need to quit their job or school?

No, this program is designed to be part-time and flexible, so you can balance it with your existing commitments. However, keep in mind that the more time and effort you invest, the more you’ll gain from the experience.

How will I be assigned to which studio?

You’ll have the opportunity to indicate your preferences for the studios or areas you’d like to work on. We’ll do our best to match you based on your interests and skill set. Each studio offers incredible opportunities to gain real-world experience, so regardless of your placement, you’ll leave with valuable skills and portfolio-ready work.

Is this hybrid?

No, this is a fully remote program.

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