More than Making Money | Kurt Huhn’s Video Game Design and Development Story

Kurt Huhn wanted more out of his career than simply making money to survive, he wanted to find a career that filled his heart as well. He decided to go after what he truly wanted in life, and that was to make video games. At 26 years old, Kurt decided to leave his 9 to 5 and enrolled in the Video Game Design and Development Diploma at Toronto Film School. Read more about how Kurt came to that decision and what he his advice is for those who, as he did, dream of a career in the video game industry.

 

 

What brought you to the Video Game Design and Development Diploma at Toronto Film School?

Having a passion for games, I always knew that I wanted to work in the industry. Not having a background in math or physics, I knew that my path to get there was going to be tricky. About three years ago, I saw an ad on Facebook about becoming a developer for video games, so I clicked the link. I wasn’t in the right mindset at the time, so I didn’t follow through for enrollment. But at the end of October 2017, I knew I needed a life changer, and I came across that ad again. After submitting my application, I was connected with Walter DeSimone, an advisor at the Toronto Film School, and within 20 minutes I had decided to enroll.

 

Before starting at Toronto Film School was there anything that was holding you back from pursuing your passion? If so how did you overcome that fear?

The biggest thing that held me back from having a career in the video game industry was not knowing where to go, and not having the educational background. What allowed me to get over those fears was to simply make the decision to return to school. As much as I hate writing essays, these kind are worth it in my opinion. I get to learn so much while I do research. Having supportive parents, sister and grandmother has made the transition a lot smoother.

 

 

What is the biggest change you have seen in yourself over the course of your time at Toronto Film School? 

The last nine months at Toronto Film School has taught me invaluable things, not only about the industry but about how things work, about how I learn, how I teach, how to handle situations better and how I can be the best me I can be.  The most crucial thing that I’ve learned in since I started is that; anything is actually possible when you apply yourself and give everything you’ve got.

There are a few things that have kept me motivated; the first one has to be my friend Jack, he is young, funny and extremely intelligent. We both started at the same time and had an amazing six months at school and out of school.  Unfortunately, he had to withdraw due to personal reasons. In the case with him, I’m not only giving my all for myself, I want to do my absolute best for him as well.

 

What are your plans after graduation both immediate and long-term?

I wasn’t the smartest kid in the class growing up and I always wanted to do well, but I never got the grades. The environment at school has definitely helped keep me motivated, being surrounded by all my peers allows me to have fun and stay focused on my goal – do the best I can at school and learn everything I can. I would say the biggest drive is; I’m sick and tired or working a  9-5,  low paying job. That’s not what I want out of life.

 

What I would tell any new student coming in to the development program is this; working hard isn’t enough, you have to be dedicated, motivated, willing to go beyond your limits, ready to push yourself to become the best at what you do.