On his Instagram Reels, Lucky Holmes shared the story of how he first entered the game industry through a Game Jam. From working an office job in Lampung to finally resigning and starting a brand-new career in games. Let’s dive into his story!
Jumping Into the Gaming Industry
Eight years ago, Lucky Holmes entered the game industry in quite an unexpected way. Back in 2017, he was still working a regular office job in Lampung. His daily routine was busy, but in between tasks, he often tried making his own little games.
The problem was, he didn’t know a single person in the industry. It felt like creating something alone without any direction. Until one day, he stumbled upon an event called Go To Game Jam in Jakarta. That’s the moment that changed everything.
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Game Jam?
For those of you who don’t know, a Game Jam is an event where participants create games together in a limited time, usually around 48 hours.
Lucky took a leap of faith, signed up, and asked his boss for permission. Surprisingly, his boss gave him full support, even handing him some pocket money for the trip. So Lucky headed to Jakarta all by himself, feeling nervous yet excited.
When he arrived, he felt completely out of place since he didn’t know anyone there. But that feeling only lasted a few minutes.
From Stranger to a New Home
How come it changed so quickly you ask? Because Lucky realized that everyone there shared the same passion as him, which is making games.
From then on, he started meeting people, exchanging ideas, and eventually building a team. In no time, they managed to finish their very first game at the event. The whole experience was so exciting, it felt like finding a new family.
That Game Jam became a turning point for Lucky. He went home with a new sense of purpose, convinced that the game industry was where he truly belonged. It felt like finally finding a new home.
Career Turning Point
A few months after that Game Jam event, Lucky made a life-changing decision, he resigned from his office job. “And the rest, is history…” so he said.
For him, a Game Jam isn’t just about rushing to make a game in 48 hours. It’s way more than that, it’s a place to build connections, learn teamwork, and experience the real atmosphere of the game industry. From there, Lucky knew without a doubt that this was the life path he wanted to pursue.
Should You Join a Game Jam?
According to Lucky Holmes, the answer is a really big yes, it’s absolutely worth it. Through a Game Jam, game developers can meet new friends, find collaboration opportunities, and even doors for future careers.
The atmosphere is totally different compared to learning alone at home. If you’ve been dreaming about stepping into the game industry, a Game Jam can be the perfect entry point.
Also read! Making Your First Game? Avoid These 3 Fatal Mistakes!
As Lucky himself says, he’s living proof that one small step can lead to a much bigger journey.
Give It a Try!
There are a few key lessons that we can learn from Lucky’s experience. First, don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone. Traveling alone to Jakarta was no small thing, but it ended up changing his life.
Second, the importance of community. At the Game Jam, he realized that making games is far more fun and less exhausting when you do it together.
Also read! Feeling Lonely as an Indie Game Developer? Join IGGI Now!
Third, be brave enough to make decisions. Quitting his office job wasn’t easy, but Lucky believed it was the right move.
The game industry is open to anyone who’s willing to work hard and has true passion. And sometimes, all it takes is one small step to create a life-changing impact.