From BUas to Guerrilla Games: Arjo Munnik's journey in the gaming industry

When did you graduate and what did you specialise in?

Arjo: 'I graduated in 2018, specialising in visual arts. Following my year-long work placement at Larian Studios, where I contributed as a character animator for Divinity: Original Sin 2, I transitioned into a full-time role.’

'My journey to Larian Studios began unexpectedly when I attended a masterclass by the lead animator from Blizzard in Amsterdam. It was there that I reconnected with a friend who happened to work at Larian Studios. Encouraged by him, I applied for a work placement position at Larian Studios. After completing an animation test and submitting my portfolio, I was thrilled to secure the work placement, marking an exciting first step in my career.’

‘Over the next three-and-a-half years at Larian Studios, I immersed myself in animation and technical aspects like animation graphs and facial animation techniques. I contributed to projects such as Baldur’s Gate, collaborating closely with others in the animation team and the gameplay team.’

‘Freelancing has played a significant role in my journey too, providing me with opportunities to experience various game studio environments, big and small. As a freelancer I worked on projects such as Grip: Combat Racing.’

‘For the past three years, I've been working as a technical animator at Guerilla Games, where I worked on projects such as Horizon Forbidden West. I work on the cinematics, ensuring that the animations are delivered from the storyboard to the animators with the correct technical specifications, enabling them to be seamlessly integrated back into the game after being worked on by the animators. I'm even featured as a character in Horizon Forbidden West because I was the one who would sometimes wear the motion capture suit!’

What are some of the best memories from your time at BUas?

Arjo: 'My journey began when the Games programme was still relatively new. They experimented with various lectures, from cinematics to world building. Despite the workload, I cherish my time at BUas. The game lab days were particularly memorable, pushing us to our limits with ambitious projects.’

What advice do you have for current Games students?

Arjo: ‘Don't forget to enjoy your time studying. Keep in mind that this career path has its ups and downs. While it can be challenging, it's also full of exciting opportunities. Making connections with others in the gaming industry is important, even if it feels a bit scary, especially when working abroad. Just remember to stay positive and keep pushing forward.’

Where do you see yourself professionally down the line?

Arjo: 'In the end, my goal is to take on a leadership role within the animation field. What matters most to me is the work environment. I envision myself thriving in a smaller studio setting, where I can take on more responsibility and collaborate closely with just a few individuals in the same discipline.’

Connect with Arjo Munnik on LinkedIn to stay updated on his latest ventures.