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Crafting Games: UAT Alumnus Nicholas Hodes at Lionbridge

Nicholas Hodes, a 2020 graduate of the University of Advancing Technology (UAT), has turned his passion for gaming into a thriving career. With degrees in Game Design and Game Art & Animation, Nicholas now works at Lionbridge Games, a global leader in quality assurance (QA) for some of the most renowned titles in the gaming industry, including Horizon: Forbidden West, Halo Infinite, Star Wars: Hunters, and Call of Duty.

The UAT Experience

Reflecting on his time at UAT, Nicholas highlights the university's close-knit community as one of his favorite aspects. "With the smaller size, practically every student and professor got to know each other over the years. The work felt personalized, and the community felt supportive," he shares. This environment allowed him to build meaningful connections and hone his craft in a collaborative setting.

A Day in the Life of a Senior Test Engineer

In his current role, Nicholas leads a sub-team responsible for focused testing on key aspects of game development. His days often start with sync meetings involving producers and QA teams, where they outline immediate milestones, address risks, and brainstorm solutions.

“The remainder of the day focuses on defining and distributing test cases for the rest of my pod members,” Nicholas explains. At the end of each sprint, feedback is gathered and shared with producers to prepare for the next development phase.

This structured yet dynamic workflow ensures that every facet of the game is thoroughly tested and ready for players worldwide.

Advice for Current Students

Nicholas encourages UAT students to fully commit to their work and seek growth opportunities. “It might be corny, but apply yourself in the work you do, and constantly keep looking for ways to grow and improve,” he advises.

His journey from UAT classrooms to working on blockbuster games is a testament to the value of hard work, adaptability, and a supportive educational foundation.

 

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