Haroon Thantrey
Experienced Audio Designer
Codemasters (part of Electronic Arts)
Milestones
My road in life took a while to figure out.
Going to university was a big milestone. My mum didn't go, and my dad graduated at 60. I found that it was a big deal getting into LIPA.
Getting in not only once, but twice was really an honor. Thousands of people apply, and getting in twice was a big milestone.
My first game releasing was another one. I worked a bit freelance on Madden 17, so it was really cool when I saw it come out. Although I didn't work on it very long, only two-three weeks.
I worked on Sniper Elite for a year, and it was my first game which I worked really hard on. It came out, and it was reviewed really well, getting nominations for awards.
We released Dirt 5 in 2020 which got reviewed really well. I took charge in the audio. It was the most involved I've been in a project, and it was a lot of pressure with the new consoles and pandemic.
Now, I've been nominated for an award in the London Games Festival Ensemble, which has all been very surreal. It'll be highlighted on a national stage, and it is definitely my biggest milestone.
Keep following my journey
Education
High School
Fernwood School
Fernwood School
Bachelor
Sound Technology
Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts (LIPA)
Sound Technology
Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts (LIPA)
Career
Experienced Audio Designer
I am a sound designer for games, and I get to work on a variety of projects that need audio attention or support.
Career Roadmap
My work combines:
My work combines:
Music
Engineering
Being Creative
Day to Day
Right now because of the pandemic, I work from home. Every day I come in being creative, although it is a little odd doing that on demand because some days you're not feeling it but produce the goods anyways. It can be difficult, and games also do take years to make. Review day is a really nice day. You've been working for something for years and finally get to see the reviews come in. Typically, I work on games which need audio attention or support.
Advice for Getting Started
Here's the first step for high school students
I would do a lot of reading into how games are made, and there are loads of really good YouTube channels and documentaries about game development. GameMakersToolkit and PeopleMakeGames are really good ones. Developer.com and gamesindustry.biz are good websites to go on as well. And also try and meet people online. Game development is quite big on Twitter and Instagram. Then you can see what takes your interests. There are many departments for game development to decide from.
Recommended Education
My career is related to what I studied. I'd recommend the path I took:
Bachelor
Sound Technology
Sound Technology
Hurdles
The Noise I Shed
From Society in General:
"I applied to LIPA, a prestigious school, and everyone told me I would not get in. I was also diagnosed with dysgraphia at age 18 or 19. So I faced doubt from that, and it also ties with the systemic racism and doubt against South Asians in the UK."
Challenges I Overcame
First-Generation College Student
Learning Issues
Q&A
What do you enjoy best about what you do?
Asked by Sameer at Roadtrip NationMy favorite part is also the hardest part, but it is being creative every day. Working on a tangible product, then seeing out there and published is also great. When I go grocery shopping and see a game I helped work on, that is really cool.
What tips do you have for networking?
Asked by Sameer at Roadtrip NationThe most important thing is to remember that fostering relationships takes time. You see some people walk up, say hello, give their business card, and leave. They have your name but that's it. I've gotten most jobs from talking to people over time.
How do you maintain a good work-life balance?
Asked by Sameer at Roadtrip NationI haven't been doing it well until the pandemic, but I suggest turn off your work notifications at home and try not to look at your emails. This is especially important because my industry is notoriously known for lots of overtime.
What tips do you have for incoming university students?
Asked by Sameer at Roadtrip NationTry and explore what you want to get into, and find the resources that will help you. Networking with people, learn more about your field, and use your time in your education to hone your skills to become employable by the time you leave.
Interviewed By
Sameer
at Roadtrip Nation
