Her Story
About Aayushi
My entry into the gaming industry began with a lifelong passion for the medium, eventually leading me to pursue a Master’s degree in Computer Science with a specialization in game development. Since graduating in 2020, I have spent my career at a single studio, evolving from a tools engineer into a core engine programmer working within a proprietary C++ environment.
In my current role, I am responsible for the overall health and stability of our custom game engine. This involves balancing new feature development with the rigorous maintenance of live systems and the oversight of code pushed by the wider engineering team. My background also includes developing internal tools for our open-world cycling title, where I bridged the gap between technical and creative departments. By building intuitive interfaces for designers and artists, I enabled the team to craft complex virtual environments and routes with precision.
One of my most significant contributions was the development of a custom navigation algorithm. Designed to function similarly to Google Maps, this tool allows designers to simply set start and end points within the virtual world, with the system automatically generating the optimal path between them.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Aayushi
01What do you attribute your success to?
I would attribute my success to two major things. First, during my master’s degree, I took an engine programming course taught by a developer from Naughty Dog, which cemented my interest in specialized engine work. I eventually served as a TA for that class. Second, since entering the industry, mentorship has played a significant role in my development. My first mentor was particularly influential, teaching me the foundational programming patterns and problem-solving strategies that I still rely on today.
02What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I believe a strong grasp of C++ fundamentals is the most important asset for a new engineer. Rather than simply using existing engines, understanding how they are built provides a significant competitive edge. Continuous growth through independent projects will take you a long way.
03What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
It’s a challenging time to be in games. The job market is hitting a rough patch, and between AI automation and the frequency of project-based layoffs, there’s a lot of uncertainty. It’s an environment where you really have to stay adaptable and stand out from the crowd by having a solid resume.
04What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
I’ve always believed in being my authentic self at work. I tend to be very open with my colleagues, which I think helps build genuine trust within the team. Because I’m naturally curious and truly love what I do, showing that enthusiasm makes it easier for my teammates to see that I always have the project’s best interests at heart. For me, that transparency is key to having a positive and collaborative work environment.
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