Internship: Game Design / UX Design

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Internship: Game Design / UX Design

Company: Fatshark

Location: Stockholm, Sweden

Job Type: INTERN

Category: Game Development / User Experience Design

Date Posted: April 09, 2026

Experience Level: Entry Level (Internship)

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Gain practical, hands-on experience within a professional game development production environment from day one.

• Develop core competencies in Game Design and/or User Experience (UX) Design under the guidance of experienced industry professionals.

• Immerse in the full project lifecycle, from initial concept to potential release, contributing to either the Warhammer 40,000: Darktide project or an unannounced project.

• Collaborate extensively with cross-functional teams, including producers, designers, and engineers, to achieve project milestones and deliver high-quality game features.

📝 Enhancement Note: This internship is specifically targeted at students looking to gain practical experience in a professional game studio. While the core focus is on Game Design and UX Design, the nature of game development often requires interns to be adaptable and willing to learn across related disciplines. The role emphasizes hands-on work and integration into active production pipelines.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Actively participate in daily team stand-ups and project meetings, contributing insights and asking clarifying questions.

• Work under the direct supervision of a mentor to learn and apply design principles and toolsets relevant to Game Design or UX Design.

• Assist in the creation, iteration, and refinement of game mechanics, player progression systems, or user interface elements.

• Execute assigned tasks related to design documentation, prototyping, user flow mapping, or asset integration.

• Utilize and gain proficiency in industry-standard tools such as Unreal Engine 5 or Fatshark's in-house Stingray engine.

• Support the team in user testing and feedback sessions, helping to identify areas for improvement in gameplay and user experience.

• Contribute to a collaborative and supportive team atmosphere, fostering a positive and productive work environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities are framed to reflect an intern's contribution within a professional production setting. Emphasis is placed on learning, contribution, and integration into existing workflows, rather than independent ownership of large features, which is typical for an internship.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Currently enrolled in a relevant degree program (e.g., Game Design, Computer Science, Human-Computer Interaction, Digital Media, Graphic Design, or related field).

Experience: Previous internship experience or significant personal projects demonstrating interest and aptitude in Game Design or UX Design is a plus, but not strictly required for this entry-level role.

Required Skills:

• A strong passion for video games and a foundational understanding of game design principles or UX design methodologies.

• Eagerness to learn and adapt to new tools, workflows, and technologies within a fast-paced production environment.

• Basic proficiency in at least one relevant design or prototyping tool (e.g., Figma, Adobe XD, Sketch, Miro, or similar for UX; basic understanding of game engines for Game Design).

• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to articulate ideas clearly and concisely.

• Ability to work effectively in a team setting, demonstrating collaboration and a willingness to receive and incorporate feedback.

Preferred Skills:

• Familiarity with Unreal Engine 5 or a strong desire to learn it.

• Exposure to Fatshark's in-house Stingray engine is a bonus.

• Experience with version control systems like Git.

• Understanding of player psychology and user-centered design principles.

• Basic scripting or programming knowledge (e.g., Blueprint in Unreal Engine, C#).

• Previous participation in game jams or personal game development projects.

📝 Enhancement Note: The required skills focus on foundational knowledge, a strong learning attitude, and essential soft skills for a collaborative environment. Preferred skills are included to help candidates understand how to stand out, particularly concerning engine familiarity and a proactive approach to learning.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A curated selection of personal projects, academic work, or game jam entries that showcase your design thinking and practical application of Game Design or UX Design principles.

• For UX Design candidates, this should include examples of user research, wireframing, prototyping, and usability testing, demonstrating a strong understanding of the user-centered design process.

• For Game Design candidates, this should highlight examples of game mechanics design, level design concepts, system design, or game design documentation that illustrate your creative problem-solving and design execution.

Process Documentation:

• For UX Design, include wireframes, user flows, and potentially usability test reports to demonstrate your process.

• For Game Design, provide design documents, flowcharts, or descriptions of implemented mechanics that clearly outline your design process.

• Be prepared to articulate the problem, your approach, the tools used, and the outcome/lessons learned for each portfolio piece.

📝 Enhancement Note: A portfolio is crucial for internships, serving as tangible proof of a candidate's skills and potential. The requirements are tailored to show not just the final product, but the thought process and methodology behind it, which is highly valued in design roles.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: This is an unpaid internship. Fatshark cannot guarantee full-time employment after the internship period.

Benefits:

• A playful, friendly, supportive, and inclusive workplace environment.

• Significant opportunities for personal growth and professional development.

• Mentorship from experienced game developers who will guide your learning journey.

• Hands-on experience working directly on AAA game projects.

• Exposure to recurring hack weeks/days for creative exploration and skill-building.

• Regulated flexible hours to help balance work and personal commitments.

• Dedicated time off during summer.

• Participation in regular parties, social events, and team-building activities.

• A dog-friendly office located in the heart of Stockholm.

Working Hours: Full-time, 5 days a week, on-site at the Stockholm office.

📝 Enhancement Note: The compensation is clearly stated as unpaid, aligning with typical internship structures in some industries. The benefits package is extensive, focusing on learning, development, and a positive work culture, which are significant draws for interns.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Video Game Development. Fatshark operates within the highly competitive and creative entertainment software industry, known for its demanding yet rewarding production cycles.

Company Size: Approximately 190 experienced developers. This size suggests a studio that is large enough to undertake ambitious AAA projects but small enough to maintain a cohesive and approachable culture.

Founded: Fatshark was founded with values centered around building great co-op games in a fun, passion-driven, and approachable manner, a philosophy that has guided its growth.

Team Structure:

• Interns will be integrated into specific project teams (Warhammer 40,000: Darktide or an unannounced project).

• They will report to a manager and a producer, receiving direct oversight and project direction.

• Mentorship is a core component, with a dedicated mentor providing guidance and support throughout the internship.

Methodology:

• Emphasis on hands-on work within a real production environment.

• Continuous learning and skill development are encouraged through mentorship and team interaction.

• Agile or iterative development methodologies are likely employed, given the nature of game development.

• Regular team meetings and feedback loops are integral to the production process.

Company Website: https://www.fatshark.se/

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture is highlighted as inclusive, supportive, and passion-driven, which is attractive to creative professionals. The studio size implies a balance between established processes and a more personal working environment.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is an entry-level internship position focused on foundational skill development and practical exposure to professional game development. It is designed for students early in their career path.

Reporting Structure: Interns will report to a manager and a producer, receiving day-to-day guidance and task assignments. They will also have a dedicated mentor for craft-specific support and learning.

Operations Impact: While interns may not have direct decision-making power, their contributions can impact the iteration and refinement of game features, directly influencing the player experience and overall game quality. They gain insight into how design decisions translate into tangible game elements.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Specialization: Deepen expertise in either Game Design or UX Design through focused work and mentorship.

• Industry Exposure: Gain invaluable experience working on AAA titles within a professional studio environment, understanding industry best practices and workflows.

• Networking: Build connections with experienced developers and potential future colleagues.

• Potential for Future Opportunities: While not guaranteed, successful interns may be considered for future roles or further internships based on performance and studio needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The growth analysis focuses on the learning and experiential aspects of an internship, emphasizing skill development and industry exposure as key outcomes that contribute to future career progression in game development.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is strictly on-site in Fatshark's Stockholm office. This is a collaborative studio environment designed for in-person teamwork and knowledge sharing.

Office Location(s): The office is located at Rosenlundsgatan 29C, Stockholm, 118 63, SE, described as being in central Stockholm.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The office is designed to foster interaction, with opportunities to connect with mentors and team members across different disciplines.

• Tools and Technology: Interns will gain access to and work with industry-standard game development software and Fatshark's proprietary tools.

• Team Interaction: Expect a dynamic and interactive workspace where team members regularly communicate and collaborate on projects. The office is also dog-friendly, contributing to a relaxed atmosphere.

Work Schedule: Full-time, 5 days a week, with regulated flexible hours and summer time off, indicating a balance between production demands and employee well-being.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on an on-site, collaborative, and dog-friendly environment highlights Fatshark's commitment to a positive and engaging workplace culture, which is a significant factor for interns choosing an experience.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Step 1: Recruiter Chat (20-30 minutes, video call): This initial screening will assess your general fit, motivation for the internship, and basic qualifications. Be prepared to discuss your interest in Game Design/UX Design and why Fatshark.

• Step 2: Technical Interview (1 hour, in-office): This interview will be with your potential mentor and another team member. It will focus on your technical skills, design thinking, and problem-solving abilities. Expect to discuss your portfolio and potentially work through a small design exercise or case study related to game or UX design.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Selectively: Choose your strongest, most relevant pieces that best demonstrate your skills in Game Design or UX Design. Quality over quantity.

• Tell a Story: For each piece, clearly articulate the problem you were solving, your design process, the tools you used, and the outcome or lessons learned.

• Highlight Your Role: If it's a team project, clearly define your specific contributions and responsibilities.

• UX Candidates: Showcase user flows, wireframes, prototypes, and any usability testing results. Emphasize user-centered thinking.

• Game Design Candidates: Present examples of mechanics, systems, level design concepts, or design documentation. Focus on creativity and problem-solving.

• Be Prepared to Discuss: Anticipate questions about your design choices, challenges encountered, and how you would approach future design problems.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand the Role: Familiarize yourself with the responsibilities of a Game Designer and UX Designer in the context of game development.

• Practice Articulation: Be ready to clearly explain your design process and rationale for your decisions.

• Review Fatshark's Games: Understanding their existing titles (e.g., Vermintide, Darktide) can provide context for the types of design challenges they face.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section provides concrete advice for navigating the application and interview process, focusing on portfolio presentation and interview preparation tailored to design roles within a game studio.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Game Engines: Unreal Engine 5 (for the unannounced project) and Fatshark's in-house Stingray engine (for Warhammer 40,000: Darktide). Proficiency or a strong willingness to learn either is key.

• Design Software: While not explicitly listed, expect to use industry-standard tools for UX design (e.g., Figma, Adobe XD, Sketch) and potentially for game design documentation (e.g., Miro, Confluence, specialized diagramming tools).

Analytics & Reporting:

CRM & Automation:

• Not directly applicable to this design internship role. Focus will be on design and development tools.

📝 Enhancement Note: The technology stack is a critical element for design roles. Highlighting the specific engines (Unreal Engine 5 and Stingray) and the general category of design software provides clarity on the technical environment interns will encounter.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Passion-Driven: A deep love for creating games is a core motivator at Fatshark.

• Approachable & Fun: Fostering a positive and enjoyable work environment where collaboration is key.

• Excellence in Craft: Striving to build the best first-person co-op games, emphasizing quality and player experience.

• Inclusivity: Creating a supportive and welcoming workplace for all team members.

• Collaboration: Working together as a united team to achieve common goals.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Designers are expected to work closely with programmers, artists, producers, and QA testers.

• Open Communication: Encouraging feedback, constructive criticism, and knowledge sharing amongst team members.

• Iterative Process: Embracing a culture of continuous improvement through regular review and refinement of designs and features.

📝 Enhancement Note: The team culture and values are crucial for interns to understand how to integrate and thrive within the studio. These points highlight Fatshark's emphasis on passion, collaboration, and quality.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Rapid Learning Curve: Adjusting to professional game development workflows, tools, and team dynamics quickly.

• Production Pressures: Working within project timelines and contributing effectively to demanding AAA development cycles.

• Receiving and Implementing Feedback: Effectively incorporating constructive criticism from mentors and team members into design work.

• Navigating Team Dynamics: Collaborating successfully with diverse personalities and professional backgrounds.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Mentorship: Direct guidance from experienced Game Designers or UX Designers.

• Practical Application: Applying theoretical knowledge to real-world game development challenges.

• Tool Proficiency: Gaining hands-on experience with powerful game engines and design software.

• Industry Insight: Understanding the intricacies of AAA game production and studio operations.

📝 Enhancement Note: Identifying potential challenges helps candidates prepare and manage expectations, while highlighting growth opportunities reinforces the value proposition of the internship for career development.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Design Philosophy: "Describe your approach to designing [a specific game mechanic/user flow]. What factors do you consider?" Prepare examples from your portfolio.

• Problem-Solving: "Imagine you've identified a usability issue in a game feature. How would you diagnose the problem and propose a solution?" Be ready to walk through your process.

• Collaboration: "Tell me about a time you worked on a team project. What was your role, and how did you contribute to the team's success?" Focus on communication and teamwork.

Company & Culture Questions:

• Motivation: "Why are you interested in an internship at Fatshark specifically?" Research their games and company values.

• Teamwork: "How do you handle constructive criticism from peers or mentors?" Discuss your openness to feedback.

• Learning: "What do you hope to learn during this internship?" Align your goals with the role and company.

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure: Organize your portfolio logically, perhaps by project or skill set.

• Highlight Process: For each piece, clearly explain the problem, your approach, the tools used, and the outcome. Use visuals effectively (screenshots, diagrams, playable demos).

• Conciseness: Be clear and concise. Know your key talking points for each project.

• Enthusiasm: Show your passion for game design and UX.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section provides targeted interview preparation advice, including example questions and strategies for presenting a portfolio, specifically tailored for design internships in the game industry.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this internship position:

• Submit your application through the official application link on the Fatshark careers page.

• Portfolio Customization: Ensure your portfolio is tailored to highlight your strongest Game Design or UX Design projects, clearly showcasing your relevant skills and design process.

• Resume Optimization: Update your resume to emphasize academic achievements, relevant coursework, personal projects, and any experience demonstrating your passion for game development and design.

• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your design thinking, problem-solving abilities, and collaborative approach. Be ready to discuss your portfolio in detail during the technical interview.

• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with Fatshark's games, studio culture, and values to demonstrate genuine interest and understand how you can contribute to their environment.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.