Jannice Coskun Simensen (33) and Per Kristian Simensen Coskun (35) have completely changed their lives to focus on two things:
They are both students at the Game School at the University of Inland Norway (INN), and they are working on their own production company, developing a brand-new video game.
Gaming as a hobby, study and career
– We have both loved fantasy and gaming since childhood, and I created my first game in secondary school. But at the time, parents and other adults didn't really understand video games, so it was't considered a serious career path, says Per Kristian.
Game development is what I'm going to do, no matter the cost.
Per Kristian Simensen Coskun
Infinity Branch Studios was founded in late 2023 by the couple and their fellow students Sarah Røe Skaar and Julie Ragnhild Kjelsrud, already during their second year at the Game School.
Together, they are developing the video game Evolized, which they hope will be ready for Early Access in about two years. They often meet at the university to work on the game development.
– Evolized is a story-driven game based on a kind of evolution. You start as a single-celled organism, and the goal is to become the top creature in the food chain. It’s somewhat inspired by the style of League of Legends, the combat of Diablo, and the adventure of Zelda, explains Per Kristian.
Jannice and Per Kristian are pursuing two different specialisations within game development.
The teachers are enthusiastic and supportive, and being a student here has given me a confidence boost. I’ve started believing in myself and what I can accomplish.
The Game School greatly values engaged students.
– It is always exciting to have ambitious and dedicated students. Several of our former students have started their own companies based on their bachelor's degree, some even during their studies. Hamar has Norway’s largest game development community, so young talents are definitely in the right place if they want to pursue a career in the industry, says Bård R. Gunnerud.
It is never too late to change paths
– We quit our jobs, sold our house, and left behind family, friends, and our entire life in Drammen to come here and chase this dream, says Per Kristian.
They made the decision during their honeymoon when they both felt a sense of restlessness and a need for change. They desired to spend time on their passions.
In Hamar, the couple finds everything they need, and they are so happy that they are considering staying. Although they are the oldest in their classes, the Game School has a close-knit social environment where everyone shares similar interests.
We’ve always made the smart choices, but we forgot to have fun along the way.
Jannice Coskun Simensen
But it is not all roses. They gave up everything stable around them to return to student life, and they also have part-time jobs to make ends meet.
– You really have to dare to take the leap, and you always have to sacrifice a little. But it feels good to be so dedicated to something, says Per Kristian.
This is how the Game School in Hamar became Jannice and Per Kristian’s portal to their dream life. And we hope that all gamers will be playing Evolized in a few years.