Gustavo Peña
Education
- Bachelor of Game and Level Design, Middlesex University
Specialization
Game Design, Interactive Media, Audio/Sound Design, Visual Design, Narrative Design, User Experience, Cross-Disciplinary Innovation
Biography
A multidisciplinary creative and jack-of-all-trades, Gustavo Peña works across game design, interactive media, narrative, and audio production. Originally from the Dominican Republic, he moved away from home at 19 to study abroad, an experience that shaped his independence, curiosity, and perspective on the world henceforth. Said transition into an unfamiliar environment sparked a drive to explore new ideas and push the boundaries of his personal and creative practice like never before.
Having completed his undergraduate studies in England, Gustavo continues to approach projects by blending technical skill with conceptual and critical thinking, guiding ideas from initial concept to full execution. His work often explores the intersection between technology, storytelling, and player experience, drawing inspiration from game design theory, cultural analysis, and hands-on experimentation. He has experience working in both the Unreal and Unity game engines, as well as Ableton Live and Logic Pro for music production, all connected by his interests in gameplay systems, level design, and audio integration.
Beyond formal projects, Gustavo engages with game studies, film and music criticism, and interactive storytelling, using these explorations to refine his skills and inform his creative decisions. He thrives on navigating complex challenges, experimenting across mediums, and finding new ways to bring ideas to life, blending ambition with a practical, hands-on approach.
Why Digital Media?
After finishing my undergraduate degree in game design last year, I found myself at a crossroads. Should I step directly into the job market, or continue learning? While the focused nature of my degree was deeply fulfilling, I still felt there was more to explore, both creatively and technically. There were new territories to uncover, literally and metaphorically.
Having spent three and a half years studying in England, I also felt ready for a new environment. Rather than remaining in London, I wanted to venture somewhere new and continue exploring the world alongside my education.
Digital Media represents the next step for me. It captures the ambition and excitement of exploring something or somewhere entirely new, the constant cycle of ideation I strive for, and offers a broader creative foundation. Pursuing Digital Media will allow me to become more multi-faceted in my skill set and feels like the natural continuation of my academic and creative journey.