Building Tomorrow's Game Worlds

At Tunnelova Labs, we believe that exceptional 3D environments emerge when technical skill meets creative vision. Our approach to education reflects the collaborative spirit that drives the best game development studios.

Our Purpose Runs Deeper

We started Tunnelova Labs in 2019 after watching too many talented designers struggle to bridge the gap between creative concepts and technical execution. The gaming industry moves fast, but educational approaches often lag behind by years.

Every course we develop comes from real production challenges. When a major studio faces a specific workflow bottleneck, or when emerging tools reshape how environments get built, that knowledge finds its way into our curriculum within months, not years.

"Education should feel like stepping into the industry, not preparing for a version of it that existed five years ago."

Advanced 3D environment design workspace showing multiple screens with level design tools and game development interfaces

What Drives Our Decisions

These aren't motivational posters on our wall. They're the principles that shape how we design courses, interact with students, and choose which industry partnerships make sense.

Industry-First Thinking

We don't teach tools in isolation. Every technique connects to real production pipelines, team dynamics, and the constraints that shape professional game development.

Our level design course includes sections on communicating with programmers about performance optimization - because understanding triangle counts matters less than knowing how to discuss them effectively with your team.

Honest Skill Assessment

We focus on developing competence over confidence. Students learn to evaluate their own work critically and understand where they stand relative to industry standards.

Rather than generic portfolio reviews, we simulate actual art director feedback sessions. Students learn to defend design choices while remaining open to iteration - a crucial professional skill.

Sustainable Learning Paths

Burnout serves no one. Our programs acknowledge that most students are balancing education with existing responsibilities and financial realities.

Course schedules accommodate different life situations. Weekend workshops, evening sessions, and self-paced modules ensure geographic location or work schedule don't become barriers to skill development.

Community Over Competition

The games industry thrives on collaboration. We foster environments where students naturally develop the networking and teamwork skills that studios actually value.

Group projects mirror real studio dynamics. Students learn to give constructive feedback, manage creative disagreements, and contribute to shared vision - skills that often matter more than individual technical ability.

How We Actually Work

Our team includes former environment artists from studios like Ubisoft Melbourne and indie developers who've shipped games on Steam. This mix of AAA and independent experience shapes how we approach education.

Direct Industry Connection

Half our instructors still take freelance projects. This keeps curriculum current and ensures we're teaching techniques that studios are actually using right now, not just what worked five years ago.

Transparent Skill Development

We share salary ranges, hiring timelines, and portfolio expectations openly. Students deserve honest information about career paths, not vague promises about "opportunities in gaming."

Regional Focus With Global Standards

Based in Australia, we understand the local industry landscape while maintaining international quality standards. Students learn to work with global teams while understanding regional opportunities.

Kieran Wallace

Senior Level Design Instructor

"I still remember my first studio job - feeling lost despite having a degree. We design our courses around the questions I wish someone had answered for me back then."

Our Commitment to Students

We track graduate outcomes not just for marketing, but to continuously refine our approach. When hiring trends shift or new tools emerge, our curriculum adapts. Because education should serve students' career goals, not institutional convenience.