Below is an article originally published on Meta's blog. Visit the Meta company page on PowerToFly to see their open positions and learn more.
Alessia G., a 3D environment artist on the Beat Games team, was five years old when she discovered the joy of technology and storytelling through video games. “I grew up playing video games with my family and was fascinated every time new technology emerged in the gaming space,” shares Alessia. “Video games are so different from movies and TV—they offer first-person experiences where you are truly in the story, controlling the environment like you’re the director of your own movie.” Her early curiosity grew into a lifelong enthusiasm for video games, not only as entertainment but as a form of communication. “I always believed games were a powerful way for people to interact, to learn and much more.”
When Meta acquired Oculus, Alessia knew it was the place she wanted to grow her career in games. “I was excited to build stories in the virtual environment Meta was creating, so I relocated from Rome to Prague to join Beat Games. I still can’t believe it some days!” Now part of one of the most successful developer studios in the Czech Republic, Alessia is living her childhood dream: contributing to one of the most widely played VR games in the world, Beat Saber.
Reinventing modern storytelling with video games
As a 3D environment artist, Alessia pairs attention to detail with technical expertise to make imagined, virtual worlds feel real. She creates digital 3D environments in the Beat Saber game with models, shaders and lighting. These environments become the backdrop for the immersive stories players love to get lost in. “My team is always looking for ways to expand our knowledge of software and grow our skills so we can tell even better stories,” she shares.
“The Beat Games team has a lot of space for creativity, and as the technology evolves, we have the opportunity to become even more ambitious with our art.”
As she creates, Alessia finds artistic inspiration in the world around her—from movies to water droplets in the shower. “I have always been passionate about programming, so it was natural to combine my technical and artistic sides,” she shares. “Both are important to the game—everything that is art is also technical. You have to understand how a drawing will work in the game.”
Championing inclusive innovation in VR
Alessia and her team strive to keep the human heartbeat alive in Beat Saber, partnering closely with marketing and research teams at Meta to understand how to build the best possible experience for a diverse community of Beat Saber players. “We use research and all the small details to be intentional about our design and layout choices, helping us build exciting and inclusive environments,” she shares.
“Creativity is very human. No computer can replace that.”
Alessia’s team is equally intentional about supporting an inclusive work environment at Beat Games. “There’s always space to share feedback and express new ideas about the games,” Alessia explains. “The Beat Games team cares deeply and will take time to look across projects to provide thoughtful feedback, even if it isn’t something they’re owning. I love that about my team"
Empowered to pursue a career in games
When Alessia moved to the Czech Republic with Meta, she seized it as an opportunity to grow professionally and personally. “Changing countries was a major moment for my career journey,” she reflects. “My goal now is to study new 3D software and practice Shader effects.” From relocating to expanding her skills, Alessia describes the supportive culture at Meta as a key driver of her growth. “The teams at Meta celebrate each others’ wins and welcome feedback,” she smiles. “They’re always there to help you.”
Now settled on the Beat Games team, Alessia feels confident taking steps to follow her passions. “I’ve been pursuing online courses and trainings to grow skills that interest me and will open doors for my career in the future,” Alessia shares. “While I’m focused on making an impact on my team, I’m also empowered to manage my time every day and invest in the things that make me feel happy and fulfilled.”
“With work-life flexibility, I never need to wait until the weekend to feel happy. Every day is great, and I love what I do. ”
When Alessia imagines her future, she draws inspiration from the inventor of Beat Saber, Jan Ilavský. “Jan started as a developer, just like me, and worked hard to build an incredible career. In the future, I hope to be a leader who uses empathy and communication to connect with people.” As Alessia charts her own career path, she is more excited than ever about the industry she is now part of. “VR gaming is redefining storytelling for today and the future,” she says. “I really believe in this technology, and it will only continue to grow.”
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