Game Developer Cover Letter: Example, Template + How to Write One in Australia

Staring at a blank screen, trying to explain why you’re passionate about game development without sounding like every other hopeful developer? You’re not alone. Most game developer applications fail not because of weak skills, but because the cover letter reads like a generic template with zero personality. The hiring manager at that Brisbane studio or Melbourne games company wants to see your enthusiasm for their specific projects, your problem-solving approach, and proof you understand what makes a great player experience. This guide gives you everything you need: a real-world cover letter example, formatting essentials, Australian employer expectations, and practical tips to make your application stand out in one of the country’s most competitive creative industries.

Game Developer Cover Letter Example (Text Version)

How to Format a Game Developer Cover Letter

Australian employers expect clean, professional formatting that’s easy to scan. Game development studios receive dozens of applications for each role, so your cover letter needs to look polished from the moment it opens. Here’s the standard format that works across the industry:

• Length: Maximum 1 page (3–5 paragraphs). Hiring managers don’t have time to read essays—keep it concise and impactful.
• Font: Arial, Calibri or Times New Roman (10–12pt). Avoid decorative or stylised fonts even for creative roles.
• Spacing: Single or 1.15 line spacing with a blank line between paragraphs for readability.
• Margins: 1 inch (2.54cm) on all sides to create white space and prevent a cramped appearance.
• File format: Always submit as PDF unless the job ad specifically requests otherwise. PDFs preserve your formatting across different devices and operating systems.

Your contact details should appear at the top, followed by the date and the employer’s details if you have them. Use left alignment for the entire document—it’s the most professional and easiest to read.

What to Include in a Game Developer Cover Letter (Australia)

Every effective cover letter follows a clear structure. Here’s what Australian game development employers expect to see:

1. Contact Details: Your full name, phone number, email address, LinkedIn profile (optional but recommended), and city/state. Place this at the top of the page.
2. Date: Include the date you’re sending the application. Use the Australian format: day, month, year (e.g., 15 March 2025).
3. Employer’s Details: If you know the hiring manager’s name, include it along with their title and the company address. If not, you can use “Hiring Manager” or skip directly to the greeting.
4. Salutation: Use “Dear [Name]” if you have it, or “Dear Hiring Manager” if you don’t. Avoid outdated phrases like “To Whom It May Concern.”
5. Opening Paragraph: Hook them immediately. Mention the specific role you’re applying for, how you found it, and why you’re excited about this particular studio or company. Show you’ve done your research.
6. Middle Paragraphs (1-2): This is where you demonstrate fit. Highlight your relevant technical skills (Unity, Unreal Engine, C++, C#), specific projects you’ve worked on, measurable achievements, and how your experience aligns with the job requirements. Use concrete examples rather than vague claims.
7. Closing Paragraph: Express enthusiasm for the opportunity, mention your availability for an interview, and include a clear call to action. Thank them for their time.
8. Sign-off: Use “Sincerely,” “Kind regards,” or “Best regards,” followed by your full name and contact details again.

Right vs Wrong Example

The first example shows research, specificity, and immediate value. The second could apply to literally any game development job anywhere. Make yours count.

Entry-Level Game Developer Cover Letter Tips

Breaking into game development without years of professional experience? You’re in good company—everyone starts somewhere. The key is demonstrating potential, transferable skills, and genuine passion for the craft. Here’s how to position yourself effectively:

• Highlight your portfolio and personal projects: Game jams, mod projects, indie games, or university assignments all count. Describe what you built, what technologies you used, and what you learned from the experience.
• Emphasise transferable technical skills: Programming fundamentals, version control (Git), problem-solving ability, and any relevant software (Unity, Unreal Engine, Blender, Photoshop) demonstrate you’re already thinking like a developer.
• Show your understanding of game design principles: Talk about games you’ve analysed, mechanics you admire, or design challenges you’ve explored. Studios want developers who understand what makes games engaging.
• Mention relevant coursework or certifications: If you’ve completed a Bachelor of Games Development, attended workshops, or finished online courses from platforms like Coursera or Udemy, include them.
• Demonstrate enthusiasm for the studio’s work: Research their released titles, understand their design philosophy, and explain why you want to work there specifically. Genuine interest stands out.
• Be honest but confident: Acknowledge you’re early in your career but frame it positively—you’re eager to learn, adaptable, and ready to contribute fresh perspectives.

Entry-Level Cover Letter Sample for Game Developer

The first example provides concrete evidence of skills and initiative. The second focuses on what you lack rather than what you bring to the table. Always lead with your strengths.

Top Mistakes to Avoid in a Game Developer Cover Letter

Even experienced developers make these common errors that instantly weaken their applications:

• Copying your resume word-for-word: Your cover letter should complement your resume, not repeat it. Use this space to tell stories, provide context, and show personality.
• Failing to research the company: Generic statements like “I want to work for a great studio” show you haven’t bothered to learn about their games, culture, or current projects. Always customise.
• Using vague filler phrases without evidence: Claims like “I’m a team player” or “I’m passionate about gaming” mean nothing without specific examples. Show, don’t tell.
• Making it all about you: While you need to highlight your skills, frame everything in terms of value to the employer. How will you help them ship better games?
• Submitting with typos or grammatical errors: Nothing says “I don’t care about quality” like careless mistakes. Proofread multiple times and use tools like Grammarly if needed.
• Writing a novel: If your cover letter exceeds one page, it’s too long. Busy hiring managers will skim or skip lengthy applications entirely.
• Using an unprofessional email address: [email protected] doesn’t inspire confidence. Use [email protected] instead.
• Forgetting to mention the specific role: Always reference the exact job title you’re applying for in your opening paragraph. Studios often hire for multiple positions simultaneously.

How to Tailor Your Cover Letter to a Job Ad

The most successful game developer applications are laser-focused on the specific role and company. Here’s how to customise effectively:

• Mirror the language of the job ad: If they mention “C++ proficiency” or “experience with Unreal Engine blueprints,” use those exact phrases when describing your skills. Applicant tracking systems and human readers both notice this alignment.
• Address the stated requirements directly: If the ad lists five key requirements, structure your middle paragraphs to address each one with a specific example or achievement.
• Research the studio’s recent work: Mention specific titles they’ve released, design approaches they’re known for, or values they emphasise on their website or social media.
• Match their tone: A large corporate studio might expect formal language, while a scrappy indie outfit might appreciate a more conversational, personality-driven approach. Read their job ads and website copy for clues.
• Highlight relevant tools and technologies: If they specifically mention Unity, Perforce, Jira, or any other software, make sure to reference your experience with those exact tools.
• Connect your goals to their mission: If they’re focused on educational games, sustainability themes, or innovative VR experiences, explain why that particular mission resonates with you.

Every minute you spend tailoring increases your chances dramatically. Generic mass-applications rarely succeed in game development.

How to Sign Off Your Game Developer Cover Letter

Your closing leaves the final impression, so make it professional and complete. Stick to conventional sign-offs that work across all Australian employers:

• Use a professional closing phrase: “Sincerely,” “Kind regards,” or “Best regards” are all appropriate and widely accepted.
• Include your full name: Type your first and last name below the closing phrase.
• Repeat your contact information: Include your phone number and email address below your name for easy reference.
• Add your LinkedIn profile (optional): If you have a well-maintained LinkedIn with relevant connections, projects, or recommendations, include the URL. Make sure your profile is current.
• Portfolio link (highly recommended for game developers): Include a link to your portfolio website, GitHub profile, or itch.io page where employers can see your work.

Cover Letter Signature Example

How to Submit a Cover Letter in Australia

Even a perfectly written cover letter can be undermined by poor submission practices. Follow these Australian employer expectations:

• Always submit as PDF: Unless the job ad explicitly requests a different format (rare but possible), PDF ensures your formatting stays intact across different devices and operating systems.
• Use professional file naming: Name your file clearly and professionally: “FirstnameLastname_CoverLetter.pdf” (e.g., “LucasChen_CoverLetter.pdf”). Avoid generic names like “CoverLetter.pdf” or “Document1.pdf.”
• Follow application instructions precisely: If the ad says to include specific information in the subject line or file name, do exactly that. Failing to follow instructions is an easy way to get filtered out.
• When applying through job platforms: On Seek, LinkedIn, or company career portals, you’ll usually upload your cover letter as a separate attachment. Some platforms also offer a text box—if so, paste a brief version or summary.
• Email applications: If emailing directly, write a brief professional message in the email body (2-3 sentences introducing yourself and mentioning the role), then attach your full cover letter and resume as separate PDFs.
• Check file size: Keep your PDF under 2MB to ensure it doesn’t bounce or cause upload issues. If it’s larger, compress it using online tools or PDF software.

Final Tips for Writing a Great Game Developer Cover Letter

As you put the finishing touches on your application, keep these principles in mind:

• Make every sentence count: With only one page to work with, every line should either demonstrate skills, show enthusiasm, or prove cultural fit. Cut anything that doesn’t serve a clear purpose.
• Use active, confident language: Write in the present and past tense with strong verbs: “I developed,” “I optimised,” “I collaborate.” Avoid passive constructions like “was responsible for.”
• Quantify achievements where possible: Numbers make your contributions tangible. “Improved load times by 30%” is far more compelling than “made the game faster.”
• Show personality without being unprofessional: Game development values creativity and individual perspective. It’s okay to let your voice come through—just keep it appropriate and focused on the role.
• Proofread obsessively: Read your cover letter aloud, use spell-check tools, and ideally get a friend or mentor to review it. Fresh eyes catch mistakes you’ll miss.
• Save multiple versions: Keep a master template with your core achievements, then customise it for each application. Don’t start from scratch every time.
• Match the employer’s formality level: A corporate studio like EA or Ubisoft might expect more formal language, while a small indie studio might appreciate a conversational tone. Adjust accordingly.
• End on a forward-looking note: Express genuine interest in discussing how you can contribute to their upcoming projects. Confidence without arrogance is the goal.

More Resources for Job Seekers

Your cover letter is just one part of a strong application. To boost your chances further, explore our Game Developer Resume Example and Template to see how to structure your technical skills and project experience effectively. You should also prepare for the interview stage by reviewing our guide on Common Interview Questions, which covers both technical and behavioural questions you’re likely to face. If you’re applying for government or education roles in game development, our How to Address Selection Criteria resource will help you craft detailed responses.

Writing a standout game developer cover letter takes time and effort, but it’s worth it. Australian game studios receive hundreds of applications for every opening—your cover letter is your chance to demonstrate not just your technical skills, but your understanding of game design, your passion for the medium, and your fit with the studio’s culture. Use the example and structure in this guide as your foundation, then customise aggressively for every role you pursue. Show them you’ve played their games, understand their challenges, and are ready to contribute from day one. With preparation, specificity, and genuine enthusiasm, you’ll transform your application from just another resume in the pile to a compelling case for why you’re the right developer for the job.