Join Our Creative Journey
Internship Opportunities at Ancient Well Entertainment
Embark on an exciting adventure with our indie game studio, where your skills will shape the future of our folklore-inspired strategy games.
About Us
AWE was started by Christopher Rakkestad in 2023, and consists of a group of 6 childhood friends with a shared love of games, history and fantasy themes. After we won and took home 100.000 SEK from the Great Summer Pitch hosted by The Great Journey, we founded the studio to work on Defenders of the Fjord.
Ancient Well Entertainment is an indie game studio fueled by Nordic folklore, humor, and heavy metal vibes. We are currently working on our first title, Defenders of the Fjord, a Nordic mythology-inspired third-person tower defense game. We’re also preparing to dive into our second project—a traditional tower defense set in 1600s Norway, steeped in humor and historical quirks.
What We’re Looking For
We’re assembling a small, dedicated team of interns to help bring our second game from pre-production to release-ready. We expect to be able to take the game to near completion during the internship period. The foundation for the game is set with theme and core systems already developed, but we need talented individuals to shape the game’s art, level and systems design, progression, storytelling, and user experience, and overall polish.
Available Positions
- Artists (1-2): Skilled in character design, environments, and animation. Concept art skills are a bonus!
- UX Designer: Focus on UI design and implementation, and enhancing the player experience.
- Game Designer: Specialize in either level design or systems design to craft engaging gameplay. A strong understanding of strategy game mechanics and balancing is a plus.
- Programmer: Expertise in physics, gameplay programming, and improving game feel.
Preferred Skills and Interests for all positions
- Proficiency in Unreal Engine 5.
- Proficiency in Perforce.
- A love for strategy games and the fantasy/historical genres.
- A collaborative spirit, good communication skills and enthusiasm for indie development.
What We Offer
- Full Game Credit: Add a completed game to your portfolio.
- Growth and Mentorship: Weekly feedback and mentoring in your discipline.
- Portfolio Development: Dedicated time each week to refine your portfolio.
- Skill Building: Opportunities to learn and enhance your abilities.
- Team Experience: Work closely with an indie studio, gaining insight into the game development process.
Location
The internship is onsite in Karlstad, Sweden, fostering close collaboration and hands-on experience.
Who Should Apply
This internship is perfect for those who:
- Really want to see a production from start to finish and put a released game on their CV.
- Are motivated by independance as well as being a teamplayer.
- Are eager to work in the indie game industry and be part of the Great Journey developer community in Karlstad.
- Are considering starting their own studio or game project, and want insight into how that works, challenges and opportunities.
- Want a meaningful, hands-on experience in game development.
Who Should Not Apply
- All you want is to work in AAA, and you want it now.
- Your top priority is to get hired at the LiA company.
Submit Your Application
Begin by sending your portfolio, resume and a cover letter to chris@ancientwell.io. Remember to let us know your discipline, and why you’re excited to work with us!
Portfolio Review
Our team will review your portfolio to assess your skills and creativity. Make sure to include your best work that showcases what you bring to a team.
Interview
Selected candidates will be invited for an interview with our team.
Work Test
After the interviews, you might recieve a work test relevant to your discipline. These will be short, and only given in cases where we are interested to have you on board.
Meet Our Mentors
Our dedicated team members are here to guide and support you throughout your internship, sharing their expertise and passion for game development.

co-founder, lead art and design
Chris Rakkestad
Part man, part troll. Only cares about metal, art and history.

Co-founder, marketing
Maria Claesson
Red neck fashion designer who loves fast cars and bushcraft. Master of typography, marketing and good taste.

SFX, world building and programming
Magnus Wandås
Wizard who can make anything, and tell a great story about it too.

Game design and programming
Sean Murphy
Game design mastermind. Weirdly charming, most beloved flutist. He will make you laugh one way or another.
Join Our Creative Journey
Seize the opportunity to be part of Ancient Well Entertainment’s dynamic team! We’re on the lookout for passionate interns in game design, 3D art, UX and programming to help bring our tower defense game to life. Dive into the world of strategy games with a Nordic twist and contribute your skills to a project that blends history, folklore, and a unique vibe. Apply today and embark on an exciting creative path with us!