The BCIT Alumni Association is proud to spotlight alumni whose journeys reflect the spirit of lifelong connection, professional excellence, and giving back to BCIT and the greater community.
Meet Desmand King, a BCIT graduate, Indigenous entrepreneur, and creative storyteller whose journey from BCIT to founding an independent game studio demonstrates the power of community, resilience, and multidisciplinary learning. Combining technical expertise, design thinking, and a passion for authentic storytelling, Desmand is using interactive media to create meaningful experiences that elevate Indigenous voices, and inspire connection, reflection, and reclamation.
What drew you to BCIT and what ultimately made you choose your program(s)?
Having previously completed both the Applied Software Development and Agile Development part-time certificates, I felt that the Digital Design and Development program was the perfect match to round out my studies. Together, these certificates gave me a strong foundation in both technical and project management skills. However, I realized I wanted a program that would also challenge my creativity and help me integrate design thinking with technology. The Digital Design and Development program offered an ideal blend of hands-on learning, collaboration, and exposure to current industry practices, which allowed me to further develop my skill set and prepare for a multidisciplinary career.
Describe your most memorable BCIT experience and why that has stayed with you the most?
I would say my most memorable BCIT experience was being selected to represent BCIT Indigenous Initiatives as one of their Indigenous Peer Champions. Accepting that role was an honour and a turning point, a decision that truly changed the trajectory of my life. I suspect that as I get older and look back, that time of my life will stand out. Indigenous Initiatives is where I met so many lifelong friends, mentors, and elders; it’s where I discovered my passion for community building and its importance not just for personal success, but for collective growth. It also introduced me to the global community, helping me see the universal threads that unite us across languages and cultures. The Gathering Place at Indigenous Initiatives is a space where I cherished so many wins, but it also stood with me during some desperate lows. More than just a chapter in my education, BCIT Indigenous Initiatives was my BCIT experience, and I was lucky to have that opportunity.
What are you doing now?
Currently, I’m the Founder of OSHKI Games, an indie video game studio based in Vancouver. I recently completed my studio’s first fully funded project, THORN, a milestone that marks both a professional and personal achievement. THORN is a 3rd-person interactive art installation that fuses horror, video game design, and storytelling to create a unique, immersive experience. Inspired by my own journey, the game invites players into an introspective, abstract narrative centred on reclamation. Every element, from the visual design to the gameplay mechanics, was crafted to provoke thought and evoke emotion. THORN was designed and built to be experienced in person, forging a deeper connection between the player and the story. Seeing players engage with THORN at exhibitions, witnessing their reactions and hearing their interpretations, has been incredibly rewarding and reminds me why I chose this creative path.
How are you applying your education in your career?
As the founder of OSHKI Games, I can confidently say that I use everything I learned in Digital Design and Development to build, lead the studio and work with teams. As an entrepreneur, I wear many hats and take a top-down perspective on projects and business operations. It’s crucial to be multidisciplinary and able to pivot quickly. These are the crucial skills you learn in Digital Design and Development. Take THORN, for example: my role as producer, manager, creative lead, designer and programmer on that project and the skills I brought to those roles, can all be traced back to Digital Design and Development.
In what ways are you using your skills or experience to contribute to your industry or community?
This past summer, I had the incredible opportunity to debut my first successful project, THORN, at the imagineNATIVE Film + Arts Festival. It was a deeply meaningful milestone, not only because imagineNATIVE is the world’s largest Indigenous film and media arts festival, but also because it brought my work to a broader audience that truly resonated with its themes. Sharing THORN with such a passionate, engaged community allowed me to connect with fellow Indigenous creators, receive invaluable feedback, and witness firsthand the impact that authentic, personal storytelling can have. The experience was both humbling and inspiring, fueling my desire to continue creating work that uplifts and empowers Indigenous voices within the interactive arts space.
What advice would you give to with someone who wants to enter your field or follow in your footsteps?
Community building is absolutely essential for personal well-being and lasting success, especially when starting a business or breaking into a new field. Surrounding yourself with a strong, supportive community not only opens doors but keeps you grounded during the inevitable ups and downs. Networking isn’t just about making connections; it’s about finding people who inspire you, challenge you, and celebrate your achievements alongside you. Take everything one day at a time, cherish the moments that matter, whether big or small and remember that every step forward, no matter how minor, is progress. Celebrate your wins wholeheartedly, learn from your setbacks, and always get back up, stronger and wiser, after every loss.
What is next for you and how do you see your BCIT education continuing to support your journey?
The next steps for OSHKI Games are to continue showcasing THORN at more festivals and exhibitions, engaging new audiences, and building a strong community around the project. We are actively seeking opportunities for collaboration and partnerships that could help elevate the studio’s profile and expand our creative reach. At the same time, securing funding for a full retail video game remains a top priority a goal that will allow OSHKI Games to bring even bigger and more ambitious projects to life. This journey is as much about growth and learning as it is about success, and I’m excited to see where it leads me next.
