Loyeon Lee, a third-year Digital Media student at York University’s School of the Arts, Media, Performance & Design (AMPD), has won first place in the 3D Art category at the Ubisoft Toronto NEXT 2026 competition, an annual showcase connecting emerging game developers with industry professionals.
As part of her win, Lee will receive a year-long paid internship at Ubisoft, awarded to students selected from more than 300 applicants across Ontario. Now in its 13th year, the Ubisoft Toronto NEXT Challenge continues to serve as a key entry point into the gaming industry.
Loyeon’s Secret Attic
Participants in the 3D Art category were asked to create a video game environment diorama centered on a secret entrance, with a focus on visual storytelling, composition and high-quality assets within a defined scope.
Lee’s work stood out for its attention to detail, strong sense of environment and storytelling, and her ability to create immersive, atmospheric spaces.
“Winning the Ubisoft Toronto NEXT competition feels like a brand-new start for my career,” says Lee. “I focused on creating something that felt meaningful to me and bringing a space to life exactly as I imagined it. I truly enjoyed the process because I was making something I loved.”
Industry-Focused Learning
Lee’s work reflects a strong foundation she has developed through both independent practice and her studies at AMPD.
“The Digital Media program taught me how to work effectively as a team,” she explains. “Many of our courses involve large collaborative projects, which helped me feel much more prepared for the professional industry.”
She also highlights the program’s connection to real-world practices.
“The professors teach material that is very close to industry standards, which allowed me to build a strong technical foundation,” she says. “It also gave me the chance to explore areas like audio and media assets, which helped me approach my 3D art with a broader perspective.”
Loyeon Lee's Secret Attic
Digital Media community at AMPD
Beyond technical training, Lee points to the AMPD community as a defining part of her experience.
“Being surrounded by talented and passionate students changed everything,” she says.
“Seeing my peers work so hard on their own projects is what keeps me moving forward. That sense of community has made my experience at AMPD unique.”
To learn more, visit the Ubisoft Toronto’s website.