The Gaming Van
Gamedev meets Vanlife
When I dreamed of becoming a game developer living in a van, I started searching for the perfect base vehicle to convert. I wanted something with enough headroom to stand comfortably, ideally with windows, and a built-in heater for those chilly nights.
I never expected an old ambulance to be the perfect vehicle for my plans, but by chance, I found one nearby and decided to go for it. Not only did it have everything I was looking for, but it also came with a shore power connection, air conditioning, a square rear cabin, and better insulation than a typical panel van.
I had never done a van conversion or any kind of hands-on work before. I learned everything from YouTube videos and got help from friends and family. It was a lot of work, but I had a great time turning the van into exactly what I had envisioned.
After stripping the van’s interior, I was left with a blank, square space that needed to be filled. I covered the walls with self-adhesive wood-patterned film and laid down vinyl flooring. Instead of building my own, I opted for a prebuilt couch. It took some time to find the perfect fit, but I’m glad I made that choice. It was far less work than constructing a wooden frame.
I’m thrilled with how the conversion turned out. I have everything I need to be free, travel wherever I want, and develop games in nature. It’s even better than I imagined. While there are still a few things I’d like to improve, for now, it’s perfect. If you’re dreaming of converting a van but think you can’t do it, I encourage you to give it a try. There’s a solution for every problem, and you won’t regret it. If you want to see the full journey of the van’s transformation, check out my conversion videos on my YouTube channel. And don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions!
