English Major Lands Dream Job as MLB The Show 26 Designer

Ashley Sanders' unconventional path from Twitch to San Diego Studio

Mar. 21, 2026 at 4:40pm

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In this FOX on Games podcast segment, host Eammonn Dignam interviews Ashley Sanders, a Live Designer for MLB The Show 26 at San Diego Studio. Sanders, who has a background in English and Health Science, landed her dream job in game design through an unexpected path - building a community on Twitch during the pandemic that caught the attention of the studio.

Why it matters

Sanders' story challenges the notion that a computer science degree is required to break into the game design industry. Her experience shows how passion, community-building, and transferable skills can open doors, even for those without a traditional technical background.

The details

During the interview, Sanders discusses how her love of baseball and gaming, combined with her pandemic-era Twitch streaming community, led San Diego Studio to recruit her as a Live Designer for MLB The Show 26. In this role, she helps shape the game's new "Road to Cooperstown" mode and the historic 500-player expansion of the World Baseball Classic.

  • The interview with Ashley Sanders took place on March 21, 2026.

The players

Ashley Sanders

A Live Designer for MLB The Show 26 at San Diego Studio, with a background in English and Health Science.

Eammonn Dignam

The host of the FOX on Games podcast, where he interviewed Ashley Sanders.

San Diego Studio

The game development studio behind the MLB The Show franchise, which hired Ashley Sanders as a Live Designer.

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What they’re saying

“Do you need a CS degree to make games? In this Saturday update of FOX on Games – Video Game News & Industry Analysis, Eammonn Dignam sits down with Ashley Sanders of San Diego Studio.”

— Eammonn Dignam, Host

What’s next

The interview highlights Sanders' unconventional path to game design, suggesting that more opportunities may open up for those with diverse backgrounds to contribute to the industry.

The takeaway

Sanders' story demonstrates that a traditional computer science background is not the only way to break into game design. With passion, community-building skills, and the ability to apply transferable skills, individuals from a variety of educational and professional backgrounds can find success in the gaming industry.