Resume

Advanced Game Designer

John Woo Presents Stranglehold

Level Designer

Psi-Ops: The Mindgate Conspiracy

Terra-Builder

Septerra Core: Legacy of the Creator

# RESUME

SUMMARY!

Experienced and versatile Advanced Game Designer with over 22 years of expertise in developing captivating gameplay experiences. Adept at leadership roles, feature level system designs, integrating narrative lore and themes into gameplay, and designing dynamic combat encounters that captivate and challenge players. Committed to fostering the growth and development of junior game designers through mentorship and guidance. Passionate about continuously innovating and delivering immersive gaming experiences that leave a lasting impact on players.

Game Design

Mobile Design

Design Manager

SKILLS!

Design Leadership
Creative Direction
Feature Systems Design
Encounter Design
High-Level Design
Multiplayer Design
Design Mentoring
Live Ops
Game Monetization
Game Balance
Level Design
Unreal Engine

ADVANCED GAME DESIGNER 03/2020 to 07/2024

Mortal Kombat: Onslaught (IOS, Android), NetherRealm Studios!

Led Onslaught’s enemy encounter design and story gameplay teams, ensuring compelling and challenging gameplay experiences that resonated with players
Designed proprietary tools to facilitate rapid implementation of story cut-scenes and enemy encounters, collaborating closely with programmers to ensure functionality and efficiency
Utilized analytical data to improve KPIs by iteratively tweaking and rebalancing encounters for optimal player engagement
Designed feature systems, including the story campaign and two live service game modes
Managed internal design personnel and collaborated with external outsourced teams to deliver high-quality game content
Mentored associate and mid-level game designers, fostering inclusivity and a focus on skill development and knowledge sharing within the team
Worked with Marketing and Community Managers to address player concerns and excite players regarding upcoming content

SENIOR GAME DESIGNER 06/2018 to 02/2020

Mortal Kombat: Mobile (formerly Mortal Kombat: X), NetherRealm Studios!

Returned to oversee outsourcing teams responsible for game support, ensuring continuity and quality of ongoing updates
Collaborated with Product Management to analyze player data and adjust game features to enhance player retention and satisfaction
Contributed to character and feature systems design, focusing on enhancing gameplay depth and variety
Worked closely with Marketing and Community Managers to address player concerns and generate excitement around upcoming content

SENIOR GAME DESIGNER 01/2016 to 05/2018

Injustice 2 (iOS, Android), NetherRealm Studios!

Designed systems and implemented enemy encounters for raids, boss battles, invasions, story battles, achievements, and challenges
Worked closely with Product Management to balance game mechanics and optimize player progression and engagement
Worked with Marketing and Community managers to interface positively with INJ2’s fanbase – addressing issues and teasing new content
Mentored junior designers, guiding them in gameplay design principles and best practices
Maintained Live Ops elements of the game to further improve trouble spots in the game’s KPIs

SENIOR GAME DESIGNER 11/2013 to 12/2015

Mortal Kombat: X (iOS, Android), NetherRealm Studios!

Designed and balanced challenging enemy encounters to enhance gameplay dynamics
Led the research and implementation of mobile-friendly X-Rays and cinematic sequences using Unreal Engine 3’s Matinee system
Managed difficulty curves to ensure a satisfying progression for players and help influence positive KPIs
Designed and implemented core campaign system
Mentored associate and mid-level game designers, fostering inclusivity, skill development, and collaboration within the team

PROJECT LEAD / SENIOR GAME DESIGNER 07/2013 to 10/2013

Batman: Arkham Origins (iOS), NetherRealm Studios!

Successfully led the development of the game from inception to submission in a tight 13-week timeline, with a team of 20+ people
Coordinated team efforts to meet deadlines and ensure cohesive game design across monetization, UI elements, combat systems, and more
Designed and implemented comprehensive gameplay systems including economy, level advancement, skills, UX, campaign mode, and procedural battle systems

SENIOR GAME DESIGNER 07/2012 to 04/2013

Injustice: Gods Among Us (iOS, Android), NetherRealm Studios!

Designed and balanced engaging enemy encounters to create strategic gameplay experiences within Campaign mode
Implemented cinematic sequences using Matinee in Unreal Engine 3 to enhance storytelling immersion
Managed difficulty curves to maintain gameplay balance and challenge

GAME DESIGNER 01/2012 to 06/2012

Unannounced Project (iOS), NetherRealm Studios!

Level Design – Designed and implemented levels, scenarios, and enemy encounters to immerse players into the essence of a very popular IP universe
Created cinematic sequences using Matinee to enhance narrative and gameplay immersion

GAME DESIGNER 05/2011 to 12/2011

Batman: Arkham City Lockdown (iOS), NetherRealm Studios!

Implemented Battles using Kismet visual scripting to create engaging combat sequences
Designed and implemented Cinematics using Matinee to enhance storytelling elements

GAME DESIGN SUPPORT 02/2011 to 04/2011

Mortal Kombat 9 (PS3), NetherRealm Studios!

Supported game balance initiatives using proprietary character tools by adjusting gameplay at lower difficulty levels

MULTIPLAYER DESIGNER 02/2010 to 01/2011

F.3.A.R. (PS3), NetherRealm Studios!

Designed and implemented four unique multiplayer modes in collaboration with Day One staff
Executed MP level designs to provide diverse and balanced multiplayer environments

LEVEL DESIGNER 06/2009 to 01/2010

Unannounced Project (Prototype) (Console), NetherRealm Studios!

Created platforming challenges and intense battle-focused arenas
Scripted combat encounters and environmental puzzles using Kismet to enrich gameplay dynamics

SENIOR DESIGNER 10/2007 to 05/2009

Unannounced Project (Console), Midway Games!

Led all feature systems design efforts and made significant contributions to the Game Design Document (GDD), ensuring cohesive gameplay mechanics
Designed compelling weapons with unique mix-and-match player customization options

LEVEL DESIGNER 07/2004 to 09/2007

Stranglehold (PS3, Xbox 360), Midway Games!

Created, implemented, tested, and balanced multiple level layouts to ensure an optimal player experience
Scripted diverse enemy encounters, with an eye towards maintaining gameplay balance
Managed weapon balance to ensure exciting, visceral gameplay

LEVEL DESIGNER 05/2003 to 06/2004

Psi-Ops: The Mindgate Conspiracy (PS2, Xbox), Midway Games!

Designed enemy encounters to accommodate both stealth and combat gameplay styles, enhancing player choice and strategy
Populated levels with interactable props and power-ups to facilitate exciting gameplay opportunities

ADDITIONAL EXPERIENCE!

Quality Assurance on MLB SlugFest (May 2002-Jan 2003). World Builder on Septerra Core:
Legacy of the Creator (May 1999-July 2000).

EDUCATION!

University of Illinois At Chicago, Chicago, IL
Bachelor of Arts, Creative Writing And Journalism, 06/1995

Follow With Us:

Mortal Kombat: Onslaught

Mortal Kombat: Mobile

Injustice 2: Mobile

Mortal Kombat: X

Batman: Arkham Origins

Injustice: Gods Among Us

Batman: Arkham City Lockdown

F.E.A.R. 3