Game Designer – Tanglewood Games (NDA)
About the project:
This project, developed in Unreal Engine in collaboration with Third Kind Games, involved working remotely as a member of the design team. I was responsible for preparing detailed documentation, developing mechanics, and maintaining regular communication with the wider studio to ensure smooth progress and alignment on project goals. My documentation was consistently praised for its clarity and detail, and I actively participated in multiple weekly playtests and meetings to contribute to both gameplay refinement and strategic planning for future content.
Responsibilities:​
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Collaboration & Ideation:
Worked alongside dozens of designers on an undisclosed project to refine and iterate on a variety of game mechanics, ensuring cohesive integration into the overall gameplay experience. Contributed to the development of new game modes, brainstorming innovative features that aligned with the game's vision and player experience goals.
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Playtesting & Feedback:
Participated in weekly playtesting sessions, providing actionable feedback on gameplay elements, user experience, and technical performance. Delivered in-game footage to the company, highlighting key areas for improvement. Worked closely with QA and other design members to refine mechanics and player interactions.
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Industry Insights:
Regularly attended industry-focused meetings, where key discussions around industry trends, player expectations, and best practices in game design were explored. Utilised this knowledge to influence design decisions, ensuring the game met current market expectations and adhered to cutting-edge industry standards.
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Engine Work & Perforce:
Carried out in-engine changes using Perforce, working with the design team to implement and test new systems in Unreal Engine. Supported the team by troubleshooting issues and ensuring smooth integration of new features, with a focus on optimizing performance and player experience.
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Documentation Development:
Created comprehensive game design documentation, collaborating closely with senior design staff and clients to refine project deliverables. Praised for producing high-quality, detailed documents that effectively communicated design concepts, mechanics, and gameplay strategies, setting a clear standard for the project.
What I Learned:​
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New Tools: At Tanglewood, I quickly adapted to using Perforce for version control, which was essential for managing and sharing design changes in a collaborative environment. Learning this tool improved my efficiency and workflow within the team.
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Project Management Systems: Working with Jira and Confluence introduced me to industry-standard project management and documentation tools. I developed a strong understanding of how to track tasks and document design decisions effectively, which enhanced communication across departments.
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Strengthened Game Design Skills: My game design skills were significantly strengthened through mentorship from a lead game designer, who provided valuable guidance on refining mechanics, balancing gameplay, and ensuring player experience was at the forefront of every decision.
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Problem-Solving Under Pressure: Since I was unfamiliar with these systems when I started, I learned how to troubleshoot and seek solutions quickly, building confidence in my ability to adapt and overcome technical challenges in a fast-paced environment.