NIMRODS: GunCraft Survivor

2022-2025

Creative Lead / Game Designer

NIMRODS is a roguelike bullet-hell survival game set in a chaotic, futuristic universe brimming with derpy characters, deadly aliens, and downright absurd weapons. Players take on the role of space-faring hunters, battling endless waves of monsters while upgrading and customizing their weapons through a robust GunCrafting system. With expansive alien biomes, unique enemies, and a rich progression system, NIMRODS offers endless build variety and laugh-out-loud moments for players. The game launched to great success, earning over 70,000 unit sales, an “Audience Choice Award” at DreamHack Atlanta 2024, and recognition from major outlets like IGN and Unity Play Launch Showcase.

As a Creative Designer and Leader, I helped to spearhead the development of NIMRODS, collaborating closely with stakeholders and designers to establish its identity and unique selling points (USPs). I led efforts to refine its chaotic, slapstick tone, and satisfying game feel. I designed core systems and mechanics, and provided valuable feedback to shape the art direction and ensure a cohesive and unique aesthetic. My role extended beyond game design, encompassing leadership, marketing, and production support to guide the team and ensure the game's successful launch.

Game Design:

Conceptualized and iterated on core mechanics, ensuring a fun, chaotic, and slapstick gameplay experience.
Designed and helped to balanced over 500 quests, achievements, and game objectives.
Crafted unique enemies, minibosses, and final bosses with distinctive mechanics, names, and themes.
Developed the world map consisting of multiple biomes and points of interest with unique aesthetics and engaging mechanics. Fine-tuned the pacing and discovery elements of the exploration features.
Designed a majority of in-game UI screens, including the Shops, Gun Upgrade, Gun Inspection, End Game, and World Map.
Contributed to the pacing and game feel (balance and progression) through meticulous testing and iteration.

My Contributions

Playtesting and Feedback:

Hosted live playtesting events, observed hours of player footage, and implemented feedback to address key issues.
Created surveys and analyzed player data to iterate on mechanics, balance, and onboarding.

Collaboration and Leadership:

Worked directly with artists to establish a vibrant, cohesive art style for characters, guns, and environments.
Led discussions with stakeholders to align the team on vision, direction, and priorities.
Guided the team in achieving a "fun-first" mentality, emphasizing player experience.
Helped organize and execute in-person and online showcases, including DreamHack Atlanta 2024.

Marketing and Outreach:

Recorded and edited game trailers and marketing materials, featured multiple times by IGN and other major outlets.
Improved store pages and conversions with compelling screenshots, descriptions, and visual assets.

Other Media

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