Vultures of the Void
2022-2025
Creative Lead / Game Designer
Paxima Galactic Studios
Vultures of the Void (VOTV) is an ambitious multiplayer space sandbox game offering players expansive freedom, competitive faction warfare, and a deeply immersive sci-fi universe. Players can explore vast planets, engage in high-stakes risk-vs-reward battles, and customize their gameplay experience through robust modding tools. With dynamic, procedurally generated objectives and seasonal resets, VOTV provides endless replayability and opportunities for players to shape their own adventures. Inspired by iconic sci-fi franchises and games such as Arma 3/Reforger, Star Citizen, Ghost Recon: Wildlands, and Star Wars: Battlefront II (2005), VOTV strives to combine rich storytelling, complex gameplay mechanics, and social interaction in a massive, evolving world. Future iterations will include modding support and community hosted servers that can build off of the foundation we've created.
As the Creative Lead and Game Designer, I’ve driven the concept and vision for VOTV from its inception, combining innovative gameplay systems with a deeply immersive setting. Working closely with my partner, the Lead Programmer, I’ve utilized Fab assets and tools he developed to design levels, balance combat mechanics, and create vehicle systems. While I focus on game design, worldbuilding, and user experience, my partner implements these designs through programming and system development. Together, we’ve established the foundation for this ambitious project, showcasing a collaborative approach to game creation.
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Game Design:
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Designed the game's core loop to deliver dynamic, nonlinear gameplay focused on exploration, faction warfare, and resource-driven objectives.
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Developed faction-based mechanics with diverse roles, including crafting, mining, combat, logistics, and smuggling, ensuring each player's contribution has a tangible impact on the overall campaign.
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Conceptualized unique systems, such as custom gravity mechanics for spherical planets and procedurally generated objectives, to enhance immersion and speed development.
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Designed and iterated environments, including planets, outposts, cities, and space stations, utilizing store assets and custom tools.
My Contributions
Worldbuilding and Narrative Design:
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Designed the foundation for a rich, story-driven setting with distinct factions, intelligent AI, and a cohesive universe inspired by Star Wars, The Expanse, and other sci-fi IPs.
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Designed NPC quest-givers and objectives aligned with faction goals, enabling players to contribute meaningfully to their team’s success.
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Developed mission and quest systems to organically integrate with player actions and faction dynamics.
Leadership and Vision:
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Directed the overall creative vision for the game, ensuring a consistent tone and immersive experience.
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Led discussions and planning around gameplay systems, progression, and user experience, balancing player freedom with structured objectives.
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Coordinated design priorities with the Lead Programmer to align programming efforts with the project’s creative direction.
User Experience and Design:
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Currently in the process of designing the game’s UI, ensuring it aligns with the immersive sci-fi aesthetic and supports intuitive navigation.
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Defined enemy mechanics, combat capabilities, and vehicle systems, providing the framework for implementation by the Lead Programmer.
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In the process of balancing combat systems, weapons, and vehicle dynamics through playtesting and iteration.
While still in development, VOTV represents a bold vision for multiplayer sandbox games, combining strategic depth, player-driven creativity, and dynamic multiplayer interaction. The project demonstrates my ability to conceptualize, design, and collaborate effectively within a team to realize a complex game. As we prepare to share progress publicly, VOTV continues to evolve, showcasing the strength of our partnership and the dedication required to bring this ambitious vision to life.