Gameplay Programmer

Introduction
I am a gameplay programmer with a strong belief in creative gameplay experiences. Inspiring gameplay systems drive player engagement and new forms of play, whether it's dynamic AI behaviors or interacting player-world mechanics. Feel free to check out my recent projects below!


Technical Skills
Languages:                                       C++, C, C#, .NET, Java, Javascript, Python
Game Engines:                               Unity, Unreal Engine 4
Platforms:                                Windows, Linux, Mac
Creation Suites/IDEs:              Eclipse, Microsoft Visual Studio,
                                                                   Adobe Creative Suite, Autodesk 3DS Max

Personal Projects

Gameplay Programmer, Lifeworld (In Progress)
Video Game Development Club at North Carolina State University
Raleigh, NC

Lifeworld is a VR escape room game developed for the Oculus Rift that explores the effects of Psychosis. Trapped within a cramped room, you have ten days to escape before your symptoms become too severe, rendering progression impossible. Please check back soon for further details.

Responsbilities
     - Develop underlying game systems driving symptom creation, management, and effects
     - Instruct junior programmers in C++ and Unreal Engine scripting
     - Perform code reviews and manage programming team milestones



Gameplay Programmer, Endless
Video Game Development Club at North Carolina State University
Raleigh, NC


Endless is a VR endless runner developed for the Oculus Rift. Awakened aboard a mysterious space station, you have only one method of escape: blast away! Shoot your way through increasingly difficult, procedurally generated pod doors and try to build your highest score. Compete with friends and share your progress through local leaderboards. Will you survive?

Responsbilities
     - Prototyped procedural door generation system using Unreal Engine Blueprints
     - Organized and monitored programming team milestones via GitHub and Trello
     - Managed demo showcase and playtesting at ECGC 2018



Gameplay Programmer, Pizza Byte
Global Game Jam 2018
Jam Site: Imangi Studios




Project Site: Official Site

Pizza Byte is a real-time strategy game where you control a pizza delivery company, with a twist. Pizza is delivered by code via radio towers strewn throughout the world's city. Players can fulfill orders by selecting different ingredient towers and typing the generated code. However, the longer the connection or use of incorrect ingredient towers, the longer the code! Build, sell, and dominate to become the city's pizza king!

Responsbilities
     - Implemented gameplay systems using the Unreal Engine
     - Created UI components for managing error states and code HUD via Blueprints
     - Rapidly prototyped from concept to completion during Global Game Jam 2018



Gameplay/AI Programmer, VGDC RPG 2015
Video Game Development Club at North Carolina State University
Raleigh, NC


VGDC RPG 2015 is a Magic-Punk Tactical RPG inspired by the turn-based strategy gameplay of Fire Emblem, Shining Force, and Final Fantasy Tactics. Two opposing teams each of four units compete on various battlefields for domination. Players assign units elemental stones that modify their base stats, with different elemental types that both buff and debuff particular arttributes. Challenge your friends in PVP or against the AI in dynamically generated environments.

Responsbilities
     - Implemented battle mechanics, AI, and level UI in the Unity game engine
     - Mentored junior programmers in project flow and development standards
     - Enforced and organized source control standards via GitHub

Installation and Controls
Download and extract the folder below. Double click the executable to play. For more information, including controls, please visit the official site.

Download: VGC_RPG_2015.zip

School Projects

AI/Gameplay Programmer, Horror Coaster
Advanced Game Projects at North Carolina State University
Raleigh, NC


Horror Coaster is a survial-horror theme park simulator inspired by theRoller Coaster Tycoon series. Trapped within the demented Overlord's park grounds, players must navigate their way through malfunctioning rides, active park guards, and wandering park goers to activate all hidden switches. Blend amongst the crowds to avoid detection and escape or become the Overlord's next victim!

Responsbilities
     - Implemented NPC AI behaviors (ride and player interactions) in the Unreal Engine.
     - Created NPC notification event systems using Blueprint scripting.
     - Mentored the programming team in source control and Unreal Engine best practices.

Installation and Controls
Download and extract the root folder from the site below. Double click the executable to play.

Download (Windows): HorrorCoaster

Controls:
Tab - Open/Close Phone
W/A/S/D - Movement
Mouse Wheel - Change phone app
Left MB - Select phone app
Right MB - Return to home phone menu

**All controls are remappable via the in-game menu.


Engine Developer, Zion
North Carolina State University
Raleigh, NC


Zion is a lightweight game engine based in HTML5. It provides web-based game developers common features found in many popular game engines, including particle systems, sprite animation, 2D physics, and audio management. Zion's framework is easily extendable and can be modified to suit a variety of development needs. Please check out the official release at the landing page.

Responsbilities
     - Co-developed game engine features based on HTML 5 Canvas
     - Developed audio management, collision detection, particle system, and AI functionality



Work Experience

President
NCSU Video Game Development Club,    Raleigh, NC
August 2017 - May 2018

Involved in medium-sized club projects ranging from a diverse selection of game genres. Developed a variety of gameplay mechanics, including AI, strategy RPG combat, and procedurally-generated content. Assisted officers in organizing industry-led speaker series, in-house and local studio game jams, and student-industry networking events.


Teaching Assistant, Introduction to Programming: Java
North Carolina State University,    Raleigh, NC
January 2015 - May 2018

Assisted lab professors in teaching foundations of object-oriented programming using Java. Managed project coordination and grading using automated, bash script and JUnit testing. Oversaw student development through independently-lead, weekly office hours and lectures.


Software Engineering Intern,
Blackbaud,    Charleston, SC
May 2017 - August 2017

Developed back and front-end solutions towards improving Blackbaud’s constituent management services. Refactored existing C#/.NET-based data service and SQL Server Database systems. Created JavaScript tools for adding bulk sample data to existing data service frameworks.


Undergraduate Researcher, VR Technologies and Education
Game2Learn Lab,    Raleigh, NC
August 2016 - May 2016

Completed research into Virtual Reality (VR) technologies and their potential to increase educational performance through narrative game-based learning. Explored educational potential through measuring student immersion, game-narrative interactivity, and comprehension of narrative themes.


Mobile App Development Teaching Assistant
College of Engineering High School Summer Programs,    Raleigh, NC
June 2016

Assisted junior and senior-level high school students in developing Android mobile applications. Reinforced procedural and object-oriented programming concepts through block-style development practices. Collaboratively promoted software engineering pipeline fundamentals with lead professor.


Contact
If you have any questions about my qualifications or would like to reach me, please email me at jegood95@gmail.com. If you would like to personally speak with me, feel free to call me at (980) 213 - 6658.