GAME DESIGN

DESIGNER, PRODUCER, TECH ARTIST

TOOLS USED: Unity, JIRA, Figma, Google Suite, GitHub, Blender, Discord, Trello

I worked across game design, level design, and technical art to define the project’s core systems, player experience, and visual identity. I designed and implemented a modular trigger and event system, built scalable in-game computer interactions, menus, and accessibility features, and contributed to level design by using yellow paint and environmental cues to guide pacing, readability, and environmental storytelling. I also established the game’s PSX-inspired visual style through custom shaders and post-processing, balancing aesthetic fidelity with gameplay clarity.

In addition, I supported production by maintaining implementation tracking and ensuring design work stayed aligned with milestone goals. I contributed to narrative by writing environmental barks, organizing narrative materials, and helping define the game’s core story, design, and narrative pillars.

Steam Page

Development Itch.io

Surfobia: Into the Deep

Surfobia Prototype

CREATIVE DIRECTOR, DESIGNER, PRODUCER

TOOLS USED: Unity, JIRA, Figma, Google Suite, GitHub, Blender, Discord, Trello

Surfobia began as a three-week vertical slice developed in three weeks during NYU Game Center’s Major Studio Fall class and was selected to continue into Major Studio Spring, where it expanded into a full semester production over an additional twelve weeks.

I contributed across game design and creative direction, helping define the project’s core player experience, gameplay feedback language, and cohesive visual identity. I designed and implemented in-game visual effects to support moment-to-moment gameplay feedback, ensuring player actions, hazards, and environmental states were clearly communicated while reinforcing tone and atmosphere.

In addition, I contributed to level design, focusing on readability, pacing, and environmental composition to support player guidance and emotional tone. I also developed shaders and post-processing to unify the game’s visual language, and supported production by helping coordinate implementation and ensuring design and visual goals stayed aligned with milestone priorities and project scope.

GAME DESIGNER

TOOLS USED: Trello, Procreate, Blender, and a Laser Cutter

Wrath of the Volcano God is a board game created in three weeks for NYU's Introduction to Game Design class. As Lead Designer on Wrath of the Volcano God, I directed core gameplay design, systems development, and player experience from concept through playtesting and iteration.

I designed the game’s core ruleset, turn structure, and player interaction mechanics, focusing on competitive tension, spatial decision-making, and emergent player-driven moments.

I also developed the board layout logic to support replayability and strategic variation between sessions. Throughout development, I led playtesting, balanced mechanics based on player behavior and feedback, and refined clarity across rules documentation and player-facing materials to ensure accessibility and ease of onboarding.

LEAD DESIGNER, 2D // TECH ARTIST

TOOLS USED: Unity, Trello, Aseprite, Google Suite, GitHub, Discord

Outboard is a fast-paced arcade racing game developed in Unity over three weeks. The game was featured at the 2024 New York State Lobbying Day at the New York State Capitol and at the Spring Showcase hosted by the NYU Game Center.

I served as Lead Designer and Art Director, designing the complete game loop and replicating the moment-to-moment feel of retro arcade games. I created all player speed visual effects, UI, and background art assets, building a cohesive visual language that reinforced gameplay feedback and supported clarity at high speeds.

In addition, I helped ensure the project was presentation-ready for public showcases, supporting polish, stability, and overall player-facing quality.

OUTBOARD itch.io Page

GAME DESIGN

© 2025 BY MIA HELLMAN