Zoélie

As Lead Gameplay/Level Designer and Project Manager for a team of 40 individuals, I held a pivotal role in steering the project towards success. My responsibilities encompassed a wide array of tasks, ranging from overseeing the creation of innovative mechanics to meticulously crafting level layouts and comprehensive design documentation.

One of my key contributions involved the development of grey box levels, serving as foundational prototypes for our environment and programming teams. These prototypes provided a tangible framework for further development, facilitating smoother collaboration and ensuring alignment with our overarching design goals. Additionally, I played a hands-on role in assisting with AI implementation, leveraging my expertise to enhance the intelligence and behavior of in-game entities.

In addition to my design responsibilities, I took charge of coordinating the SCRUM process, utilizing the structured AGILE system to streamline our development workflow. This involved organizing regular meetings, setting clear objectives, and fostering effective communication among team members. By implementing agile methodologies, we were able to adapt to evolving requirements and efficiently address any challenges that arose throughout the development cycle.

Overall, my role as Lead Gameplay/Level Designer and Project Manager was instrumental in driving the project forward, ensuring cohesion across various aspects of development, and ultimately delivering a polished and engaging gaming experience.

Winner of 3 2020 Rookies Awards and featured in a panel at SCAD’s 2021 Gaming Fest. 

Winner of Intel’s Best Gameplay Award in 2021.

Link to Design Document

Link to Process Book

Press

Zoélie Official Trailer

2021 Intel University Games Showcase

Footage of Zoélie being announced as the winner of the 2021 Intel University Games Showcase as well as some kind words from Peter King of Green Man Gaming on what the judges liked about Zoé!

SCAD GameFest 2021 Panel

Explore SCAD's award-winning interactive design and game development program through the lens of their latest game production, Zoelie. This coming-of-age tale follows the fantastical journey of a little girl navigating life changes through imagination. Join SCAD alumni developers Ben Brook, Vincent Aliquo, and Dixon Dubow as they provide an overview of the project's evolution over six months – from story concept to visual design to game mechanics. Notably, over half of Zoelie's production occurred remotely during the pandemic. Zoelie stands as a testament to the resilience of SCAD students, showcasing their ability to overcome adversity. The game is a collaborative effort involving students from animation, visual effects, and sound design.

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Misc. Level Design- Exterior and Interior Locations