SYSTEMS DESIGN UNDER HIGH-STAKES CONSTRAINTS

Digital pinball is a masterclass in game design constraints. Every table requires a distinct “hook” that stands out in a crowded marketplace, requiring a balance of precise physics, complex rulesets, and long-term player engagement.

During my tenure as Feature Owner, I was responsible for translating global cinematic brands—Godzilla, Star Trek, and Stranger Things—into interactive gameplay loops. This professional challenge served as the catalyst for my Master’s research, where I developed and applied a 6-point analytical framework to ensure mechanical fidelity to these world-renowned IPs.

TECHNICAL EXECUTION: GLIDE & UNREAL ENGINE

I took full ownership of the technical implementation for my features, using GLIDE (internal node-based visual scripting) to build the logic architecture and ensuring the stability of the gameplay systems.

  • Logic Architecture & Stability: Programmed complex mission flows and event triggers. I was responsible for testing and refining the logic within the scripting environment to ensure a bug-free mechanical experience.
  • Engine Integration & Polish: Supervised the automated integration of logic into Unreal Engine, performing final manual touch-ups and fulfilling technical requirements to ensure a seamless transition from script to build.
  • UX/UI Implementation: Designed and implemented on-screen HUD elements and “Dot Matrix Display” (DMD) feedback systems to provide real-time player clarity and maintain thematic cohesion.

FEATURED PROJECTS

Godzilla Pinball & Star Trek Discovery (DLC)

  • Role: Feature Owner (Concept to Launch).
  • The Mission: Translating the immense scale of “Kaiju” destruction and the high-concept sci-fi of Star Trek into table geometry and mission-based progression.
  • Outcome: Successfully shipped both tables as part of their respective themed DLC packs for Pinball FX, meeting the high quality-bar requirements of both external IP holders and Zen Studios.

Stranger Things Pinball (Netflix’s Pinball Masters)

  • Role: Feature Owner (Concept to Beta).
  • The Mission: Establishing the foundational mechanical layout and systemic mission logic to capture the mystery and horror of the hit Netflix series.
  • Outcome: This table served as a high-profile post-launch expansion for Netflix’s Pinball Masters, leveraging the massive global pull of the Stranger Things brand to drive continued engagement and attraction to the app.

EVIDENCE OF EXPERTISE

  • Constraint-Based Level Design: Designing complex 3D layouts where geometry and engine physics directly dictate the “flow” and mechanical difficulty of the game.
  • Quest & Progression Architecture: Crafting and balancing the interconnectivity of multi-tier missions that reward skill while maintaining accessibility for a broad audience.
  • Stakeholder Management: Navigating the creative requirements of external IP owners (Netflix, CBS, Legendary) to ensure strict brand alignment throughout the development cycle.
  • Cross-Disciplinary Hub: Acting as the central point of contact for art, audio, and QA to ensure that the “Feature Owner” vision was maintained across the entire production pipeline.