Extraction shooter

Core

My Role
Game Designer
Product Owner
Timeline
Jan - Oct 2024

Game Overview
Core is a mobile PvP arena shooter with extraction-style gameplay, developed by Lagrange Studios. Set in a vibrant sci-fi world, players assume the roles of pilots battling for valuable resources. The game features real-time, synchronous PvP combat and extensive mech customization options. Core is currently in its soft launch phase, where it has been fine-tuned for its competitive online multiplayer component.

My Role
In Core, I held dual responsibilities as both Head of Studio and Lead Game Designer. I managed a diverse team of up to 15 developers, guiding the studio's operations and shaping the game’s design. This involved steering the project through its soft launch phase, engaging with publishers, and overseeing all aspects of game development.

Key Responsibilities

  • Studio Leadership & Management
    • Directed studio operations, covering business strategy, budgeting, and resource management
    • Developed product roadmaps to align with the company’s strategic goals and market demands
    • Led communications with C-level executives and stakeholders, balancing business and product development needs
    • Oversaw the soft launch process and managed publisher negotiations
  • Team Leadership & Development
    • Mentored and guided team members across multiple disciplines, from hiring to career development
    • Implemented agile practices, including sprint planning and backlog management, to keep the team aligned
    • Conducted regular one-on-one meetings to ensure the team’s professional growth and project progress
  • Game Design & Feature Management
    • Led the design and iteration of gameplay features, ensuring they resonated with player feedback and market trends
    • Managed the design team, focusing on game mechanics, mode balancing, and progression systems
    • Conducted playtests and refined content based on data-driven insights
    • Focused on metagame design, including balancing in-game currencies, progression, and optimizing game modes for both F2P and premium audiences

Key Insights
Core presented unique challenges, particularly with its synchronous multiplayer mechanics in a fast-paced action environment. Leading the team through these challenges allowed me to work on a larger-scale mobile game than ever before, drawing on all of my skills accumulated over a decade of professional experience. This project showcased our team’s ability to execute complex, real-time multiplayer features while maintaining the quality and depth required for a competitive PvP title.