I build the hard part. Combat frameworks, level mechanics, and the systems underneath.
See the full case study for the playthrough video and blockout-to-final gallery.
See the full case study for the systems breakdown and encounter design analysis.
I'm a game design and development student at Full Sail, focused on systems and encounter design. I have 25,000+ hours across MMOs — WoW, FFXIV, Destiny — and I've spent most of them thinking about why certain encounters work and others don't.
I work best where systems meet the player: combat frameworks, level mechanics with real tradeoffs, encounter pacing that teaches through play. I'm building toward a systems or encounter design role at a studio that takes that craft seriously.
Open to systems, encounter, and level design roles. Best way to reach me is email: ethanortega102@gmail.com