Let me help!
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INDIE GAME DEV
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CONTRACTOR
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TEAM PLAYER
(YES MY MATH IS RIGHT HERE)
WHO AM I?
I’M TYLER WATTS
INDIE GAME DEV AND CONTRACTOR
We’ve all played video games at some point haven’t we? I’ve definitely played my fair share of video games, but one day while playing I asked myself a simple question – wouldn’t it be cool if I made a game just like this? Soon enough, my game development hobby became my passion.
I’ve got the passion…
and with my passion in game development, comes an equal passion in teaching those who are eager to learn and grow. In fact, I’ve spent some time teaching children and my peers the essence of game development.
LET ME PASS IT ON
I’ll admit – I’m still growing & learning!
After a bit of trial in error, changing my career path from Computer Science, I eventually achieved my Bachelor’s in Game Design. While I’ve begun to cement my path in the game industry, in truth I still have a lot to learn. That being said…
I’m confident I have what it takes!
HOBBYIST TO INDIE DEV
HOOKSCRAP
LEAD PROGRAMMER, APR 2022 – APR 2023
One day, my friend Jack and I looked at each and said “Want to start an indie studio?”. The rest was history. Before we knew it, we had formed a team and found ourselves working hard over the summer to deliver our first game Hookscrap.
- Leveraged the Unity Package Destructible 2D to create a dynamic destruction system.
- Created a Randomly Generated Node-Based System of levels.
- Created a Ship Upgrade System and tangential Stats System.
Learn how I made the game’s core features!
A NEW PROJECT ON THE HORIZON
COME HELL OR HOLY WATER
PROGRAMMER AND PRODUCER, JULY 2023 – JUNE 2024
The latest project under Surprise Studios, Come Hell or Holy Water, is a local multiplayer Twin-Stick Shooter set in the Wild West.
Dipping my toes in production, I’ve learned several organizational skills and processes thereby developing strong leadership traits.
- Programmed a robust Stats System, enabling the modification of various stats and abilities amidst gameplay
- Coded a modular Top-Down 2D Weapon System.
- Delegating and overseeing project tasks, maintaining scope and the project’s vision.
SCHOOL PROJECTS
TAROT + SCI-FI = SOMETHING SPECTACULAR
RELICT
PRODUCER, SEPT 2023 – MAY 2024
A game project I’ve co-led as Producer, Relict is a Third Person 3D Shooter Roguelite that retells the “Fool’s Journey” in an action-packed format. As Producer, I’ve directed the team towards efficiency and productivity, and done what I can to facilitate a stress-free work environment. All the while maintaining a positive attitude in the face of adversity and stress.
- Actively participated in the game design process and ensured all voices were heard.
- Established and maintained the vision, scope, and release schedule of the game.
- Created and established repeatable processes to improve efficiency and predictability.
EDUCATING
TURNING PLAYING GAMES INTO MAKING GAMES
CraftingEducation Academy
UNITY ENGINE CLASS INSTRUCTOR & CAMP LEADER,
DEC 2021 – APR 2023
With what started as an after-school Minecraft club when he was just 12 years old, Slayde Kerner founded CraftingEducation in 2015. As a close friend and mentor of mine, Slayde gave me the opportunity to teach game development.
• Presented knowledge of Unity tools and features to an audience of children.
• Took a child-friendly approach to teaching programming via Unity Visual Scripting (formerly Bolt).
• Constructed small prototypes and game demos enabling active learning and problem solving.
LET’S GET IN TOUCH
Whether you need some help with your game projects, or just want to make a new connection – my door is always open!