Game Programmer

A decade ago, my life revolved around music—creating and performing gave me immense joy. As I matured, my values transitioned towards a desire to be a pou, which in te ao Māori symbolizes support and mentorship, for my friends, family, and community.

For over ten years, a group of friends and I have met weekly to explore the depths of our selves, using various personality frameworks (Myers Briggs, Enneagram, Big 5 traits, Strength Finder) to identify blind spots and challenge our worldviews. Through discussions inspired by psychologists and philosophers, I developed skills in contemplation, active listening, gentle confrontation, and brutal honesty.

As I approached a career as a professional sound engineer and producer, I grew uncertain about the day-to-day realities of that path. I yearned for a career that aligned with my traits, skills, and interests, something creative with a reliable marketplace. This led me to game development. After enrolling in the game programming program at Media Design School, I found the perfect fit for my aspirations.

While studying, my wife and I welcomed our first child, prompting me to seek part-time work in the gaming industry. I joined Mighty Eyes, where I contributed to their virtual reality time-traveling adventure game. In my year-long part-time role, I developed a profiling tool, learned their systems, and established a sense of pride in my work. Upon graduation, I was offered a full-time position as part of the interactives team, where I was responsible for all player interactions using their VRAF framework. I built a reputation for writing clean, reliable code and creating readable blueprints.

Collaboration is key in my work ethic, and I strive to create a safe space for open communication among my colleagues. I initiated practices like Mental Health Mondays, encouraging my team to stretch, take walks, and share their experiences in a supportive environment.

Through my journey in game development, I am well on my way to fulfilling my life’s purpose of becoming a pou in my community