kazuerner@gmail.

com
Kenneth Zuerner (515) 450 - 3998
www.kennethzuerner.com
Game Designer linkedin.com/in/kennethzuerner
Languages Software Expertise
 C#  JavaScript  Unity  Autodesk Maya
 Python  C++ (Beginner)  Zero Engine (Proprietary)  Adobe Photoshop

Professional Independent Projects

Stratagem (Working Title) - Designer/Programmer - 3D Procedurally Generated Flight Game in Unity Dec 2020 - Present
 Developed algorithm to procedurally generate cavern-style terrain
 Optimized framerate through terrain manager that dynamically stores information and destroys for later recreation
Continuum (Working Title) - Designer/Programmer - 3D Tile-Based Puzzle Game in Unity May 2018 - Present
 Redesigned, rewrote, and optimized systems from a prototype made as a student
 Tuned player controller to feel natural, fluid, and responsive

Academic Team Projects

Gambit - Designer/Programmer - Networked Cooperative First-Person Shooter in Unity Sep 2015 - Apr 2016
 Emphasized teamwork in encounters through design of levels and mechanics that encourage communication
 Collaborated with 3 other designers to unite a variety of mechanics and encounters into a single cohesive game
 Programmed game events around the built-in networking framework to ensure minimum appearance of latency
 Constructed a 30-minute cooperative mission and 3 levels specifically for endless wave-mode
Will-o’ - Designer/Programmer - 3D Quasi On Rails Flight Game in Unity Jan 2015 - Apr 2015
 Designed 7 different levels themed with the 7 classic deadly sins using related aesthetics and mechanics
 Coded 3 different AI behaviors with unique and readily identifiable feedback that reinforces the level’s theme
 Integrated music and sound effect assets in custom manager
Tessen - Designer/Programmer - 2D Top-Down Shooter in Flash Feb 2013 - Apr 2013
 Scripted a variety of different enemies’ AI while presenting the player with easily understandable feedback
 Created an artistic and fluid experience with one other designer using ActionScript 3

Academic Solo Projects

Renegade - Designer/Programmer - Procedurally-Generated First-Person Dungeon in Unity Aug 2015 - Dec 2015
 Wrote original algorithm for procedurally generating realistic levels in C# with comprehensive error fixing
 Set and reached self-determined milestones by accurately anticipating time to complete tasks
Relativistic - Designer/Programmer - Split Screen First-Person Shooter in Unity Jan 2015 - Apr 2015
 Challenged players’ strategic thinking through use of unconventional physics
 Programmed custom character controller in JavaScript to handle dynamic 3-dimensional rotation and movement
 Designed multiplayer maps specifically to take advantage of a unique play space
Temporal Flux - Designer/Programmer - 2D Tile-Based Puzzle Game in Zero Engine Oct 2013 - Apr 2014
 Developed puzzles for labyrinths that use limited movement and portal placement instead of walls
 Built an object factory and manager for rapid level prototyping, testing, and iterating in python

Education Employment
DigiPen Institute of Technology Graduated April 2016 KeyBank
 Bachelor of Arts in Game Design  Personal Banker 2018 - Present
 Minor in English  Teller/Lead Teller 2016 - 2018
The University of Iowa Graduated May 2012 DigiPen Institute of Technology, Redmond, WA
 Bachelor of Science in Physics  Physics and Game Design Tutor 2013 - 2016
 Bachelor of Science in Astronomy  Physics Teaching Assistant 2013 - 2016