Jared Ellis
Dallas, Texas • contact@jaredellis.net • linkedin.com/in/jaredbellis • github.com/JaredEllis
Experienced Technical Designer specializing in crafting immersive and dynamic AAA and indie gameplay experiences, with a passion for first-person shooter (FPS) games. Proficient in Unreal Engine and Unity, adept at developing and optimizing FPS gameplay mechanics. Dedicated to creating unforgettable player experiences through technical expertise and a deep love for the FPS genre
Work Experience
Project Lead, Technical Designer
Nexrage Studios - "The Colony 2044" (PC) | Unity (C#)
jan 2024 - june 2025
Nexrage Studios - "The Colony 2044" (PC) | Unity (C#)
jan 2024 - june 2025
- Designed, prototyped, and balanced core gameplay systems, focusing on simulation, AI, and colony management mechanics.
- Developed and refined economic, social, and environmental simulation systems to drive emergent gameplay through scriptable object database singletons.
- Managed and collaborated with artists and UI/UX designers to create intuitive player interactions.
- Developed and refined economic, social, and environmental simulation systems to drive emergent gameplay through scriptable object database singletons.
- Managed and collaborated with artists and UI/UX designers to create intuitive player interactions.
Technical Designer
Nexrage Studios - "Project Chameleon" | Unreal Engine 5 (C++/Blueprints)
MAY 2023 - Jan 2024
Nexrage Studios - "Project Chameleon" | Unreal Engine 5 (C++/Blueprints)
MAY 2023 - Jan 2024
- Owned development on core gameplay mechanics for a multiplayer first-person shooter game, including character controls, weapon systems, and combat mechanics.
- Utilized C++ and Blueprints to create custom functionalities and game systems, ensuring smooth and bug-free gameplay experiences.
- Drove development of multiplayer features, including networked gameplay mechanics, to support online and LAN play in FPS games.
- Drove development of multiplayer features, including networked gameplay mechanics, to support online and LAN play in FPS games.
Co-Founder, Technical Designer
Unlimited Fries - "Grimhook" | Unreal Engine 5 (C++/Blueprints)
MAR 2023 - PRESENT
Unlimited Fries - "Grimhook" | Unreal Engine 5 (C++/Blueprints)
MAR 2023 - PRESENT
- Shipped indie title on Steam with over 200,000 units sold to date (98% positive reviews).
- Awarded "Best Hobby Project" in the Game Development World Championship 2024.
- Developed and implemented gameplay systems and UI features for seamless player interaction and dynamic in-game mechanics.
- Utilized Unreal Engine’s widget system to create interactive and visually appealing UI elements, including health bars, crosshairs, and settings menu components, ensuring they were intuitive and aligned with design guidelines.
- Awarded "Best Hobby Project" in the Game Development World Championship 2024.
- Developed and implemented gameplay systems and UI features for seamless player interaction and dynamic in-game mechanics.
- Utilized Unreal Engine’s widget system to create interactive and visually appealing UI elements, including health bars, crosshairs, and settings menu components, ensuring they were intuitive and aligned with design guidelines.
User Experience Researcher
Id Software - "DOOM Eternal" | SQL, Python, Qualtrics
NOV 2019 - MAY 2020
Id Software - "DOOM Eternal" | SQL, Python, Qualtrics
NOV 2019 - MAY 2020
Collaborated with cross-functional teams including design, development, and quality assurance to inform design decisions and improve gameplay mechanics, UI/UX, and overall player satisfaction.
- Generated comprehensive user research reports with insights and recommendations that directly impacted game development, prioritization of features, and enhancements to player experience.
- Generated comprehensive user research reports with insights and recommendations that directly impacted game development, prioritization of features, and enhancements to player experience.
User Experience Researcher
Gearbox Publishing - "Borderlands 3" | SQL, Python, Typeform
FEB 2019 - AUG 2019
Gearbox Publishing - "Borderlands 3" | SQL, Python, Typeform
FEB 2019 - AUG 2019
- Utilized data analytics to monitor and assess player progression, in-game decision-making, and engagement patterns, providing insights to refine game balance and overall user experience.
- Conducted A/B testing and employed heatmaps to measure player interaction and pain points, ensuring data-driven adjustments were implemented in areas such as combat mechanics, quest design, and loot systems
- Conducted A/B testing and employed heatmaps to measure player interaction and pain points, ensuring data-driven adjustments were implemented in areas such as combat mechanics, quest design, and loot systems
Education
The University of Texas at Dallas
Bachelor of Arts — Arts, Technology, and Emerging Communication; concentration in Animation and Games
Bachelor of Arts — Arts, Technology, and Emerging Communication; concentration in Animation and Games
Served as an officer for the Student Game Developer Association. Enthusiastic participant in various game jams and hackathons, fostering creative and collaborative skills in game development.
Languages + Technical Proficiency
- C#, C++, Python, Blueprints
- Unreal Engine 4/5
- Unity
- VCS (Git, Github)
- Unreal Engine 4/5
- Unity
- VCS (Git, Github)
Organizations + Clubs
- Phi Theta Kappa Honors Society
- Student Game Developer Association
- UTD Chess Club
- Student Game Developer Association
- UTD Chess Club
Personal Favorite Games
- Apex Legends
- Titanfall 2
- Borderlands 3
- Spyro the Dragon
- Ratchet & Clank
- Bioshock Infinite
- DOOM Eternal
- Titanfall 2
- Borderlands 3
- Spyro the Dragon
- Ratchet & Clank
- Bioshock Infinite
- DOOM Eternal