Game/Software Developer C++

SHIVAAN KULANATHAN

480-***-**** ***********@*******.*** Open to relocation U.S. Citizen

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

Game Engineer - Marching Cube / GameSim August 2020 - September 2024 Austin, TX

• Demonstrated proficiency in multiple game engines (Unreal Engine 5, Unreal Engine 4, Unity) and platforms (PC, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation, Meta Quest)

• Worked on systems across development, such as AI programming, physics, multiplayer networking, UI/UX, and performance

• Key contributor to a first-person shooter VR project in Unreal Engine 5 (UE5)

• Designed and implemented multiple movement options optimized for VR comfort with consideration for impaired movement and/or motion sickness

• Created an innovative possession mechanic that allows players to switch control between different in-game bots

• Developed responsive HUD and menu elements with multiple gesture-based navigation options and dynamic sizing to enhance player accessibility

• Leveraged Epic’s Lyra project and Ability System to accelerate development

• Served as AI programmer for an interactive ride experience in Unreal Engine 4 (UE4)

• Designed and implemented AI behavior systems to interact with players, other enemies, and dynamic stage hazards

• Created dynamic spawning conditions based on player performance to ensure varied and engaging experiences for riders with dynamic difficulties

• Integrated character animations and voice lines for non-playable characters (NPCs)

• Developed custom physics systems for projectiles, such as bouncing movement and augmented behavior based on scene/level

• Implemented rhythm-based interaction systems using UE Audio Synesthesia plugin, synchronizing in-game events with the ride’s soundtrack

• Developed core gameplay systems for an innovative rhythm-based shooter in Unity

• Implemented a precision damage system using raycasting techniques and rhythm-based damage calculations so players are rewarded for shooting in tandem with in-game music

• Created adaptive visual effects based on on-beat accuracy to increase feedback for rhythm-based gameplay

• Designed and implemented responsive UI elements to provide real-time feedback on player performance and game state

• Developed Social menu for a multiplayer shooter in UE4

• Created robust systems for player management, including adding friends and blocking players across different platforms

• Designed and implemented UI/UX for social menus, prioritizing clarity and ease of use

• Implemented a dynamic “Recently Played” list to enhance engagement and community building

• Engineered platform-specific content filtering to comply with multi-platform guidelines Product Manager/Software Developer - Dell Inc August 2016 - June 2018 Round Rock, TX

• Collaborated with developers, architects, testing, and management for NDA project to determine scope, roadmap planning, and define program releases while meeting strict client regulations

• Regularly engaged with product teams to gather and address project requirements in order to meet customer expectations

• Scripted Excel graph and report generation using data imported from Team Foundation Server, and provided biweeklyreports to upper management outlining burndown, risks, and blockers to provide update deliverable timelines to customer

• Extensively used Team Foundation Server for task and story creation, work distribution, and exporting report data to provide leads with their teams’ effort burndowns and project-wide visibility

• Developed HTML/PHP web pages for consuming web services, checking server statuses, and creating user accounts TECHNICAL SKILLS

Languages: C, C++, C#, Lua, Python

Game development: Unreal Engine 4/5, Unity, graphics and rendering Platforms: Nintendo Switch, PlayStation, PC, mobile, Meta Quest Tools: Git, Perforce, WWise, Lyra/ASC, Niagara

EDUCATION

Master of Science in Computer Science (Game Development) August 2018 - May 2020 University of Southern California - Los Angeles, CA Game Engine Development, Graphics and Rendering, Algorithms, Machine Learning for Games, Animation and Simulation Bachelor of Science in Computer Science August 2012 - May 2016 Arizona State University - Tempe, AZ

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