Bio intended for Big Life Journal - Board Game Designer listing Because identity, motivation, and development shift significantly across childhood and adolescence, a single design may struggle to resonate with every all three groups. I would likely explore at least two adaptations so the mechanics, systems, and feedback loops support growth mindset in ways that feel natural to each stage of development. My two children fall squarely within this audience, which makes me personally invested in the goal. I’m an avid board game player (both at the table and online through Board Game Arena) and a strong advocate for games as formative media. I would be excited to contribute my design experience to a project that helps young players build confidence, resilience, and a growth mindset.

Clay Williamson

Bio intended for Big Life Journal - Board Game Designer listing Because identity, motivation, and development shift significantly across childhood and adolescence, a single design may struggle to resonate with every all three groups. I would likely explore at least two adaptations so the mechanics, systems, and feedback loops support growth mindset in ways that feel natural to each stage of development. My two children fall squarely within this audience, which makes me personally invested in the goal. I’m an avid board game player (both at the table and online through Board Game Arena) and a strong advocate for games as formative media. I would be excited to contribute my design experience to a project that helps young players build confidence, resilience, and a growth mindset.

Available to hire

Bio intended for Big Life Journal - Board Game Designer listing

Because identity, motivation, and development shift significantly across childhood and adolescence, a single design may struggle to resonate with every all three groups. I would likely explore at least two adaptations so the mechanics, systems, and feedback loops support growth mindset in ways that feel natural to each stage of development.

My two children fall squarely within this audience, which makes me personally invested in the goal. I’m an avid board game player (both at the table and online through Board Game Arena) and a strong advocate for games as formative media. I would be excited to contribute my design experience to a project that helps young players build confidence, resilience, and a growth mindset.

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Work Experience

Lead Game Designer at Cat Daddy Games
January 1, 2021 - January 1, 2025
Translated leadership vision into clear design pillars and documentation for NBA 2K Mobile. Directed a team of three designers, supporting career growth while ensuring high-quality design output. Ensured cohesive, fun, scalable systems that targeted the intended KPIs. Facilitated collaboration across design, engineering, art, production, and live ops. Fostered and promoted an inclusive, supportive design culture.
Senior Game Designer at Microsoft
January 1, 2017 - January 1, 2021
Designed and iterated on gameplay systems and UX across the Microsoft Casual Games suite with a focus on modernization while porting titles to mobile. Incorporated player feedback, playtesting, and analytics into continuous iteration cycles. Maintained product vision, quality, and consistency while collaborating with third-party teams.
Founder & Game Designer at Wedgy Games
January 1, 2016 - January 1, 2017
Led design and development of Align 4, a mobile strategy game. Hired and managed an engineer for Unity implementation. Owned every non-code facet of development, from art and UI/UX to sound, project management, and business operations.
Game Designer & Creative Director at Lumate (Startup)
January 1, 2011 - January 1, 2016
Directed cross-functional teams from concept through launch of various titles. Defined and upheld creative pillars: aesthetic, tone, gameplay feel. Managed tactics and collaboration across all disciplines. Ideated and created all game design documentation.
Advanced Video Scout at St. Louis Cardinals
January 1, 2006 - January 1, 2011
Analyzed and documented game data to inform strategic managerial decisions. Developed documentation, communication, and deadline management skills.

Education

M.S. in Education, Sports Management at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville
January 1, 2004 - January 1, 2006
B.F.A. in Digital Media at University of Georgia
January 1, 2000 - January 1, 2003

Qualifications

Add your qualifications or awards here.

Industry Experience

Gaming, Media & Entertainment