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I'm Brian Vargo, a Technical Game Designer specializing in gameplay programming, systems design, and AI development using Unity and Unreal Engine 5. I craft engaging mechanics, scalable systems, and intuitive player experiences that boost retention and replayability. I'm a collaborative problem-solver who thrives in agile workflows, debugging, and delivering polished, player-friendly games while communicating effectively with designers, artists, and producers.…I'm Brian Vargo, a Technical Game Designer specializing in gameplay programming, systems design, and AI development using Unity and Unreal Engine 5. I craft engaging mechanics, scalable systems, and intuitive player experiences that boost retention and replayability. I'm a collaborative problem-solver who thrives in agile workflows, debugging, and delivering polished, player-friendly games while communicating effectively with designers, artists, and producers.

Brian Vargo

Game Designer, Programmer, Game Developer, +2

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I'm Brian Vargo, a Technical Game Designer specializing in gameplay programming, systems design, and AI development using Unity and Unreal Engine 5. I craft engaging mechanics, scalable systems, and intuitive player experiences that boost retention and replayability. I'm a collaborative problem-solver who thrives in agile workflows, debugging, and delivering polished, player-friendly games while communicating effectively with designers, artists, and producers.…I'm Brian Vargo, a Technical Game Designer specializing in gameplay programming, systems design, and AI development using Unity and Unreal Engine 5. I craft engaging mechanics, scalable systems, and intuitive player experiences that boost retention and replayability. I'm a collaborative problem-solver who thrives in agile workflows, debugging, and delivering polished, player-friendly games while communicating effectively with designers, artists, and producers.

Available to hire

I’m Brian Vargo, a Technical Game Designer specializing in gameplay programming, systems design, and AI development using Unity and Unreal Engine 5. I craft engaging mechanics, scalable systems, and intuitive player experiences that boost retention and replayability.

I’m a collaborative problem-solver who thrives in agile workflows, debugging, and delivering polished, player-friendly games while communicating effectively with designers, artists, and producers.

Skills

Unity

Unity 3D

Game Design

Experience Level

Expert

Expert

Expert

Expert

Expert

Expert

Expert

Expert

Expert

Intermediate

Intermediate

Work Experience

Technical Designer / Gameplay Programmer at University of Central Florida

March 1, 2023 - Present

Developed gameplay mechanics including power slide movement, enhancing player mobility, traversal, and combat responsiveness. Scripted AI boss attack patterns (Jemorgan) to improve combat challenge, pacing, and replayability. Implemented and optimized character animations (enemy + player) for smoother gameplay performance and responsiveness. Built interactive player tutorials that improved onboarding, reducing learning curve for complex mechanics.

Technical Designer at Punk Rock Exorcist (Unreal Engine 5)

August 1, 2025 - September 12, 2025

Technical Designer at Signal Surge

April 1, 2025 - September 12, 2025

Programmed adaptive AI combat behaviors based on distance-to-base algorithms, introducing scalable difficulty levels. Designed line-of-sight and safety rating systems using tile-based elevation logic to deliver strategic AI responses. Scripted camera systems and UI feedback loops, enhancing situational awareness and player experience.

Programmer/Systems Coder at Ghost Moon

May 1, 2024 - September 12, 2025

Developed interactive breakable objects with physics-based feedback (coins, debris), increasing player engagement and exploration. Programmed room transitions and teleport systems to support seamless level navigation and world-building. Built and maintained inventory, pickup, and progression systems, enabling state persistence and dynamic game progression. Created UI systems (health bar, phase meter) to provide real-time player feedback, reducing confusion during playtesting. Designed door and switch mechanics (pressure plates, puzzles), enriching level design variety and interactivity.

Technical Designer / Gameplay Programmer at University of Central Florida

March 1, 2023 - Present

Led development of gameplay mechanics including power slide movement; scripted AI boss attack patterns; implemented and optimized character animations; built interactive player tutorials to improve onboarding.

Technical Designer at Punk Rock Exorcist

August 1, 2025 - September 12, 2025

Developed gameplay mechanics including power slide movement, enhancing player mobility, traversal, and combat responsiveness. Scripted AI boss attack patterns to improve combat challenge, pacing, and replayability. Implemented and optimized character animations for smoother gameplay performance and responsiveness. Built interactive player tutorials that improved onboarding, reducing learning curve for complex mechanics.

Tech Designer at Signal Surge

April 1, 2025 - September 12, 2025

Programmer/Systems Coder at Ghost Moon

May 1, 2024 - September 12, 2025

Developed interactive breakable objects with physics-based feedback, increasing player engagement and exploration. Programmed room transitions and teleport systems to support seamless level navigation. Built and maintained inventory, pickup, and progression systems, enabling state persistence and dynamic game progression. Created UI systems (health bar, phase meter) to provide real-time player feedback, reducing confusion during playtesting. Designed door and switch mechanics (pressure plates, puzzles), enriching level design variety and interactivity.