I am a game and board game designer with a background in interactive media and 3D design. I specialize in translating digital experiences into engaging tabletop and digital products, balancing creative ambition with practical production constraints. Over the years I've collaborated with developers, IP owners and independent studios to shape core mechanics, craft intuitive rules, and deliver polished experiences across Unreal Engine-based levels and board games like Elden Ring: The Board Game, Horizon Zero Dawn Board Game, and Dark Souls: The Board Game.…

Jordan Connolly

I am a game and board game designer with a background in interactive media and 3D design. I specialize in translating digital experiences into engaging tabletop and digital products, balancing creative ambition with practical production constraints. Over the years I've collaborated with developers, IP owners and independent studios to shape core mechanics, craft intuitive rules, and deliver polished experiences across Unreal Engine-based levels and board games like Elden Ring: The Board Game, Horizon Zero Dawn Board Game, and Dark Souls: The Board Game.…

Available to hire

I am a game and board game designer with a background in interactive media and 3D design. I specialize in translating digital experiences into engaging tabletop and digital products, balancing creative ambition with practical production constraints.

Over the years I’ve collaborated with developers, IP owners and independent studios to shape core mechanics, craft intuitive rules, and deliver polished experiences across Unreal Engine-based levels and board games like Elden Ring: The Board Game, Horizon Zero Dawn Board Game, and Dark Souls: The Board Game.

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Language

English
Fluent

Work Experience

Games Development Lead at Steamforged Games Ltd.
September 1, 2024 - Present
Appointed as the sole developer on projects including the company's own IP, Bardsung, and 'Dark Souls: The Board Game' second release sets. Key responsibilities included developing the Project Briefing, defining and agreeing on development timelines, product specifications, resource allocation, and progress reporting to deliver quality products on budget and schedule.
Junior Games Developer at Steamforged Games Ltd.
April 30, 2024 - August 1, 2024
Integral in back-end development of games prior to release. Responsibilities included design iteration of rules and game mechanics, leading small teams to stress test game mechanics, and reporting testing results with data on flaws and solutions. Worked within small groups and under tight deadlines, emphasizing communication and calm under pressure.
Consultant/QA Tester at Steamforged Games Ltd.
February 28, 2022 - August 13, 2025
Provided play testing and user feedback on game mechanics based on an invited review of a primary game offering. Played a key role in testing and refining upcoming board game titles and ensuring high-quality standards.
Board Game Developer at Steamforged Games Ltd.
September 1, 2022 - Present
Contributed to the development of several high-profile tabletop board games adapted from popular online video game IPs such as Elden Ring, Monster Hunter World, Horizon Zero Dawn, and Dark Souls. Responsible for game mechanics design, content drafting, quality assurance testing, managing teams, and collaboration with IP holders to ensure faithful adaptation of digital titles into engaging tabletop experiences. Key achievements include leading development on projects like Bardsung and designing expansion content, with hands-on involvement in playtesting, product quality control, and reporting to senior management.
Junior Games Developer at Steamforged Games Ltd.
September 1, 2022 - August 13, 2025
Integral to back-end game development prior to release. Led teams in stress testing game mechanics, design iteration of rules, and reporting testing outcomes with data-driven feedback. Delivered concise bug and solution reports to development teams.
Consultant/QA Tester at Steamforged Games Ltd.
February 1, 2022 - August 13, 2025
Played and tested games in development providing critical user feedback on game mechanics. Invited to join based on published review during university studies.
Bar Staff at Cosy Dove
April 1, 2023 - August 13, 2025
Part-time bar staff duties during October 2022 to April 2023.
Service Station Attendant
January 1, 2021 - August 13, 2025
Part-time attendant at a service station.
Bar Staff at Black and Grey
January 1, 2017 - August 13, 2025
Part-time bar staff employment in 2016-2017.

Education

BA, First Class Honours at Northumbria University
January 1, 2016 - January 1, 2019
A Levels at Morpeth King Edward IV
January 1, 2014 - January 1, 2016
BA, First Class Honours at Northumbria University
January 1, 2016 - January 1, 2019
A Levels at Morpeth King Edward IV
January 1, 2014 - January 1, 2016
BA at Northumbria University
January 1, 2016 - January 1, 2019
A Levels at Morpeth King Edward VI
January 1, 2014 - January 1, 2016

Qualifications

Diploma, with Distinction Drum Kit & Performance
January 1, 2018 - March 1, 2022
Diploma, Drum Kit & Performance with Distinction
February 1, 2018 - August 13, 2025

Industry Experience

Gaming, Media & Entertainment, Manufacturing, Healthcare, Professional Services, Consumer Goods, Software & Internet, Education
    paper NHS: App Design
    As part of a national design competition, I worked in a 2 person group to develop a streamlined support app for NHS patients awaiting heart and lung transplants. Our main goal was to reduce in-person consultations by giving patients clear, accessible information from their handheld devices. This approach aimed to make the research and preparation process less stressful and more manageable. Primary Role: The app included an interactive learning system. Users could read about key topics for their procedure and indicate their understanding. Based on their input, patients could schedule consultations only when they needed more explanation. This created a more personalised and efficient approach to care. Key Responsibilities: Delivered a functional prototype with several user case studies. Using Adobe Premiere and creative software, I created a detailed explanation video to communicate our vision for the app design. Given the sensitivity of the subject, patient comfort and emotional well-being were prioritised throughout the design, ensuring a calm, respectful, and user-friendly experience.…
    paper Global Web2Print Solutions
    As part of a larger rebranding initiative, I was brought on as a freelance consultant designer for Vpress, a global printing solutions company. Primary Role: Following the successful completion of the rebrand, I was commissioned to redesign the company website using Sketch and Illustrator. This involved creating a new, user-focused layout and a full design template that could be handed over to the in-house development team. The final design was adopted and is now live. This project demonstrated the client’s confidence in my work, as I was invited to continue on the website project based on the strength of the initial branding deliverables Key responsibilities included: Designing a new logo, web banner, letterhead, and branded business templates. Developing a consistent presentation template, currently in active use. Ensuring all assets followed a unified design philosophy to strengthen the company’s visual identity.…