Available to hire
I’m Andre Golin, a Gameplay Systems Designer specializing in RPG mechanics, progression, and in-game economies. I build long-term balance, resource flows, and scalable player progression, and I maintain Wizards & Wyverns, a 1,300+ page redesign of the D&D 5e ruleset.
My work emphasizes system clarity, incentive design, and decision-making over time. In addition to designing, I document intent and trade-offs, contribute as a writer for GameRant, and run Dungeon Master campaigns with reusable NPCs and modular narratives to support ongoing play.
Experience Level
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Intermediate
Intermediate
Intermediate
Intermediate
Intermediate
Beginner
Beginner
Beginner
Language
English
Fluent
Portuguese
Fluent
Work Experience
Gameplay Systems Designer at Independent (Self-employed)
January 1, 2021 - PresentComplete redesign of the D&D 5e ruleset as a long-form systems portfolio (~1,200 pages; ~450,000 words). Owned end-to-end redesign across character creation, progression, classes, feats, equipment, combat, exploration, downtime, mounts/vehicles, spellcasting, and magic items. Structured the ruleset with consistent terminology and cross-references; designed multi-archetype progression curves, resource constraints, and reworked combat for clearer action economy and meaningful turn-by-turn decisions.
Systems Design Case Studies at Parliament Homebrew
January 1, 2021 - PresentA curated collection of focused design analyses isolating specific gameplay problems and exploring system-level solutions. Includes case studies on progression & class identity, combat & decision systems, magic & resource economies, and exploration & downtime.
Games Writer at GameRant.com
January 1, 2022 - December 31, 2025Analyzed RPG mechanics, builds, optimisation paths, and progression systems. Translated complex systems into clear, player-facing explanations under deadline.
Dungeon Master at Self (Freelance)
January 1, 2015 - PresentDesigned and ran long-running tabletop RPG campaigns supported by reusable NPC toolkits, encounter frameworks, and branching narrative systems. Used Foundry VTT and Roll20 for live play testing and iteration.
Event Host & Venue Representative at We The Curious Science Museum, Bristol
February 1, 2025 - PresentDelivered live events and public programmes for large, diverse audiences in a busy visitor environment; managed visitor flow, safety, timing, and on-site engagement; acted as a visible, authoritative point of contact and resolved issues in real time with professionalism; coordinated with colleagues and supervisors to support shared operational objectives; balanced multiple responsibilities while maintaining high standards of service.
Organised Play & Community Event Facilitator at Independent – Cambridge/ Bristol
January 1, 2015 - PresentPlanned and delivered structured tabletop play experiences for recurring player groups; managed onboarding for new participants while supporting experienced players in mixed-ability environments; enforced rules fairly and consistently to maintain trust, engagement, and competitive integrity; resolved player disputes and adjusted pacing to ensure positive experiences across long-running sessions; designed and iterated play structures based on observed player behaviour and live feedback; maintained clear schedules, preparation materials, and session documentation to support reliable delivery.
Systems & Rules Development (Tabletop Games) at Independent – Cambridge/ Bristol
January 1, 2015 - PresentDesigned and maintained a large, structured tabletop ruleset focused on fairness, clarity, and consistent outcomes; produced clear, player-facing documentation to support rule understanding and enforcement; built scalable systems suitable for organised play, progression tracking, and repeat events; iterated rules and structures based on live playtesting and participant feedback; ensured accessibility and usability through standardised templates and predictable mechanics.
Games Writer at GameRant.com, Remote
January 1, 2022 - January 1, 2025Produced clear, accessible articles explaining complex game systems under deadline; communicated rules, mechanics, and optimisation concepts to a broad audience; maintained accuracy and consistency while working to tight editorial schedules.
Independent Research & Editorial Project at Ramblings of a Neurodivergent Mind – Bristol
January 1, 2021 - PresentFounded and managed an independent digital publication; planned content delivery schedules and maintained editorial standards; communicated complex ideas clearly for public audiences; took full ownership of planning, execution, and quality control.
Political Affairs Intern at The Borgen Project
January 1, 2024 - January 1, 2024Supported structured advocacy work through research and written communication; worked to defined deadlines and organisational standards.
Data Associate Intern at Amazon – Cambridge
January 1, 2019 - January 1, 2020Delivered operational processes in a safety-critical environment; maintained accuracy, reliability, and accountability under strict procedures.
Logistics Assistant at British Antarctic Survey – Cambridge
January 1, 2018 - January 1, 2018Supported logistics operations, safety checks, and materials coordination; worked within structured systems to ensure reliable delivery.
Gameplay Systems Designer at Independent
January 1, 2021 - PresentEnd-to-end redesign across character creation, progression, classes, feats, equipment, combat, exploration, downtime, mounts/vehicles, spellcasting, and magic items; structured the ruleset with consistent terminology and cross-references; tuned progression curves and resource constraints; redesigned combat action economy; documented intent and trades.
Systems Designer at Parliament Homebrew
January 1, 2021 - PresentA curated collection of focused design analyses isolating specific gameplay problems and proposing system-level solutions across progression, combat, magic, exploration, and downtime.
Dungeon Master at Self-employed
January 1, 2015 - PresentDesigned and ran long-running tabletop campaigns supported by reusable NPC toolkits, encounter frameworks, and branching narrative systems; built NPCs with defined roles and motivations; played with live feedback in Foundry VTT and Roll20.
Education
MSc, Society, Politics and Climate Change at University of Bristol, Bristol
January 11, 2030 - July 1, 2026BSc, Social Policy and Sociology at University of Bristol, Bristol
January 11, 2030 - July 1, 2024MSc in Society, Politics and Climate Change at University of Bristol
January 11, 2030 - July 1, 2026BSc in Social Policy and Sociology at University of Bristol
January 11, 2030 - July 1, 2024MSc in Society, Politics and Climate Change at University of Bristol
July 1, 2026 - March 5, 2026BSc in Social Policy and Sociology at University of Bristol
July 1, 2024 - March 5, 2026Qualifications
The Paris Agreement on Climate Change as a Development Agenda
April 1, 2025 - November 12, 2025Death Penalty Law and Advocacy
March 1, 2023 - November 12, 2025Royal Institution's Mathematics Masterclass
July 1, 2013 - November 12, 2025Industry Experience
Media & Entertainment, Education, Non-Profit Organization, Software & Internet, Government, Professional Services, Gaming
Full tabletop ruleset — classes, magic, ancestries, exploration, and more
The system rebuilds core elements — classes, spells, exploration, ancestries, and character creation — to maximise player agency, narrative flexibility, and creative expression. The complete ruleset spans over a thousand pages and is fully playable—a comprehensive rework and redesign of Dungeons & Dragons 5th Edition.
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