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SECRET-MASTER I'm a mid-level Gameplay Programmer with extensive experience developing gameplay systems, AI behaviors, and performance-focused logic using C++ and C#. I have hands-on experience across the full development lifecycle on a commercially shipped indie title, and I excel at object-oriented programming, state-driven AI, and system design. I enjoy collaborating across disciplines, leading small teams, and delivering polished player experiences. I'm seeking a gameplay programmer role focused on building engaging mechanics, scalable systems, and high-quality gameplay.…SECRET-MASTER I'm a mid-level Gameplay Programmer with extensive experience developing gameplay systems, AI behaviors, and performance-focused logic using C++ and C#. I have hands-on experience across the full development lifecycle on a commercially shipped indie title, and I excel at object-oriented programming, state-driven AI, and system design. I enjoy collaborating across disciplines, leading small teams, and delivering polished player experiences. I'm seeking a gameplay programmer role focused on building engaging mechanics, scalable systems, and high-quality gameplay.

Daniel J. Van Mensel

Game Developer, Game Designer, Programmer, +5

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SECRET-MASTER I'm a mid-level Gameplay Programmer with extensive experience developing gameplay systems, AI behaviors, and performance-focused logic using C++ and C#. I have hands-on experience across the full development lifecycle on a commercially shipped indie title, and I excel at object-oriented programming, state-driven AI, and system design. I enjoy collaborating across disciplines, leading small teams, and delivering polished player experiences. I'm seeking a gameplay programmer role focused on building engaging mechanics, scalable systems, and high-quality gameplay.…SECRET-MASTER I'm a mid-level Gameplay Programmer with extensive experience developing gameplay systems, AI behaviors, and performance-focused logic using C++ and C#. I have hands-on experience across the full development lifecycle on a commercially shipped indie title, and I excel at object-oriented programming, state-driven AI, and system design. I enjoy collaborating across disciplines, leading small teams, and delivering polished player experiences. I'm seeking a gameplay programmer role focused on building engaging mechanics, scalable systems, and high-quality gameplay.

Available to hire

Hudson, United States

SECRET-MASTER

I’m a mid-level Gameplay Programmer with extensive experience developing gameplay systems, AI behaviors, and performance-focused logic using C++ and C#. I have hands-on experience across the full development lifecycle on a commercially shipped indie title, and I excel at object-oriented programming, state-driven AI, and system design.

I enjoy collaborating across disciplines, leading small teams, and delivering polished player experiences. I’m seeking a gameplay programmer role focused on building engaging mechanics, scalable systems, and high-quality gameplay.

Skills

Experience Level

Expert

Expert

Expert

Expert

Expert

Expert

Expert

Expert

Expert

Expert

Intermediate

Intermediate

Intermediate

Intermediate

Intermediate

Intermediate

Intermediate

Intermediate

Intermediate

Intermediate

Intermediate

Intermediate

Intermediate

Intermediate

Intermediate

Language

English

Fluent

Amharic

Advanced

Work Experience

Automotive Body Repair and Painting at FleetWorx Plus, Tampa, Florida

March 20, 2024 - July 22, 2025

Performed automotive body repair and paint preparation duties.

Paint Preparation and Automotive Body Repair at Maaco, Land O Lakes, Florida

January 1, 2021 - July 22, 2025

Handled paint preparation and automotive body repair tasks.

Co-Founder, Co-Owner, Lead Programmer, AI & Gameplay Developer, Designer at Quarter Onion Games, Orlando, Florida

December 31, 2020 - July 22, 2025

Assisted designers in pioneering story lines, gameplay elements for JRPG style dungeon crawler. Directed a team of 7 coders, initiated daily communications, delegated tasks, composed game logic including enemy behaviors and boss skills. Performed QA and maintained bug reporting system to ensure smooth development and multi-platform compatibility.

Co-Founder, Lead Programmer, Lead Producer, Designer at Cat Banana Studios, Winter Park, Florida

December 31, 2017 - July 22, 2025

Led programming and production, envisioned tower defense game innovation, designed gameplay mechanics, balanced units and abilities, managed user input and UI, structured wave systems, hosted community challenges, and optimized experiences for sustained player engagement.

Programmer/Tester at RedFlame Interactive, Orlando, Florida

December 31, 2011 - July 22, 2025

Performed programming and testing responsibilities including game development tasks and quality assurance.

Automotive Body Repair and Painting at FleetWorx Plus

March 20, 2024 - March 20, 2024

Automotive body repair and painting duties, performing prep, painting, and finishing tasks on customer vehicles.

Paint Preparation and Automotive Body Repair at Maaco

January 1, 2021 - January 1, 2021

Paint preparation and automotive body repair; performed surface prep, priming, painting, and finishing, ensuring quality and efficiency.

Co-Founder / Lead Programmer / AI & Gameplay Developer / Designer at Quarter Onion Games

January 1, 2020 - January 1, 2020

Co-founded and led programming efforts, designing and implementing AI and gameplay features; collaborated with designers to realize JRPG-style dungeon crawler concepts and ported code as needed.

Co-Founder / Lead Programmer / Lead Producer / Designer at Cat Banana Studios

January 1, 2017 - January 1, 2017

Co-founded studio; led programming, production, and design efforts for multiple projects, shaping gameplay and technical direction.

Programmer / Tester at RedFlame Interactive

January 1, 2011 - January 1, 2011

Wrote and tested game code, identified and fixed bugs, and supported QA processes.

Lead Gameplay Programmer / AI Developer at Quarter Onion Games

August 1, 2019 - Present

Designed and implemented core gameplay systems for a JRPG-style dungeon crawler released on multiple platforms. Built modular enemy AI using state machines, supporting varied behaviors, difficulty scaling, and boss encounters. Implemented player progression systems, including post-boss ability acquisition and skill inheritance. Optimized gameplay logic to ensure consistent performance across platforms. Led a team of 7 programmers, coordinating daily communication, task breakdowns, and milestone delivery. Performed code reviews, QA validation, and regression testing prior to production merges.

Co-Founder / Lead Gameplay Programmer at Quarter Onion Games

January 1, 2017 - January 1, 2020

Co-founded and led gameplay programming across multiple projects, defining architecture and contributing to core systems and pipelines.

Gameplay & Systems Programmer at Cat Banana Studios

January 1, 2013 - January 1, 2017

Developed a 2D tower-defense hybrid featuring a player-controlled hero, modular base-building, and wave-based combat. Architected gameplay systems supporting 20 unit types with 27 configurable stats, enabling deep strategic variety. Implemented dynamic wave generation, endless mode scaling, and difficulty progression systems. Designed and implemented player ability systems, input handling, and gameplay UI interactions. Collaborated closely with designers to iterate on balance, pacing, and player feedback.

Programmer / Tester at RedFlame Interactive

January 1, 2008 - January 1, 2011

Contributed to gameplay programming and QA testing; built gameplay logic, tooling, and verified stability across builds.