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Experienced game designer and master storyteller with a passion for crafting immersive experiences. I specialize in creating memorable characters and intricate lore to send players on a truly unforgettable journey. Proficient in gameplay systems, screenwriting, and various design methodologies, I bring imaginary worlds to life through ingenuity, innovation, and interactivity.…

James Ryder

Game Designer, Game Composer, Game Tester, +7

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Experienced game designer and master storyteller with a passion for crafting immersive experiences. I specialize in creating memorable characters and intricate lore to send players on a truly unforgettable journey. Proficient in gameplay systems, screenwriting, and various design methodologies, I bring imaginary worlds to life through ingenuity, innovation, and interactivity.…

Available to hire

Experienced game designer and master storyteller with a passion for crafting immersive experiences. I specialize in creating memorable characters and intricate lore to send players on a truly unforgettable journey. Proficient in gameplay systems, screenwriting, and various design methodologies, I bring imaginary worlds to life through ingenuity, innovation, and interactivity.

Skills

Experience Level

Expert

Expert

Expert

Expert

Expert

Expert

Expert

Expert

Expert

Expert

Expert

Language

English

Fluent

Japanese

Fluent

Work Experience

Game Design Consultant at Afterlife Games

September 1, 2023 - Present

• Advise independent development studios on narrative design and character dialogue to facilitate player agency through gameplay systems. • Evaluate narrative bibles, character designs, and environmental details to maintain tonal consistency across branching story arcs. • Provide actionable design feedback by administering surveys, journalistic critiques, and design reviews across multiple project phases. • Minimize development time by employing knowledge of video game history to reference specific titles as solutions to design challenges.

Game Design Instructor at West Contra Costa Unified School District

November 10, 2025 - June 13, 2025

• Oversaw the game development capstone course, consisting of small teams working to develop a concept into a vertical slice in six months. • Mentored high school students on the fundamentals of project management and quality assurance to optimize development resources. • Instructed students on literary devices for impactful storytelling and software design methodologies for scalable software development. • Evaluated student projects for feasibility, scope control, and production risk according to market research and current industry practices.

Media Producer at Paraclade Media Labs

October 1, 2019 - November 1, 2023

• Directed compelling multimedia campaigns, harmonizing video, audio, and digital design elements to amplify client messaging. • Managed setup and operation of camera systems, incorporating technical cinematography to achieve project visual standards. • Coordinated project workflows using various management tools to deliver media assets in alignment with client requirements and set budgets. • Developed integrated public relations campaigns by leveraging multimedia assets to enforce targeted messaging on multiple digital platforms.

Community Manager at Stigma Games

July 1, 2016 - August 31, 2017

• Created promotional assets for console video games, including trailers, advertising copy, and visuals tailored for digital distribution platforms. • Edited promotional video material with a focus on pacing, clarity, and emotional impact to drive brand recognition and engagement. • Developed marketing strategies targeted to specific gaming demographics, aligning developer messaging with audience expectations. • Built and maintained a strong company presence through community outreach and consistent engagement across social media platforms.