I'm an innovative game designer with over 6 years of experience crafting narrative-centric gameplay. I am committed to building experiences through collaborative storytelling and technology, poised to bring unique insights and creativity to future projects.…

Yiyan Li

I'm an innovative game designer with over 6 years of experience crafting narrative-centric gameplay. I am committed to building experiences through collaborative storytelling and technology, poised to bring unique insights and creativity to future projects.…

Available to hire

I’m an innovative game designer with over 6 years of experience crafting narrative-centric gameplay.

I am committed to building experiences through collaborative storytelling and technology, poised to bring unique insights and creativity to future projects.

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Skills

Experience Level

Unity
Expert
C#
Expert
C++
Expert
Adobe After Effects
Expert
JavaScript
Expert
Adobe Photoshop
Expert
3D Animation
Expert
Python
Expert
Jira
Expert
Java
Expert
Adobe Illustrator
Expert
2D Animation
Expert
Adobe InDesign
Intermediate
3D Model
Intermediate
Blender
Intermediate
Character Design
Intermediate
Autodesk Maya
Intermediate
Microsoft Office
Intermediate
Set Design
Intermediate
Unreal Engine 4
Intermediate
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Language

English
Fluent

Work Experience

Lead Developer & Designer at BROKEN CIGS, LLC
January 1, 2023 - Present
Directed and produced two titles, with one shipped on Steam in Fall 2025. Defined the studio's creative vision, focusing on stylized art, compelling narratives, and innovative gameplay. Supervised game design, mechanics, narrative development, and programming across all studio projects. Championed a cross-functional team of 6–10, cultivating a supportive, inspiring, and effective work environment.
Narrative Game Writer at Finch Care
January 1, 2024 - January 1, 2025
Conceived adventures and stories for the app's Finch pet. Crafted narratives from the perspective of the Finch pet aimed at providing users with fresh viewpoints. Engineered user responses for each story to enhance engagement with the Finch pet and the app.
Programming Teaching Assistant at New York University
January 1, 2022 - January 1, 2022
Instructed game programming in GameMaker and Unity for 1st-year MFA students. Analyzed inconsistencies in students' in-class assignments. Provided critical feedback and insight to assist students in completing their tasks.
Game Researcher at Meta Mountain
January 1, 2021 - January 1, 2022
Executed game-related research for a JRPG farming simulator. Analyzed popular farming simulators and JRPG titles in the marketplace. Delivered game mechanic ideas and recommendations to stakeholders. Conducted extensive testing on gameplay and game balance, proposing solutions to identified issues.
Game Developer at IT Mentors
January 1, 2020 - January 1, 2021
Implemented movement-related features and in-level challenges for a 2D platformer with a frog protagonist. Created and implemented animation transitions.

Education

MFA in Game Design at New York University
January 1, 2021 - January 1, 2023
Bachelor of Science in Computer Game Science at University of California, Irvine
January 1, 2016 - January 1, 2020
Bachelor of Science in Software Engineering at University of California, Irvine
January 1, 2016 - January 1, 2020

Qualifications

Add your qualifications or awards here.

Industry Experience

Gaming, Media & Entertainment, Software & Internet, Education, Professional Services

Skills

Experience Level

Unity
Expert
C#
Expert
C++
Expert
Adobe After Effects
Expert
JavaScript
Expert
Adobe Photoshop
Expert
3D Animation
Expert
Python
Expert
Jira
Expert
Java
Expert
Adobe Illustrator
Expert
2D Animation
Expert
Adobe InDesign
Intermediate
3D Model
Intermediate
Blender
Intermediate
Character Design
Intermediate
Autodesk Maya
Intermediate
Microsoft Office
Intermediate
Set Design
Intermediate
Unreal Engine 4
Intermediate
See more