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Hi, I'm Ryan J. Smith—a Gameplay Programmer with 10+ years of experience crafting immersive, interactive experiences across horror games and military-grade simulations. I've shipped the narrative-driven horror title Perception and built cutting-edge VR/AR training systems in Unreal Engine. I'm proficient with UE5/UE4, C++, AI systems, and gameplay mechanics, with a focus on tactile, cinematic, and scalable gameplay.…Hi, I'm Ryan J. Smith—a Gameplay Programmer with 10+ years of experience crafting immersive, interactive experiences across horror games and military-grade simulations. I've shipped the narrative-driven horror title Perception and built cutting-edge VR/AR training systems in Unreal Engine. I'm proficient with UE5/UE4, C++, AI systems, and gameplay mechanics, with a focus on tactile, cinematic, and scalable gameplay.

Ryan J. Smith

Programmer, Game Developer, Designer, +4

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Hi, I'm Ryan J. Smith—a Gameplay Programmer with 10+ years of experience crafting immersive, interactive experiences across horror games and military-grade simulations. I've shipped the narrative-driven horror title Perception and built cutting-edge VR/AR training systems in Unreal Engine. I'm proficient with UE5/UE4, C++, AI systems, and gameplay mechanics, with a focus on tactile, cinematic, and scalable gameplay.…Hi, I'm Ryan J. Smith—a Gameplay Programmer with 10+ years of experience crafting immersive, interactive experiences across horror games and military-grade simulations. I've shipped the narrative-driven horror title Perception and built cutting-edge VR/AR training systems in Unreal Engine. I'm proficient with UE5/UE4, C++, AI systems, and gameplay mechanics, with a focus on tactile, cinematic, and scalable gameplay.

Available to hire

Hi, I’m Ryan J. Smith—a Gameplay Programmer with 10+ years of experience crafting immersive, interactive experiences across horror games and military-grade simulations.

I’ve shipped the narrative-driven horror title Perception and built cutting-edge VR/AR training systems in Unreal Engine. I’m proficient with UE5/UE4, C++, AI systems, and gameplay mechanics, with a focus on tactile, cinematic, and scalable gameplay.

Skills

Experience Level

Expert

Expert

Expert

Expert

Work Experience

Unreal Engine Engineer at Playnet, Inc.

January 1, 2025 - Present

Currently a gameplay programmer on a WWII-themed PC multiplayer FPS project in Unreal Engine 5, using C++ and Blueprints. Redesigned core weapon interaction and state handling for reliable multiplayer, implemented an authoritative client/server flow, designed a UI/UX loadout screen, integrated new UI widgets, refactored multiplayer footstep and environmental audio into GAS, and built a scalable 3D spatial audio framework. Profiled and optimized networked gameplay and audio using Unreal profiling tools to reduce Blueprint tick overhead and improve performance under load. Collaborated with animators, audio designers, and UI/UX artists to align gameplay with visuals and audio cues.

Unreal Engine Programmer at Bode Software

January 1, 2025 - Present

Built a multi-type damage system (Physical, Fire, Frost, Lightning, Magic) with stat scaling, resistances, and status effect triggers. Designed a fall damage system with lethal trace checks and reusable Blueprint/C++ components. Implemented an Enemy Leash AI system with designer-configurable origin points/radii. Developed the Fog Gate boss system, arena level limits, UI, music, and cinematic cutscenes. Implemented transition loading screen buffering and texture streaming to prevent visible pop-in during load.

Unreal Engine Developer & Software Engineer at Raytheon

January 1, 2017 - January 1, 2025

Patriot & Stinger Training Systems: Patriot Multi-Echelon Trainer (PMET) — a simulation-based classroom trainer used by 17 nations. Patriot Maintenance Trainer (PMT) with refactored messaging and 500+ radar parts synchronization. TMDE Tablet App (UMG + wireless comms) deployed at Ft. Sill with security compliance. Patriot Maintenance AR Trainer (PMAT) converted to a HoloLens 2 prototype. Stinger Virtual Trainer (SVT): multiplayer VR trainer for the FIM-92 Stinger with missile guidance, replication, and profiling in collaboration with Ukrainian engineers.

Unreal Engine Developer at Deep End Games

January 1, 2017 - Present

Perception (2017): Contributed to a multi-platform first-person horror title by implementing gameplay mechanics, AI systems, and performance optimizations. Developed core features including AI behavior and the signature whistling mechanic. Optimized level streaming, animation blueprints, particle effects, and UI, accelerating milestones and reducing cost-to-sales ratio by 20%.