Available to hire
Hi, I’m Richard Gardner, a software engineer and graphics specialist with a track record of delivering high-performance rendering engines and end-user-focused features on major titles. I’ve led cross-discipline teams, architected multi-threaded renderers, and collaborated closely with GPU vendors to optimize performance and quality. I enjoy turning complex problems into elegant, practical solutions and mentoring teams to grow their skills.
I have over 19 years of PC Game Development Experience, working in C++, primarily as a Graphics Lead / Architect and have participated in shipping 12 AAA PC Games.
Outside work, I’m a passionate STEM advocate, volunteering with local schools through a coder-dojo style program to spark kids’ interest in computers and programming. I enjoy sharing game-focused projects that make learning fun and accessible.
Skills
Experience Level
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Intermediate
Intermediate
Intermediate
Intermediate
Intermediate
Intermediate
Intermediate
Intermediate
Intermediate
Intermediate
Beginner
Beginner
Beginner
Language
English
Fluent
French
Intermediate
Work Experience
Principal Programmer at The Creative Assembly, a division of SEGA corp.
July 1, 2007 - PresentPrincipal Programmer on the Total War Graphics Team; led graphics engine work including DirectX12 multi-threaded renderer; implemented a new DirectX12 renderer with a multi-threaded command recorder and Async Compute; supported rendering back-ends without changing rendering or game code; performed GPU frame debugging with Renderdoc, shader debugging with PIX, and CPU profiling with Sleepy Sampling Profiler; prototyped DirectML integration for potential ML use within the engine.
Graphics Lead at The Creative Assembly, a division of SEGA corp.
July 1, 2007 - PresentGraphics Lead on the Total War Team; responsible for graphics engine architecture/design and core DirectX11 engine implementation; set technical goals, managed schedules and deliverables; led partnerships with GPU vendors.
Graphics Developer at Indigo Games LLC
July 1, 2007 - October 8, 2025Re-trained as a PC graphics developer; developed Wildlife Explorer – Birds of North America, a PC/Windows wildlife simulation targeted at birders and casual sim gamers; project hosted on www.indigogames.com.
Development Manager, Windows Graphics & Gaming Team (DirectX) at Microsoft Corporation, Redmond
February 1, 2005 - October 8, 2025Managed a 50-engineer team delivering DirectX9 graphics and Windows Graphics & Gaming initiatives; coordinated with Xbox teams and IHVs; oversaw technical project planning, scheduling, staffing, and career progression; led cross-group collaboration and automated build/release processes.
Development Manager, Aces (Simulation) Games Studio at Microsoft Games Studios
November 1, 2002 - October 8, 2025Managed development of Combat Flight Simulator, Flight Simulator, and Train Simulator PC franchises; led Xbox development efforts; shipped multiple titles; introduced formal project scheduling and build tooling; participated in third-party due diligence.
Software Development Engineer Lead, Internet Explorer Team at Microsoft Corporation, Redmond
February 1, 2000 - October 8, 2025Led the Trident HTML rendering component development; provided architectural and design leadership; shipped IE4.0 through IE5.01 and various QFE releases; established robust automated build and QA/release processes; mentored a 10-person team; managed the IE4.01 Release Accessibility dev team.
Director Of Development at Keepwatch Programs Ltd
March 1, 1996 - October 8, 2025Startup creating solutions for broadcasters (BBC, ITN) and newsroom vendors; built an NT-based fault-tolerant news archive with a Windows-based search engine; implemented indexing/retrieval from primary news archives and live serial news-wire interfaces; provided on-site installation and support at the BBC.
Software Development Manager at Applied Voice Technologies (AVT)
May 1, 1995 - October 8, 2025Led a small team focused on Windows-based Voice Server solutions; designed/developed code; co-authored SDK documents; contributed to marketing materials, trade show presence, and technical support.
Development Lead at BASYS Automation Systems Ltd.
July 1, 1993 - October 8, 2025Lead development of Windows-based software for broadcast/news industry; led a networked PC (C++) and VMS server-backed project with extensive customer interaction and on-site work at live news environments.
Senior Programmer at AGB Research Centre
April 1, 1990 - October 8, 2025Architected a Windows-based SQL-backed charting system interfacing with IBM mainframe; introduced Windows-based tools to a mainframe-focused environment; improved data visualization capabilities.
Lead Programmer at GEC-Plessy Telecommunications
August 1, 1989 - October 8, 2025Led PC and Unix-based X.25 Network Management Centers; designed and implemented network management solutions across international sites.
Process Engineer at INMOS Ltd.
January 1, 1988 - October 8, 2025Process Engineer supporting fabrication/testing of transputer CPUs and graphics chips; automated program for identifying common manufacturing process flaws to improve yield.
Principal Programmer, Total War Graphics Team at The Creative Assembly (division of SEGA)
February 1, 2025 - October 8, 2025Independent contributor on the Total War Graphics Team; led design and implementation of the graphics engine architecture, including a modern multi-threaded DX12 renderer, and explored plug-in back-ends; employed Renderdoc/PIX for debugging and profiling tools; prototype DirectML integration as a personal R&D project.
Graphics Developer at Indigo Games LLC
July 1, 2007 - October 8, 2025Re-trained as a PC graphics developer and created Wildlife Explorer – Birds of North America, a PC/Windows birding simulation for casual and birding audiences.
Software Development Engineer Lead, Internet Explorer Team at Microsoft Corporation, Redmond
February 1, 2000 - October 8, 2025Led the Trident-based HTML rendering component; shipped IE4/IE5 releases; established robust development cycles with automated builds and QA/release processes; provided career mentoring for a 10-person team.
Development Manager, Aces (Simulation) Games Studio, Microsoft Games Studios at Microsoft Corporation
November 1, 2002 - October 8, 2025Managed the development of Combat Flight Simulator, Flight Simulator & Train Simulator PC franchises; mentored ~30 engineers; contributed to headcount planning and build process improvements.
Development Manager, Windows Graphics & Gaming Team (DirectX) at Microsoft Corporation
February 1, 2005 - October 8, 2025Managed ~50 engineers delivering DirectX9 graphics; coordinated cross-team work with Xbox and IHVs; oversaw career progression and cross-group collaboration.
Director Of Development at Keepwatch Programs Ltd
March 1, 1996 - October 8, 2025Startup founder delivering broadcasting solutions; built an NT-based fault-tolerant news archive with a Windows-based search engine and live news interfaces; installed at the BBC.
Software Development Manager at Applied Voice Technologies (AVT)
May 1, 1995 - October 8, 2025Led a small team delivering a Windows-based voice recognition product; co-authored SDK documents; supported marketing and trade shows; provided technical support.
Development Lead at BASYS Automation Systems Ltd.
July 1, 1993 - October 8, 2025Led Windows-based broadcast automation software for ITN, ABC & BBC; involved in C++/PC and VMS-hosted development; extensive customer interaction and on-site work.
Senior Programmer at AGB Research Centre
April 1, 1990 - October 8, 2025Architected a Windows-based charting system interfacing with IBM mainframes; provided on-demand charting for researchers.
Lead Programmer at GEC-Plessy Telecommunications
August 1, 1989 - October 8, 2025Led PC/Unix X.25 network management initiatives and designed network management centers; implemented PC/Unix-based solutions for travel and telecommunications markets.
Process Engineer at INMOS Ltd.
January 1, 1988 - October 8, 2025Supported fabrication/testing of Transputer CPUs and graphics chips; automated yield-improvement program for manufacturing processes.
Principal Programmer, Total War Graphics Team at The Creative Assembly (a division of SEGA)
February 1, 2025 - October 8, 2025Senior graphics programmer on the Total War graphics pipeline. Led development of a new DirectX12 graphics engine with a modular multi-backend architecture and a multi-threaded renderer. Implemented a DirectX12 renderer with a multi-threaded command list recorder and Async Compute support. Used Renderdoc for GPU frame debugging, PIX for shader debugging, and Sleepy Sampling Profiler for CPU profiling. As a background project, prototyped a DirectML integration to explore machine learning use in the engine. Also served as Graphics Lead, defining technical goals and managing delivery schedules, and maintained the core DirectX11 engine implementation and vendor partnerships.
Graphics Developer at Indigo Games LLC
July 1, 2007 - October 8, 2025Re-trained as a PC graphics developer and built Wildlife Explorer – Birds of North America, a PC Windows simulation for birders and casual sim gamers. The game was developed for PC and showcased via indigogames.com.
Development Manager, Windows Graphics & Gaming Team (DirectX) at Microsoft Corporation
February 1, 2005 - October 8, 2025Managed a 50-engineer team delivering DirectX graphics technologies (DirectX 9-era) for Windows Graphics & Gaming. Coordinated cross-group collaboration with the Xbox team and IHVs, oversaw technical project planning, scheduling, staffing, and career development as part of the Windows Management Leadership Team.
Development Manager, Aces (Simulation) Games Studio, Microsoft Games Studios at Microsoft Corporation
February 1, 2005 - October 8, 2025Led technical development for Combat Flight Simulator, Flight Simulator, and Train Simulator PC franchises; contributed to the Crimson Skies Xbox project. Introduced formal project scheduling, improved build systems, and guided a team of about 30 engineers.
Software Development Engineer Lead, Internet Explorer Team at Microsoft Corporation
July 1, 1996 - October 8, 2025Led development for the Trident HTML rendering component (DHTML+Scripting+ActiveX hosting) and contributed to shipping IE4.x and IE5.x. Implemented robust development cycles, automated builds, QA/release processes, and mentored a 10-person team; managed Accessibility features restoration for IE.
Director Of Development at Keepwatch Programs Ltd
March 1, 1996 - October 8, 2025Founding director building broadcast solutions for BBC, ITN, and newsroom vendors. Created a fault-tolerant NT-based news archive with a Windows-based search engine to index and retrieve archived news material and integrate live news wires.
Software Development Manager at Applied Voice Technologies (AVT)
May 1, 1995 - October 8, 2025Led a small development team delivering voice recognition products, including a Windows-based voice server with an SDK for commanding and controlling the Windows desktop. Contributed to SDK documentation, event planning, and customer support.
Development Lead at BASYS Automation Systems Ltd.
July 1, 1993 - October 8, 2025Led Windows-based software solutions for broadcast, including a networked PC and VMS-hosted development for ITN, ABC, and the BBC; heavy customer interaction and live news environment engineering.
Senior Programmer at AGB Research Centre
April 1, 1990 - October 8, 2025Architected a Windows-based SQL-backed charting system to interface with IBM mainframes, enabling on-demand charting for researchers and easing adoption of Windows-based tools in a mainframe-centric environment.
Lead Programmer at GEC - Plessy Telecommunications
August 1, 1989 - October 8, 2025Led PC and Unix-based X.25 network management centers and data communications projects for travel reservations and related services.
Process Engineer at INMOS Ltd.
January 31, 1988 - October 8, 2025Supported fabrication and testing of Transputer CPUs and graphics chips; automated yield improvement tooling for identifying process flaws such as misaligned masks and focus issues.
Principal Programmer, Total War Graphics Team at The Creative Assembly (a division of SEGA)
February 1, 2025 - October 8, 2025Individual contributor on the Graphics Team; contributed to multiple AAA Total War releases; set technical goals; responsible for graphics engine architecture and design; developed core DirectX11 engine implementation and oversaw GPU vendor partnerships; used Renderdoc/PIX for debugging and CPU profiling.
Principal Programmer, Special Projects Lead at The Creative Assembly (a division of SEGA)
February 1, 2025 - October 8, 2025Developed a new DirectX12 Graphics Engine with a modern architecture and a multi-threaded Renderer that supported plug-in back-ends without changing rendering or game code; implemented a DirectX12 Renderer with a multi-threaded command list recorder and Async Compute job support; GPU debugging with Renderdoc and PIX; CPU Profiling.
Graphics Lead, Total War Team at The Creative Assembly (a division of SEGA)
February 1, 2025 - October 8, 2025Led technical goals for the graphics team; managed the technical schedule and deliverables; responsible for the Graphics Engine Architecture/Design and core DirectX11 engine implementation; oversaw partnerships with GPU vendors.
Graphics Developer at Indigo Games LLC
July 1, 2007 - October 8, 2025Re-trained as a PC graphics developer; developed Wildlife Explorer – Birds of North America, a PC/Windows birding simulation for casual gamers; game available via indigogames.com.
Development Manager, Windows Graphics & Gaming Team (DirectX) at Microsoft Corporation
February 1, 2005 - October 8, 2025Managed a team of about 50 engineers delivering Microsoft core graphics technologies for DirectX9; participated in the Windows Management Leadership Team; responsible for project planning, scheduling, staffing, and cross-group coordination (Xbox, IHVs); mentored staff and guided career progression.
Development Manager, Aces (Simulation) Games Studio at Microsoft Games Studios
February 1, 2000 - PresentLed technical development for Combat Flight Simulator, Flight Simulator, and Train Simulator PC franchises; shipped multiple PC and Xbox titles; collaborated with Game Design, program management, test, and business development; contributed to business strategy and headcount/financial planning; participated in third-party due diligence evaluations.
Software Development Engineer Lead, Internet Explorer Team at Microsoft Corporation
March 1, 1996 - PresentLead developer on Programmability/Extensibility aspects of Internet Explorer’s rendering stack, shipping IE4.0 to IE5.01 and subsequent QFE releases.
Director Of Development at Keepwatch Programs Ltd
March 1, 1996 - October 8, 2025Start-up focused on broadcasting solutions; built an NT-based fault-tolerant news archive with a Windows-based search engine; on-site installation and support for BBC and ITN projects.
Software Development Manager at Applied Voice Technologies (AVT)
May 1, 1995 - October 8, 2025Small start-up providing Windows-based voice recognition products; designed/developed code and led a small development team; co-authored SDK documentation and supported product at trade shows.
Development Lead at BASYS Automation Systems Ltd.
July 1, 1993 - October 8, 2025Led Windows-based software solutions for broadcast/news; extensive on-site customer interaction; networked PC and VMS-based system development; gained broad SQL and O/S experience.
Senior Programmer at AGB Research Centre
April 1, 1990 - October 8, 2025Architected and developed a Windows-based SQL-backed charting system to interface with IBM mainframes for on-demand charting for researchers.
Lead Programmer at GEC - Plessy Telecommunications
August 1, 1989 - October 8, 2025Worked on data communications projects and X.25 network management centers; PC/Unix implementations; supported international PTT sites.
Process Engineer at INMOS Ltd.
January 1, 1988 - October 8, 2025Supported fabrication and testing of Transputer CPUs and graphics chips; automated program to identify manufacturing process flaws to improve yield.
Education
BSc Electronics with Honours, 2.1 at UMIST (University of Manchester, Institute of Science and Technology)
January 1, 1986 - October 8, 2025BSc (Hons) Electronics at UMIST (University of Manchester Institute of Science and Technology)
January 11, 2030 - January 1, 1986BSc Electronics (Hons) at UMIST (University of Manchester, Institute of Science and Technology)
January 11, 2030 - January 1, 1986BSc with Honours at UMIST (University of Manchester, Institute of Science and Technology)
January 11, 2030 - January 1, 1986Qualifications
Industry Experience
Software & Internet, Gaming, Media & Entertainment
Skills
Experience Level
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Intermediate
Intermediate
Intermediate
Intermediate
Intermediate
Intermediate
Intermediate
Intermediate
Intermediate
Intermediate
Beginner
Beginner
Beginner
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