My Projects

🎯 Project Overview

Neptune is an advanced ocean and water system for Unreal Engine 5, developed as the core technical art feature for a 30-person collaborative game project. Built over 6 weeks, it was designed to deliver realistic oceans, rivers, lakes, and waterfalls with high visual fidelity and gameplay responsiveness. My role as Senior Technical Artist included system design, prototyping, cross-team integration, and technical documentation.

🧩 The Problem

"How can a water system in Unreal Engine 5 deliver both visual realism and gameplay flexibility, supporting dynamic environments, buoyancy, and underwater effects, while remaining performant and easy to integrate for artists and designers?"

Key challenges:

• Achieving realistic wave simulation and water interaction
• Supporting buoyancy and underwater rendering
• Integrating with level design and gameplay systems
• Maintaining performance and scalability
• Providing customization for different water types

🛠️ What I Built

• Gerstner wave simulation with dynamic parameters
• Full buoyancy support for floating actors and gameplay objects
• Underwater rendering, fog, and caustics
• Stencil mask system to prevent water inside boats
• Spline-based river creation with custom flow and foam
• Dynamic foam and wet sand shader for shoreline effects
• Wave resistance and interaction with static/dynamic bodies
• Water depth coloring, refraction distortion, and fake subsurface scattering (SSS)
• Custom waterfall actor with noise blending
• Tile repeat solver to reduce tiling artifacts
• Highly customizable via material instances and exposed parameters

🎨 Technical & Visual Principles Applied

• Physically-based shading for water and foam
• Procedural generation for waves and river flow
• Optimized shader and blueprint architecture for real-time performance
• Layered effects for clarity and visual appeal
• Modular design for easy integration and expansion

✅ Outcome

• Delivered a robust water system used across all game levels
• Enabled artists and designers to easily customize water features
• Improved gameplay clarity and visual quality
• Provided technical documentation and training for the team

⚙️ Tools & Technologies

• Unreal Engine 5 (Materials, Blueprints, Niagara FX)
• Blender for mesh and asset creation
• Photoshop/Substance Designer for textures
• Git for version control

🎯 Project Overview

The EMP Kunai is a stylized gameplay VFX system designed for a third-person action character. Built in Unreal Engine 5, it showcases a throwable energy kunai that detonates with an area-of-effect EMP pulse, visually disabling nearby tech and enemies.
This system was created as part of an ongoing goal to build portfolio projects that solve real gameplay and visual communication problems—not just isolated effects.

🧩 The Problem

"How can I visually communicate a stylized EMP effect that clearly indicates damage, area of effect, and tech disruption while maintaining a cohesive animation and VFX flow?"

Key challenges:

• Making the effect readable in gameplay
• Syncing animation timing with VFX
• Creating clear enemy/tech state changes post-EMP
• Designing a system that’s reusable and optimized

🛠️ What I Built

• Projectile FX: Trail, throw arc, and charging core
• EMP Detonation: Expanding shockwave, distortion, dynamic electric arcs
• Target Reaction FX:
  • Enemies: Sparks, flickers, smoke, and particles
  • Tech: Camera shakes, Stunned state in area of effect
• Blueprint interface for easy integration

🎨 Animation & Visual Principles Applied

• Anticipation and slow-in/out on projectile throw
• Arcs and follow-through on energy trails
• Appeal and timing to signal enemy state changes
• Layered VFX elements to support clarity in a stylized world

✅ Outcome

This project demonstrates how stylized gameplay VFX can be:

• Visually compelling
• Functionally readable
• Technically modular
• Rooted in animation principles

It also serves as a prototype for ability design workflows in stylized action games.

⚙️ Tools & Technologies

• Unreal Engine 5 Niagara for particle systems
• Blender for character modelling, rigging, and animating
• Substance Designer and Photoshop for texture creation

About the Project

This final year project focused on developing an advanced procedural animation system for quadrupedal characters using Unreal Engine 5's Control Rig system. The research explored the creation of realistic, adaptive locomotion that responds dynamically to terrain variations and environmental constraints. By combining biomechanical principles with modern animation techniques, the project demonstrates how procedural systems can create more believable and efficient quadruped movement compared to traditional keyframe animation approaches.

Key Features

• Advanced Control Rig implementation with custom bone chains and constraint systems for realistic quadruped locomotion
• Procedural gait generation system supporting walk, trot, canter, and gallop gaits with smooth transitions
• Intelligent terrain adaptation using inverse kinematics to adjust leg positioning for uneven surfaces
• Real-time foot placement system with raycast-based ground detection and collision avoidance
• Dynamic weight distribution calculations affecting body posture and movement timing
• Customizable animation parameters allowing for different quadruped species and body types
• Performance optimization ensuring real-time execution suitable for interactive applications
• Comprehensive evaluation framework comparing procedural vs. traditional animation quality

Technical Highlights

• Custom Control Rig blueprint architecture with modular components for different body segments and limb chains
• Advanced IK solver implementation using FABRIK algorithm optimized for quadruped leg configurations
• Real-time biomechanical simulation incorporating center of mass calculations and stability analysis
• Procedural spine curvature system responding to terrain slope and movement dynamics
• Multi-threaded animation evaluation system for performance optimization
• Data-driven approach using motion capture reference data for gait validation and tuning

Development Process

The project was developed over 4 months as part of my final year dissertation, combining extensive research into quadruped biomechanics with practical implementation in Unreal Engine 5. The development process involved literature review, iterative prototyping, and comprehensive evaluation against traditional animation methods.

Development Timeline

• Month 1: Literature review, biomechanical research, and initial Control Rig setup
• Month 2: Core procedural animation system development and basic gait implementation
• Month 3: Advanced features including terrain adaptation and IK refinement
• Month 4: Optimization, evaluation, and dissertation writing

Key Challenges

• Implementing realistic quadruped biomechanics within Control Rig's constraint system
• Achieving stable foot placement on complex terrain geometries
• Balancing animation quality with real-time performance requirements
• Developing evaluation metrics to quantify procedural animation effectiveness

Research Methodology

• Comprehensive literature review of quadruped locomotion and procedural animation techniques
• Iterative development approach with regular testing and refinement
• Quantitative evaluation using motion analysis and performance metrics
• Comparative study against traditional keyframe animation workflows

Tools & Technologies

• Unreal Engine 5 with Control Rig system for animation development
• Blender for quadruped model creation and rigging
• Motion capture data analysis tools for reference validation
• Git for version control and project management
• LaTeX for dissertation documentation

🎯 Project Overview

Ember's Edge is a challenging puzzle platformer set in the depths of hell, where players take control of a nimble character navigating through treacherous environments. The game combines fluid movement mechanics with environmental puzzles, creating a unique blend of action and problem-solving. Inspired by modern platformers and classic puzzle games, it offers a fresh take on the genre with its hell-themed setting and innovative movement system.

🧩 The Problem

"How can a platformer deliver both fluid movement and engaging puzzles, while maintaining performance and visual clarity?"

Key challenges:

• Creating a fluid movement system that feels responsive and satisfying
• Balancing puzzle difficulty with player progression
• Optimizing particle effects and shaders for consistent performance
• Designing levels that teach mechanics naturally without explicit tutorials

🛠️ What I Built

• Dynamic movement system: wall-running, air dashing, momentum-based platforming
• Environmental puzzles with multiple solution paths
• Unique hell-inspired art style with dynamic lighting and particle effects
• Progressive difficulty curve introducing new mechanics and challenges
• Multiple paths through levels for exploration and replayability
• Responsive controls for precise platforming
• Dynamic sound design and checkpoint system

🎨 Technical & Visual Principles Applied

• Custom character controller with advanced movement mechanics
• Advanced particle systems for environmental effects
• Efficient physics-based interactions and custom collision responses
• Custom shader system for hell-themed visual effects
• Procedural animation system for smooth transitions
• Performance optimization for consistent 60 FPS

✅ Outcome

• Delivered a fluid and responsive platformer experience
• Balanced challenge and accessibility for a wide range of players
• Created a visually unique and engaging game world
• Provided technical documentation and playtesting feedback

⚙️ Tools & Technologies

• Unreal Engine 5 for core development
• Blender for custom asset creation
• Git for version control and collaboration
• Visual Studio for C++ development

🎯 Project Overview

HellShot is a modern take on classic boomer shooters, reimagining the genre with contemporary game design principles and cutting-edge graphics. The game combines the fast-paced, skill-based combat of classic shooters with innovative movement mechanics and modern visual effects. Players navigate through dynamic environments while engaging in intense combat encounters with a diverse arsenal of weapons.

🧩 The Problem

"How can a shooter game deliver fast-paced, skill-based combat and innovative movement mechanics, while maintaining the essence of classic boomer shooters and modern visual fidelity?"

Key challenges:

• Designing unique movement mechanics that complement traditional boomer shooter gameplay
• Creating satisfying weapon feedback and impact systems
• Balancing modern graphics with performance optimization
• Developing AI that provides engaging combat encounters

🛠️ What I Built

• Fast-paced, skill-based combat system with emphasis on movement and positioning
• Retro-inspired weapons with modern twists, featuring unique alt-fire modes and upgrade paths
• Advanced movement mechanics: wall-running, slide-jumping, momentum-based traversal
• Procedurally generated elements: enemy placement, power-up distribution, environmental hazards
• Dynamic difficulty system that adapts to player performance
• Multiple game modes: classic campaign and arcade-style challenges
• Advanced enemy AI with unique behavior patterns and tactical responses
• Comprehensive weapon customization system

🎨 Technical & Visual Principles Applied

• Custom weapon system with modular design supporting dynamic weapon combinations and upgrades
• Advanced AI behavior trees with dynamic difficulty scaling and tactical decision making
• Procedural level generation system with hand-crafted elements and dynamic enemy placement
• Optimized particle systems for weapon effects and environmental interactions
• Advanced physics system for dynamic object interactions and destruction
• Custom shader system for weapon effects and environmental materials
• Efficient networking code for future multiplayer implementation
• Performance optimization for consistent high framerates

✅ Outcome

• Delivered a fast-paced shooter experience with modern and classic elements
• Created a visually compelling and technically robust game world
• Balanced gameplay challenge and accessibility
• Provided technical documentation and community feedback integration

⚙️ Tools & Technologies

• Unreal Engine 5 for core development
• Maya for custom asset creation
• Substance Painter for material texturing
• Git for version control
• Visual Studio for C++ development

🎯 Project Overview

Created for 'Explosion-tober' 2024, Toxic Shard is a sophisticated VFX system with a projectile and explosion effect. The system features a projectile that would be used as a magic spell or weapon. When it hits a surface, it creates a toxic explosion effect.

🧩 The Problem

"How can a stylized VFX system deliver visually striking toxic explosion effects, while maintaining real-time performance and flexibility for different gameplay scenarios?"

Key challenges:

• Creating stylized yet intriguing toxic material behavior
• Optimizing particle count and system complexity
• Balancing visual impact with performance

🛠️ What I Built

• Advanced particle system using Niagara with stylized toxic material behavior and physics
• Optimized for real-time performance with LOD system and particle culling
• Customizable parameters for different effects including size, intensity, and spread
• Preset system for quick effect deployment

🎨 Technical & Visual Principles Applied

• Complex particle simulation in Niagara
• Performance optimization techniques including GPU-based particle simulation
• Custom shader system for toxic material visualization
• Blueprint interface for easy integration

✅ Outcome

• Delivered a visually striking toxic explosion effect for gameplay and cinematic use
• Maintained real-time performance across platforms
• Enabled quick customization and deployment for different scenarios
• Provided technical documentation and peer feedback

⚙️ Tools & Technologies

• Unreal Engine 5 Niagara for particle systems
• Blender for mesh creation
• Substance Designer and Photoshop for texture creation

🎯 Project Overview

Winternator is a comprehensive procedural winter environment generator for Unreal Engine that transforms any environment into a winter wonderland. The tool features advanced snow accumulation, icicle formation, and weather effects systems, making it an essential asset for creating winter scenes. Built with performance and ease of use in mind, it offers both automatic and manual control options for fine-tuning the winter transformation.

🧩 The Problem

"How can a procedural tool efficiently and realistically transform any Unreal Engine environment into a winter scene, while maintaining performance and user control?"

Key challenges:

• Creating realistic snow accumulation behavior
• Developing efficient material blending system
• Optimizing performance for large environments

🛠️ What I Built

• Procedural snow coverage system with realistic accumulation based on surface angle and exposure
• Dynamic icicle formation system for realistic icicles and surface snow
• Weather effect integration: snowfall, wind, temperature variations
• Real-time preview system for instant feedback
• Customizable snow and icicle material properties
• Automatic LOD system for performance optimization
• Batch processing for large-scale environment transformation

🎨 Technical & Visual Principles Applied

• Advanced dynamic mesh generation for snow accumulation
• Procedural mesh modification for dynamic icicle formation
• Performance-optimized algorithms for large-scale processing
• Custom shader system for realistic snow and icicle visualization
• GPU-accelerated processing for faster results
• Modular architecture for easy expansion
• Advanced weather simulation system

✅ Outcome

• Delivered a robust winter environment generator for Unreal Engine
• Enabled artists and designers to easily create and customize winter scenes
• Maintained high performance for large environments
• Provided technical documentation and user training

⚙️ Tools & Technologies

• Unreal Engine's Geometry Scripting for core development
• Substance Designer and Photoshop for material creation
• Git for version control
• Visual Studio for C++ development

🎯 Project Overview

Radiant Pulse is a stylized gameplay VFX system for Unreal Engine 5, designed to deliver a visually striking area-of-effect pulse attack. The system features dynamic energy waves, color shifting, and interactive feedback for both players and environment. Built as a portfolio piece, it demonstrates advanced VFX principles and real-time optimization for gameplay clarity.

🧩 The Problem

"How can a VFX system communicate a powerful pulse attack that is readable, visually appealing, and technically optimized for real-time gameplay?"

Key challenges:

• Ensuring effect readability in fast-paced gameplay
• Syncing animation timing with player actions
• Creating interactive feedback for environment and targets
• Optimizing for performance and scalability

🛠️ What I Built

• Dynamic pulse wave with color shifting and energy distortion
• Interactive hit reaction FX for affected targets
• Customizable parameters for pulse size, speed, and color
• Blueprint interface for easy integration
• Optimized Niagara particle systems for real-time performance

🎨 Technical & Visual Principles Applied

• Layered VFX elements for clarity and visual appeal
• Procedural animation for energy distortion and color shifts
• Performance optimization for consistent framerates
• Modular design for easy expansion and customization

✅ Outcome

• Delivered a visually compelling and technically robust VFX system
• Enabled designers to easily customize pulse effects
• Improved gameplay clarity and feedback
• Provided technical documentation for integration

⚙️ Tools & Technologies

• Unreal Engine 5 Niagara for particle systems
• Blueprints for system integration
• Photoshop/Substance Designer for textures
• Git for version control

🎯 Project Overview

Tactical Takedown is a turn-based strategy prototype built in Unity, focusing on squad-based combat and tactical decision making. The project explores core mechanics such as cover, line of sight, and action points, providing a foundation for more complex strategy game development. Designed as a rapid prototype, it demonstrates gameplay systems, UI, and AI logic for enemy encounters.

🧩 The Problem

"How can a strategy game deliver engaging tactical combat, clear feedback, and scalable systems for future expansion?"

Key challenges:

• Designing readable turn-based combat systems
• Implementing cover and line-of-sight mechanics
• Balancing AI difficulty and player feedback
• Creating modular systems for future expansion

🛠️ What I Built

• Turn-based combat system with action points and squad management
• Cover and line-of-sight mechanics for tactical depth
• Basic enemy AI with patrol and attack logic
• UI for squad selection, movement, and combat actions
• Modular code structure for easy feature addition

🎨 Technical & Visual Principles Applied

• Clear UI feedback for player actions
• Modular code for scalability
• Optimized logic for real-time responsiveness
• Layered effects for clarity

✅ Outcome

• Delivered a playable strategy prototype with core tactical systems
• Provided a foundation for future expansion and polish
• Documented design and technical approach for future development

⚙️ Tools & Technologies

• Unity for core development
• C# for gameplay logic
• Photoshop for UI and icons
• Git for version control

🎯 Project Overview

Area 26 is a first-person horror game set in a contaminated alien research facility. As the technical artist, I focused on creating immersive visual systems that bring the horror atmosphere to life, including advanced shaders, dynamic lighting, and environmental effects that react to player actions and story progression.

🧩 The Problem

"How can a horror game deliver immersive atmosphere, dynamic contamination effects, and maintain performance in complex environments?"

Key challenges:

• Creating dynamic contamination and alien effects
• Developing realistic material and lighting systems
• Optimizing complex shaders and VFX for performance
• Balancing visual quality with gameplay clarity

🛠️ What I Built

• Atmospheric volumetric fog and alien particle effects
• Retro post-process effects: posterization, pixelation, vertex snapping
• Custom particle systems for alien contamination
• Dynamic material instances for real-time effects
• Modular shader system for horror visuals
• Optimized Niagara VFX for performance

🎨 Technical & Visual Principles Applied

• Physically-based shading and lighting
• Modular shader and material design
• Performance profiling and optimization
• Layered effects for atmosphere and clarity

✅ Outcome

• Delivered an immersive horror atmosphere with dynamic contamination effects
• Maintained performance in complex environments
• Enabled rapid iteration and collaboration with level designers
• Provided technical documentation for the team

⚙️ Tools & Technologies

• Unreal Engine 5 for core development
• Substance Designer and Photoshop for texture creation
• Git for version control

🎯 Project Overview

On The Way is a Unity-powered mobile puzzle game for children, inspired by Mini Motorways and Teeny Tiny Trains. Players guide a toy car by drawing roads from start to finish, collecting stars along the way. The game balances accessibility and engagement with technical features like procedural systems and smart AI pathfinding.

🧩 The Problem

"How can a mobile puzzle game for children deliver intuitive, engaging gameplay while remaining accessible, scalable, and technically robust for future content?"

Key challenges:

• Designing a draw-to-play mechanic that is intuitive for young children
• Ensuring procedural path and level generation is seamless and bug-free
• Balancing accessibility with engaging gameplay and progression
• Integrating cloud saves and cross-device progression
• Optimizing performance for a wide range of mobile devices

🛠️ What I Built

• Draw-to-play mechanic for intuitive, child-friendly gameplay
• Procedural path generation and seamless road drawing
• A* pathfinding for the car to navigate user-created paths
• Multiple handcrafted levels with unique layouts
• Star collection system to encourage exploration
• Procedural level selection screen that scales as new content is added
• Cloud save integration for cross-device progress
• Custom UI tailored for young players, with large touch-friendly elements
• Performance-optimized for mobile platforms

🎨 Technical & Visual Principles Applied

• Consistent UI/UX design for children
• Reusable component structure for rapid iteration
• Clear separation for future content and scalability
• Performance optimization for mobile hardware
• Playful, colorful visual style for child engagement

✅ Outcome

• Delivered a polished, accessible mobile game for children
• Enabled easy content updates and future expansion
• Maintained visual and structural consistency with portfolio
• Provided a fun, educational experience for young players

⚙️ Tools & Technologies

• Unity (C#) for core development
• HTML & CSS for portfolio presentation
• Cloud save and backend integration
• Custom image/UI assets