Game Design
Michael designs casual games, educational games, "serious" games, and training simulations that meet learning objectives, use game mechanics that ensure high cognitive fidelity, are fun to play, and fit within specified time and budget constraints. He has designed and developed games for casual and indie market, public and private corporations, as well as U.S. government agencies, including the Air Force, Army, EPA, FEMA, DHS, DEA, and the Department of Health and Human Services, and more.
Treatment Writing · Core Game Loop Design · Gameplay Features · Design Doc Creation · Backlog Planning and Development · Difficulty Ramping · Testing and Revision
Art & Animation
Michael is a 3D generalist. He has created artwork for clients in a wide range of industries including video games, CGI and VFX for films and animations, advertising, architecture, product design, manufacturing, engineering, disaster management, medical, education, and real estate. Notable Clients include Cleveland Browns, Florida Marlins, Kansas City Royals, University of Chicago, University of Alabama, Arden B clothing, Sun Microsystems, Goodyear, JP Morgan Chase Bank, Cleveland Clinic, Ashland Oil, Valvoline, Turner Construction, Gilbane Building Company, and more.
Hard Surface / Organic Modeling & Sculpting · Character & Environmental Modeling · UV Mapping & Texture Painting · Character / Mechanical Rigging & Animation · Lighting, Rendering, & Post Effects
Music & Audio
Michael is a classically-trained composer and guitarist who holds a degree in Classical Guitar Performance, with post-graduate studies in Music Theory and Composition. He released his debut album, Chi Va Piano Va Sano, in 2002. His compositions are featured in video games, short films, virtual reality, and other media, with his first feature-length film score, Dead Faith, in 2017 and live orchestral premiere performance, Ascension, in 2019. His latest commissioned work, Missa Brevis Modalis, premiered in May 2023, earning him the title "Ohio's own Palestrina" from local music critics. He has performed internationally across the US, Canada, and the UK.
Music Composition · Sound Design & Foley Effects · Dynamic Music Design & Implementation · Audio Engineering · Recording, Mixing & Mastering
Engineering
As a game designer, artist, and musician, Michael's attention to a game's aesthetics ensures that every feature he designs and builds creates a satisfying "game feel". Responsive actions result in visceral RE-actions. Animation, audio and function align seamlessly and intuitively, enhancing the player's immersion and enjoyment. "Floaty" feature implementations are unsatisfying to players. Michael's multidisciplinary expertise enables him to craft games where the interplay between design, art, and audio creates a solid and unifying player experience.
Gameplay Systems Architecture · Camera, Animation, & Audio Systems · UI Systems · State Machines
