Jacob Villard

Creative and passionate game designer with an advanced scripting knowledge capable of rapid prototyping. I truly enjoy making a great experience for end-users and would consider it my speciality

My Socials

Tetris Inventory

This project was developed as part of my Games Engine Programming module, with my own personal goal of building a complex, Tetris-style inventory system in Unity. The system supports three item types including weapons, food, and potions that grant various affects the player. It features grid-based item placement and rotation. This project showcases my ability to prototype complex systems; initially, I experimented with an observable pattern but switched to a singleton approach for efficiency, which allowed me to complete the project within the strict timeframe.

FPS Demo

This project was created as portfolio piece for my creative portfolio module. It showcases how I used my current workflow to create an FPS demo in only a couple of days. It includes a wide range variety of features including state machine, navmeshes, animation sound, events, a singleton pattern for the game manager, raycasting and complex interactions. I am also extremely happy with how this project turned out visually; a unique style that focuses in on the only mechanic of killing enemies creating a satisfying user experience.

A* Pathfinding

A* Pathfinding Project was created for my advanced games engine programming project, and it includes namely hierarchical a* pathfinding that works need I say more? The module also required the creation of an editor tool so within the source you will find a unity editor level design tool. Whilst not one of the most graphically I am immensely proud with the output as I transformed the A* algorithm into a functioning pathfinding mechanic within my enemies and went even further to make it hierarchical to improve performance. It was perhaps the most complex system I have programmed yet and challenged my programming skills.

Portfolio Website

Absolutely meta writing about creating the portfolio in the portfolio, however this more than anything shows I am a very adept at adapting to new environments as before this site I had no experience in web development, I really developed my CSS, HTML and JavaScript during this project. Additionally, designing my own website gave me more freedom in terms of layout and styling to create an excellent user experience for you.

Guild Hall Environment

Guild Hall Environment was created for my digital narrative project as a deliverable. This was project was created as a 3D environment in unity HDRP pipeline and showcases the use of god rays and screen space reflections.

Emu War

Emu war was made as a part of a group for the advanced gameplay development module, the opportunity of working on this project allowed me to really refine my skills for the user experience including the player controller, vehicle, map bounds and objective mechanics. In addition to the mechanics, I also produced the main menu(something I am very proud of due to it being diegetic, as well as movable map, mini map and cutscenes at the beginning and end of the game. I would add whilst I really liked what I produced, I was not happy with the way the game is unfinished mechanically or visually, however I am happy with my own contribution to the project as it was great learning experience personally for me especially in term of user experience.

Poly Racer

Poly Racer was one of my first attempts at creating a game, this game was created as one of two projects during the summer before I started at Salford University. It showcases the first time I used procedural generation. I have included this piece at will always hold a special place in my heart especially as friends and family played it however I have come along way since this project.

Career

Scopeium Studios

Creative Director & Lead Programmer

Sep 2024 - Present

Zumuku Sushi

KP, Chef

Dec 2021 - 2024

University of Salford

BSc (Hons) Games Design & Production

Sep 2023 - Present

Bury College

Level 4 Higher National Certificate in Digital Technologies (Games and Animation) – MERIT

Sep 2022 - 2023

Bury College

Level 3 National Extended Diploma in Computing – D*D*D*

Sep 2021 - 2022

Bury College

Level 3 National Foundation Diploma in Computing – D*

Sep 2020 - 2021

Woodhey High School

Creative iMedia(L2) – Distinction
Computer Science – 6
Combined Science – 7/7
English Language – 7
English Literature – 7
Mathematics - 8
History - 6
Religious Studies - 6
French - 7

Sep 2014 - 2020

Chaos Theory Secret Laboratory

Junior Moderator, Moderator

Sep 2024 - Present

Salford Esports Society

Valorant Game Rep

Sep 2024 - Present

Coop Community Secret Laboratory

Discord and Game Moderator

Aug 2020 - 2021

Woodhey High School

Ambassador, Prefect & Maths Tutor

Sep 2017 - 2020

Salford Cubs Marvel Rivals

Team Captain, IGL

Mar 2025 - Present

Valkyrie Valor Esports

Academy Valorant Player

Jan 2025 - Mar 2025

Salford Lions Valorant

Sub Player, Manager

Sep 2024 - Jan 2025

Salford Cubs Valorant

Player, Manager

Sep 2024 - Jan 2025

Nexere Premier Team

IGL, Manager

Apr 2024 - Jun 2024

Skills

Below is an overview of my current workflow, core skills, and tools I utilize in game design and development:

Core Workflow

Technical Proficiencies

Specialized Skills

While I specialize in the above areas, I am adaptable and capable of working across various roles in game development. I am also open to applying to my skills with industries which would allow me to expand my knowledge base.

Interactive CLI