Days Gone

Days Gone is an action-adventure survival horror game set in the open world of central Oregon.

During my two years at SIE Bend Studio as a Technical Designer, I wore many hats. Having a position opened for me, I was initially brought on to work on camera systems. Before my arrival, however, someone else had taken that on. Without clear guidance on what to work on, I gravitated towards the Open World team and working on various open world systems. Within months, I became the point man for all things items, economy, and progression. I was even involved in the hiring process of a senior developer who became my partner in what became the Progression Department.

While I had no formal lead, I had developed a close working relationship with both the Open World Lead Designer and the Game Design Director. I reported to them frequently, but very rarely was I given direction. They trusted my abilities and passion for the project to make sound decisions in both design and time management.

My primary responsibilities in the game were in Systems Design with focuses on the following:

• Progression Systems

• Items, Crafting, and Loot Systems

• Economy Systems and Balancing

• Tool Development and Maintenance