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Matthew Wingler
Principal Combat Designer

Senior Combat Designer Aug 2023 - May 2024
Phoenix Labs | Project Bismuth

Lead the design for all combat features on a cross-platform, multiplayer 3rd person action roguelite (PvPvE)
Work with Creative Director to define core combat experience
Collaborate with key stakeholders across departments on all combat initiatives
Responsible for prototyping all combat gameplay mechanics and taking them to ship quality
Design and script a wide range of features in Unreal 5, including: abilities, weapons, roguelite powers, movement mechanics, projectile behaviors, hit reactions, aiming modes, and target acquisition
Design weapon customization system that lets players customize their combat experience
Work with animators to establish desired character animation timings, as well as design and implement a modular system for playing dynamically scalable character ability animations
Responsible for creating all combat-related player feedback (camera shakes, controller rumble, etc.)
Establish design implementation practices, and build quality of life features that facilitate easier, more consistent ability scripting across the Combat Team

Principal Combat Designer Jan 2021 - Jul 2023
ProbablyMonsters | Unannounced Title

De facto Lead Combat Designer leading the design, implementation, and tuning for all character and combat features on a AAA 3rd person action-adventure title
Work with Creative Director to author GDD and define core game experience - including how the game's foundational survival elements synergize with player combat and moment-to-moment gameplay
Collaborate with key stakeholders across departments on all combat initiatives
Responsible for prototyping all character gameplay mechanics and taking them to ship quality
Design and/or script a wide range of features in Unreal 5, including: core combat systems, player abilities, movement mechanics, item enchantment system, player camera system, AI combatant behaviors, and player physiology systems (health, stamina, temperature, etc.)
Worked with engineers and Lead Animator to develop a versatile system for applying dynamic, scalable root motion to character animations
Work with animators to establish desired character animation timings, anticipation, etc.
Responsible for creating and/or designing any combat-related player feedback (camera shakes, controller rumble, screen effects, UI messaging, etc.)

Senior Combat Designer Jan 2017 - Dec 2020
Final Strike Games (EA) | Rocket Arena

Lead the design, implementation, and tuning for all characters and combat features
Directly responsible for prototyping characters and taking them all the way to ship quality
Work collaboratively across departments to develop characters and all other combat initiatives
Manage the Combat Team and mentor other gameplay designers
Design and/or script a wide range of features in Unreal 4, including: core combat systems, character abilities, movement mechanics, numerous gameplay items, progression-based character skill upgrades, 1P & 3P camera systems, and player HUD functionality
Responsible for creating and/or designing any combat-related player feedback (camera shakes, controller rumble, screen effects, UI messaging, etc.)

Multiplayer Designer Sept 2015 - Dec 2016
Bethesda Game Studios Austin | DOOM (2016)

Designed/owned 3 multiplayer maps and 5 game modes
Created game mode and level design pitch documents for all 3 DLC packs
Utilized idStudio tools to block out and implement map designs
Iterated on maps/modes based off daily internal and external studio (id Software) playtest feedback
Worked directly with engineers to develop and iterate game modes
Collaborated with art team on maps/modes to ensure theming supported gameplay design
Worked with lead producer to manage project pipelines and consistently meet deadlines
Responsible for leading daily playtests and feedback sessions
Implemented game modes on all multiplayer maps
Scripted networked dynamic level events
Responsible for player collision, optimization, entity setup, and bug fixing on owned maps
Created custom materials and fx for multiple game mode features

Associate Multiplayer Designer June 2013 - Sept 2015
Bethesda Game Studios Austin | Battlecry

Designed/owned 3 multiplayer maps and 2 game modes
Created game mode and level design pitch documents
Scripted networked game mode prototypes using CryEngine’s visual scripting language
Scripted finalized game mode features in Lua
Used CryEngine’s tools to block out and implement map designs
Collaborated with art team to ensure theming supported each map’s gameplay design
Responsible for designing the Vertical Slice map shown at all major tradeshows
Created LOD models, UV mapped, modified geometry, and fixed bugs for existing art assets
Contributed to world building efforts by propping, lighting, and detailing maps
Responsible for player collision, optimization, entity setup, and bug fixing on owned maps
Implemented all game modes in owned maps

Engines

Tools

Scripting

The Guildhall at SMU Aug 2011 - May 2013
Plano, Texas

University of Texas Aug 2006 - Dec 2010
Austin, Texas