I'm René, a game developer from Austria who loves creating games.
Know my way around all things Unreal and some more.
Unannounced Project / Freelance Game Development
Developing a first person singleplayer RPG in UE5, while also contributing to select freelance game development projects
Game Programmer - Strange Horizons
Created and shipped a multiplayer survival game in UE5
Junior Game Programmer - d3t Limited
Helped port UE4 racing simulation Assetto Corsa to PS4 and Xbox One
Games Programming Diploma - SAE Institute Vienna
Learned the foundations of game development and honed rapid prototyping and team collaboration skills through multiple game jams
Higher Educational Institute for Electronics - Leonding Upper Austria
Specialization in Technical Computer Science. Completed final exams in Technical Informatics, Applied Mathematics, and Telecommunications
Strange Horizons - Outerstellar
2020/03 - 2024/09
Collaborated with another engineer to design and build the core systems for a multiplayer survival game.
- Developed optimized networked systems for key gameplay features such as inventory, deployables, interaction, abilities (GAS), melee combat, animation, and more
- Led the implementation of the game's user interface
- Developed all the necessary systems and behaviors for bot and monster AI in a multiplayer context
- Established a validation system to ensure simple changes could be made safely
- Created custom editor tools to streamline tasks such as adding new items, AI, and deployables
- Maintained and refactored the same code base for several years
d3t Limited - Assetto Corsa Competizione PS4 / XB1 Port
2019/02 - 2019/12
Contributed to the console port of Assetto Corsa Competizione, a racing simulation game known for its realistic physics and driving experience. Focused on performance optimization and console-specific features.
- Contributed to performance optimization for console versions
- Optimized memory usage to fit the game within console limitations
- Developed the XB1/PS4 User Management Layer
Student Projects
Animal Squad
A turn based 1v1 multiplayer strategy game featuring unique animal characters with special abilities.
- Implemented networking using GameSparks Services
- Developed the hexagon grid system
- Created modular unit framework for gameplay variety
Ultimate Parkour Challenge
A 3D platformer featuring advanced movement mechanics and challenging level design.
- Developed a complex character controller with various parkour moves
- Implemented a networked leaderboard system
- Set up a state machine based animation system for smooth character movement
Game Jams
Kitten Smack - Geek GameJam 2018
A sidescroller set in a surreal world where players save a kitten by soundblasting it forward while avoiding dangerous creatures.
- Developed in 48 hours
- Collaborated with an artist, sound designer, and game designer
- Focused on programming while working with a dedicated game designer for the first time
Beat Piston - Global GameJam 2017
A rhythm infinite runner where players tap in sync with the beat while switching gears to dodge obstacles and survive.
- Developed in 48 hours
- Worked on gameplay mechanics and obstacle generation
- Collaborated with a sound designer for beat synchronization