Lucas Keyes

Austin, TX 78723

lukeyes – at – gmail – dot - com

Skills:

• Ability to develop code for both engine and gameplay areas of programming.
• Expertise in bridging design and programming disciplines.
• Experience working with a variety of budgets, team sizes, and deadlines.
• Ability to adapt to working with completely different game engines and tools sets.
• Ability to program multiple forms of multiplayer programming such as the Nintendo DS Single Cart, local WiFi, and internet multiplayer.
• Ability to work in a team environment and communicate with team members across all disciplines (art, code, design).
• Ability to write solid, maintainable C++ code and experience working in Java, C#, and Lua.
• Highly self-motivated and self-starting.
• Experience in programming multiple areas of gameplay such as game objects, AI, memory management, framerate debugging, battle systems, scripter support, and more.

Experience :

Zynga

Software Engineer (May 2012 – present)

•  Responsible for implementing features for the entire stack (Flash/PHP/Java)
• Maintaining features and fixing issue on a web-enabled live game (Zynga Bingo)

Vigil Games (division of THQ)

Programmer II (June 2011 – May 2012 )

• Responsible for programming a variety of gameplay systems for Darksiders 2, an action-adventure RPG.
• Worked closely with combat designers to assist developing AI, boss fights, and other combat elements
• Implemented multiple gameplay elements including puzzle objects, traversal systems, cinematic systems, etc.
• Debugged and assisted other programmers with crash issues, resource allocation, memory issues, etc.

Griptonite Games (division of Foundation 9 Entertainment)

Programmer/Designer (January 2005 – June 2011)

• Responsible for programming wide range of areas including multiplayer, AI, GUI, and gameplay in C++ for the Nintendo DS, Sony PSP, and Nintendo 3DS platforms.
• Engineered wireless engine for local and internet multiplayer.
• Designed combat and multiplayer gameplay.
• Designed, scripted, and debugged levels for the PSP console.

University of Pittsburgh Medical Center

Web Applications Development Contractor (July 2003-November 2003)

• Programmed ASP scripts as an independent contractor under the Information Security Group.

Education:

University of Pittsburgh

Bachelors of Science in Computer Science

Graduated December 2004

Pittsburgh Technical Institute

Associates in Specialized Technology

Computer Systems Specialist

Graduated July 2001

Volunteer Work:

They Shall Walk (www.theyshallwalk.org)

Software Engineer (December 2010 – June 2011)

• Developed software algorithms in C for a self-supporting, walking exoskeleton to assist paralyzed persons.

Software/Credits Summary:

Darksiders 2 (PC, Xbox 360, PS3, Wii U, Summer 2012 release date)

Implemented a variety of gameplay systems including puzzle elements, traversal system, camera systems, etc.  Assisted combat designers and level designers with task implementation.

Shinobi (Nintendo 3DS, 2011)

Implemented all minigames and hud elements.  Assisted scripters with world object implementation.  Worked on multiple engine components including replay system, resource allocation, text rendering, and wireless sharing.

Penguins of Madagascar (Nintendo DS, 2010 )

Supported scripters by implementing code for script commands and object placement.  Implemented world objects and puzzle components such as pressure plates, projectile turrets, doors, levers, etc.  Implemented character state machines and all character-character and character-world object interactions.

Marvel Super Hero Squad (Nintendo DS, 2010 )

Supported scripters by implementing code for script commands and object placement.  Implemented world objects and puzzle components such as laser turrets, force fields, doors, levers, etc.

How to Train Your Dragon (Nintendo DS, 2010)

Co-designed and implemented turn-based battle system.  Implemented AI and state machines for dragons.  Programmed both single cart and multi-cart wireless play.  Debugged and re-implemented bonus minigames.

Assassins Creed: Bloodlines (Sony PSP, 2009)

Implemented world objects and co-implemented player control.

Wolverine Origins (Sony  PSP. 2008)

Implement enemy state machine and artificial intelligence.  Supported scripters by implementing code for script commands and object placement.  Debugged framerate and memory issues.

Spore Creatures (Nintendo DS, 2008)

Built internet wireless component of the studio engine.  Implemented menus, programmed combat artificial intelligence module, and programmed the creature sharing component of the game.  Co-designed battle component of the game.

Eragon (Nintendo DS, 2006)

Implemented menus, programmed and co-designed artificial intelligence for enemies and bosses.  Programmed and co-designed player control.  Collaborated with artists and designers on fighting system and game balance.

Over The Hedge: Hammy Goes Nuts (Sony PSP, 2006)

Designed and balanced multiplayer game modes.  Created and maintained design documents for multiplayer gameplay.  Worked with artists designing multiplayer-only levels.  Placed items, obstacles, and powerups using in-house scripting program.

Lego Star Wars II (Nintendo DS, 2006)

Designed and implemented packet communication and management system for local wireless.  Fixed bugs for co-op and arena game modes.

Sims 2 (Nintendo DS, 2005)

Programmed wireless trading of songs and paintings.  Fixed bugs for local multiplayer card minigame.

Shrek SuperSlam (Nintendo DS, 2005)

Built local wireless component of studio engine.  Implemented multiplayer functionality for 3D fighting game.  Designed and programmed menu and HUD interfaces.