COMBAT DESIGNER | TECHNICAL GAME DESIGNER

Craig D. Leak

A professional combat designer with a love of speed and grandiose impacts

Currently Employed

ArenaNet | Combat Designer | 2023

Role: Lead Combat Designer
Tenure: 2020-2022

Genre: Multiplayer Battle Arena
Platform: PC / Gamepad Controller

Element 115

Directly responsible for designing and prototyping eight unique weapons/fighting styles
Created the combat design, implementation, and fine-tuning for all combat features
Produced an advance AI to test the player's mastery of the combat mechanics truly

Implemented, polished, and created memorable combat encounters that challenged a player's adaptability
Worked heavily on animation-driven systems to ensure an uninterrupted, smooth, and responsive experience
Retained a player’s mindset and view while acting as a champion of a user’s feedback and perception of the title’s intuitive design.

Role: Sole Designer
Tenure: 2019-2021

Genre: 3rd Person ARPG
Platform: PC / Gamepad Controller

Long-Term Passion Project

Designed and scripted a wide range of features, including core combat systems, Hit reaction movement mechanics, numerous gameplay items, including fleshed-out parkour mechanics
Created and designed diegetic player feedback increasing the player breathing rate relative to stamina, and an injured overlay when hurt, camera shakes, controller rumble, and screen effects all to minimize UI crowding

Developed a highly intensive combat sequence that encouraged players to remain extremely vigilant
Implemented combat styles that diverted from the industry standards and refined them to a higher level
Managed and maintained a positive social media presence while pursuing critique on ways to improve. At the same time, I actively provided feedback to other independent developers to enhance their projects.

Role: Sole Designer
Tenure: 2018-2019

Genre: 3rd Person ARPG
Platform: PC / Gamepad Controller

Short-Term Passion Project

Designed and created a flexible system that allows the user to select the appearance of their uniquely created weapon, with each part giving the player new abilities and actions
Experience creating functionality for gameplay UI, including health bars, stamina, and experience bars

Scripted a flexible spell system that allowed for the easy creation of unique spells for each weapon
Crafted an adjustable stat system that allowed trouble-free creation of over 15 working stats variables