Nathanial Strickland
Game Designer
With over 11 years of game design experience across both traditional and live-service games, I’m dedicated to creating meaningful player experiences. I specialize in designing engaging systems and balanced economies, with a strong emphasis on team building and collaboration. My approach combines the depth of traditional game design principles with the adaptability of live-service strategies, all aimed at enhancing player satisfaction and supporting sustainable success.
My Portfolio
Skills
Leadership & Management: Team Leadership, Project Management, Stakeholder Engagement, Strategic Planning
Software: Microsoft Office, Jira, Confluence, Perforce, Adobe XD, Unity, Unreal 4, Lumberyard
Languages: SQL, XML, HTML5 & CSS3, JavaScript, C#, Java, Python
Data & Analytics: User Data Analysis, KPI Monitoring, Feature Roadmapping, A/B Testing
Game Design: UI/UX Design, Systems Design, Live Ops, Content Creation, Game Economy Balancing
Resume
NetEase North America (Remote)
Lead Game Designer – LifeAfter
- Product Owner for key UI redesign initiatives for LifeAfter PC, enhancing user experience and elevating engagement.
- Spearheaded the creation of onboarding narratives and tailored sequences to boost user retention and immersion.
- Provided strategic direction on design elements, ensuring product alignment with North American market preferences.
Hi-Rez Studios, Alpharetta, GA
Senior Game Designer – SMITE
- Led the conceptualization and execution of SMITE’s UI redesign, significantly improving user satisfaction and retention.
- Product Owner for SMITE NIGHT, a weekly event system which improved player engagement and recurring retention rate.
- Led cross-functional teams including Analytics, Product, and Marketing to align features with player trends and business goals.
- Mentored junior designers, fostering growth in system design, balancing, and event creation.
- Streamlined documentation and production practices, improving team efficiency and communication.
Machine Zone, Palo Alto, CA
Game Designer II – Final Fantasy XV: A New Empire
- Led live operations content development to meet revenue targets and drive user engagement.
- Defined sales strategies for new features in collaboration with Product Management, balancing progression and monetization.
- Utilized game analytics to ensure the health and alignment of game features with both business and player objectives.
- Balanced combat systems, ensuring a well-maintained competitive environment across all gameplay mechanics.
Carbonated Inc, El Segundo, CA
Lead/Senior Game Designer – Racing Rivals
- Led the redesign of core gameplay loops, focusing on player progression, retention, and engagement.
- Managed stakeholder relations, pitching and refining game concepts with publishers and external partners like NBC Universal.
- Directed the integration of Fast & Furious content into Racing Rivals, resulting in increased engagement and monetization.
- Revamped live service pipelines, enhancing tools and methodologies to streamline game content releases.
Electronic Arts – EA SPORTS, Orlando, FL
Associate Game Designer – Madden NFL 2017
- Led the analysis and presentation of simulation data, providing insights for senior leadership.
- Overhauled draft class generation to align more closely with real-world compositions, improving player immersion.
- Improved Connected Franchise mode by updating news feed articles and logic to enhance user experience.
Associate Designer – Madden NFL Mobile
- Designed and implemented VIP Rewards Program that increased user retention, engagement, and monetization.
- Re-designed economy and content standards for Madden NFL Mobile’s Season 2, boosting game balance and player satisfaction.