Jonathan Whiting

jonathan@ignika.com

A Dublin based game programming generalist with significant game design experience. Particularly interested in areas where disciplines meet i.e. gameplay programming, technical art/shaders, prototyping, and tool development.

Experienced with C, C++, Rust, Shaders, C#, Unreal, Python, etc. Developed for both games consoles and desktop (including OSX and Linux).

Very used to remote work, identifying obstacles, and managing time. Self-sufficient and self-reliant. Experienced as a lead and/or senior programmer.

Projects and Employment

Flock - Hollow Ponds, September 2021 to November 2023

• Designed and implemented player movement and obstacle avoidance. Balancing flight-like feel and joyful expression, with slower controlled precision for creature interactions.
• Created playful world interactions: stunts, thermals, cloud surfing, orbiters.
• Designed and implemented a flexible 3rd/1st person camera, moving fluidly between following the player, tracking NPCs, and keeping multiple targets visible.
• Assisted technical artist with difficult Unreal materials/shaders, e.g. mirroring the clouds' waved surface between code + visuals.
• Assisted with development of multiplayer systems.
• Unreal, C++, Console and PC, Releasing Soon

I Am Dead - Hollow Ponds, September 2017 to October 2020

• Invented and created the graphical technology for the core mechanic 'Slicing'. Including prototyping, materials/shader work, and tooling.
• Designed and implemented tools to help the art team with the unique challenges of making assets for the game. Better previews and faster iteration.
• Worked extensively on moment to moment gameplay: camera, cursor, selection, moving smoothly into and out of dioramas, navigating memories, etc.
• Assisted in the design process of turning a loose initial concept into a concrete world and gameplay loop.
• Unreal, C++, Windows, Nintendo Switch, Playstation, Xbox

Loot Rascals - Hollow Ponds, October 2015 to March 2017

• From a rough prototype, worked extensively on game design and gameplay implementation. Including core combat systems, unique abilities, and enemy AI.
• Designed and implemented the procedural level generation, creating endless variations while still maintaining a unique flavour for each world.
• Made a system for hex grid based movement via smooth analogue controls.
• Proprietary C++ Engine, Windows, Playstation

Sportsfriends - Die Gute Fabrik, February 2013 to Dec 2014

• Designed architecture to combine four games in one title.
• Managed shipping on console, Windows, OSX, and Linux. Scheduling, anticipating road blocks, etc.
• Ported/rewrote JS Joust (from C#) and Pole Riders (from Actionscript) to C++
• Developed a slick and unified frontend tying four games together.
• Dealt with extensive technical issues using PS Move controllers on desktop.
• Proprietary C++ Engine, Windows, OSX, Linux, Playstation

Other Games Work - Periodically, 2008 onwards

Alongside/between commercial projects, I've released several smaller freeware solo/duo games.

• I've hade some nice press about this work, e.g. these from Rock Paper Shotgun
• Mussel was displayed at A MAZE in 2015
• I gave a talk, Tile Based Non-Euclidean Space, about Knossu at A MAZE in 2016
• Nest was in The Leftfield Collection at Rezzed in 2017

Sophos - February 2011 to February 2013

• Worked as part of small 'agile' team producing a new product providing anti-virus at hypervisor level. Using and advocating for modern software development (kanban, pair programming, bringing QA into development team, etc.) in a company used to a slower traditional process. Linux, C++, Virtual Machines.
• Helped end of life a large piece of enterprise networked anti-virus management software.

Exient - January 2007 to Dec 2010

• Was a part of teams shipping several games on Nintendo DS and Playstation 2.
• Designed and implemented player controls and AI for the iPhone game X2 Snowboarding.
• Sole programmer porting/upscaling X2 Snowboarding from iPhone to iPad.

Education

University of Kent - 2003 to 2006, BSc in Computer Science, Upper Second-class Honours.

Other Interests

I'm a keen rock climber and run regularly. I like doing big outdoor adventures with tents and rucksacks, e.g. the South West Coast Path or the Artic Circle Trail in Greenland.

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