David Knopp

Gameplay Programming | Game AI | Tools | Tech art

Skills

Gameplay Programming
Game AI Programming
Rapid Prototyping
Tools Development
Linear Algebra
Shaders
Engine Architecture

C#
C++
CG / HLSL
Python

Unity
Unreal Engine 5
Zenject
Photon Fusion
Blender
Maya
FMOD

Senior Engineer — July 2017 – August 2024

Implemented server authoritative multiplayer with client-side prediction using Photon Fusion
Created a versatile character controller, supporting varied movement abilities and object interaction
Worked closely with artists to integrate animation features
Developed modular gameplay elements and tools, enabling rapid iteration on mechanics and levels
Implemented and iterated many gameplay features including ziplines, in-game events, leaderboards, a gameplay attribute system, fishing, and many others

Researched and developed avatar customization techniques using vector displacement mapping to support varying body shapes and sizes
Streamlined artist workflows with Maya tools for deformation-resistant clothing textures and runtime body deformation previews
Implemented prototypes showcasing the target look and feel for updating avatar customization, which was used to get the production green-lit

Implemented many client-side features including combat, multiplayer raids, animation tooling & support, UI, and AR combiner battles
Implemented map features including mesh generation, dynamic fog-of-war, and shader effects
Created a library for strongly-typed gameplay messaging
Mentored client engineers, advocating code quality with frequent code reviews

Developed most core systems and gameplay features, including match mechanics, avatar customization, and destructible buildings
Created an active ragdoll character controller with procedural animation
Integrated Microsoft’s Mixer API, enabling up to 40 players to participate in live-streamed games through their web browser with very low latency

Engineer — May 2015 – July 2017

Worked closely with the art team to design and implement custom fog and lighting effects to stylistically mimic underwater environments
Implemented a utility AI system, enabling designers to create believable behaviors quickly
Implemented various gameplay features including an ability system with accompanying graphical effects and shaders
Created various development tools including an in-game debug console

Implemented a user interface tailored for mobile, supporting both touch and gamepad inputs
Maintained and extended the localization workflow, supporting 17 languages

BSCS in Real-Time Interactive Simulation — August 2011 – April 2015