Check out our other featured employees:
Jonathan, Production Director
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Allen, Lead Designer
Wideload Games
Chicago, Illinois
As Lead Designer, I enjoy the creative process of taking the ideas that we�re constantly throwing around here at Wideload, and trying to find the fun elements that make great games. I do a lot of paper and physical game design with my team before we ever touch a line of code. We then work closely with artists, engineers, and producers to ensure that the prototype builds come together efficiently, and then drive a process of relentless playing and iterating, massaging the game into a final product. I'm also responsible for expanding the design team by recruiting new members and incorporating them into the Wideload creative process.
As a founding member of Wideload, I was happy to join forces with Disney. Our ability to experiment with new ideas and IP, mixed with Disney's ability to develop and build a brand, were a perfect match.
When not at Disney, I lecture on game design topics at DePaul University. I encourage students to take a broad, experimental, and play-centric approach to the design of games. I also visit local high schools, libraries, elementary schools, and after-school programs, where I introduce points of entry to the world of game design, and discuss the importance of play as part of a physically and emotionally healthy lifestyle.
When not working or teaching, I enjoy being a father of two wonderful kids, writing, playing pen and paper RPGs and board games, traditional storytelling, dancing, aikido, and fencing. I'm also an active member of my community. I work with neighborhood schools, aldermen, police, and families to provide a safety patrol, after-school activities, and events to promote positive community experiences. To me, that is the ultimate roll of a game designer. We provide empowering experiences to help people believe that one person can make a difference.
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