André Lincoln Read

Background

I have worked as a professional software engineer and game developer for over 12 years, delivering commercial projects using Unity, Unreal Engine, GameMaker, ImpactJS, Phaser.io, .NET, Flash, and XNA. My work spans desktop, web, mobile devices, and console platforms.

While my primary role has been as a Gameplay Programmer, I have also taken on various other roles, including Game Designer, Producer, Level Designer, and Writer. Additionally, I have tutored students in software engineering and game development at five universities or university colleges.

Before beginning my career in software and game development, I held a variety of jobs while still in school or studying. These included working as a Warehouse Agent, cashier at a supermarket, computer equipment salesperson at an electronics store, and newspaper delivery person.

TFC: The Fertile Crescent

Unity

Windows, macOS, Linux

2024

Game Designer, Programmer and Animator on TFC: The Fertile Crescent, a captivating reimagining of classic base-building Real Time Strategy, inspired by the epic struggles of growth, advancement, and conquest in the cradle of civilization.

Challenges Overcome:

Developed multiplayer functionality for an RTS game using a lockstep simulation model.

Created challenging AI opponents capable of handling the complexities of an RTS environment.

Optimized pathfinding (A*, HPA*, flow fields) leveraging the Burst Compiler and Jobs System for high performance.

Successfully released the game on Steam for Windows, macOS, and Linux.

Enki

ImpactJS, HTML5

XNA (prototype)

Web

2015

Winner Rising Star of the Year at Spillprisen 2015

Nominee Best Story at Spillprisen 2015

Technical Artist and Producer on Enki, a unique web browser MMO Platformer in 2D with avatar costumization, crafting, and leveling up, made specifically for Norwegian classrooms.

In addition to programming the entire game client, I worked heavily with the Art Director, focusing on GUI and user interaction design. I also developed educational content, designed levels, wrote dialogue and side stories, and designed the crafting system.

The game client was built using ImpactJS, which I extensively customized to meet the project's needs. For instance, I integrated PixiJS with ImpactJS to enable WebGL rendering. Other contributions included ensuring the game was fully playable and enjoyable across all major modern web browsers on both desktop and mobile devices.

MadeToGrow

Unity

2021

An app designed to inspire and support lifelong learning and personal growth to help users master any area of life.

As Tech Lead, I collaborated with a diverse, international team spanning four continents, ensuring seamless coordination and technical execution across time zones. I also programmed the app and published it to Google Play and AppStore.

Agenst vs Villain

Unity

Xbox One

2017

Sole Progammer on Agents vs Villain, an asymmetrical party game where one player takes the role of an evil cat trying to stop secret agents from stopping his evil plans of world domination. The cat controls all the traps on the levels and plays the boss in the boss fights at the end of each world.

RGB for GWall

Unity

2015

Game Designer and Programmer on RGB, a unique game created specifically for Logitech's GWall, a display composed of keyboards where each key functions as a pixel.

Check out the response

BoOooo

Game Maker

Android

2015

Nominee Best Innovation at Spillprisen 2015

Nominee Best Sound Design at Spillprisen 2015

Sole Programmer and Interaction Designer on BoOooo, an Android game about a ghost protecting his mansion from humans.

In addition to implementing the game, I worked with the Art Director on all GUI and interaction, and I published it to Google Play.

Rowboat Simulator

2013

Software Engineer for Oslo Fjord Museum, developing the software for an interactive rowboat experience, blending technology with education and entertainment. To achieve the desired functionality, I learned about codecs and synchronized multiple video files to simulate a higher-resolution display. The system dynamically adjusts video playback speed based on the user's rowing performance, enhancing immersion. Additionally, the rowboat generates randomized water splash sounds synchronized with rowing motions.

I also designed and implemented a menu system that allows users to select scenes to explore by interacting with the oars, creating an intuitive and engaging interface.

N.E.F. Nevronus

ImpactJS, CocoonJS

Android, iOS

2013

Winner Best Idea for a contest held by the Norwegian Epilepsy Organisation

Sole Programmer and Interaction Designer on N.E.F Nevronus, an educational web-based game that debunks myths about epilepsy in a fun and engaging way.

I did all implementation, and I ported the game to Android and iOS with CocoonJS. I also submitted the game to Google Play and AppStore.

Play in browser

Imal Lesing

Phaser.io

Web

2016

Web Developer on Imal Lesing, an educational application for children to learn writing letters.

I implemented the client-side of the application as a Single Page Application for mobile devices.

Jamming

The following section is a collection of some of my game jamming.

Rocket Billies

Unity

Finalist Norwegian Championship of Gameplay 2018

Programmer on Rocket Billies, a prototype for a couch multiplayer game where teams of two compete by customizing their cars. Each player controls one side of the car, using weapons as thrusters to navigate and outmaneuver opponents.

Agents VS Villain

Game Maker

Winner Norwegian Championship of Gameplay 2015

Programmer on the prototype for Agents vs Villain. Our prototype won the Norwegian Championship of Gameplay, earning the team a grant from the National Film Institute to further develop the concept and release it on Xbox One.

Spooked

XNA

Finalist Norwegian Championship of Gameplay 2014

Programmer on Spooked, the prototype for BoOooo.

Gravity

XNA

Finalist Norwegian Championship of Gameplay 2012

Developer on Gravity, a game about exploiting gravity with your limited amount of fuel to complete mission objectives.

This was a family project. My brother did the art work with MS Paint, while our dad did voice.

We received permission to use music from the Norwegian artist Philter.

RGB

XNA

Best Entry Norwegian Game Awards 2011

Game Designer and Programmer on RGB, a game about destroying red, green and blue aliens by using missiles of the same color.

Blind Development

ImpactJS

Global Game Jam 2014

Programmer on Blind Development. Except for it being a 2D platformer, I had no idea what the other team members (game designer/level designer, artist and audio designer) were up to until an hour before the deadline, and then we quickly had to put everything together.

If you play, make sure to turn your speakers on!

Play in browser

Defining Moments

ImpactJS

Global Game Jam 2013

Notable Runner-up at Mozille Game On

Programmer on Defining Moments, Two Player Tetris.

I had read that you are not a real game programmer until you have implemented a Tetris clone!

Play in browser

Player 1: WASD, Player 2: arrow keys

Originally, a video would play before the game starts, but the code for it is unsupported in modern browsers.

A Burglar's Tale

XNA

Norwegian Championship of Gameplay 2013

Sole Developer on A Burglar's Tale, a 2D platformer about sneaking past goblins and trolls.

The idea for this game was inspired by the scenes of Moria Mines in Lord of the Rings: Fellowship of the Ring. Sleeping goblins react to sound and wake each other up in a chain reaction.

I drew all animations frame-by frame. This was also my first attempt at implementing A* pathfinding.

House of Puzzles

XNA

Global Game Jam 2012

Programmer on House of Puzzles, a top-down puzzle solving adventure.

All my team-mates were second-graders from Hedmark College University.

In 48 hours I implemented basic collision detection, a level editor, and three levels filled with puzzles. I was pretty happy with that at the time.

DefSys

XNA

Xbox 360

Third at The Gathering Game Dev compo 2010

Programmer on DefSys, a 3D Strategy developed for Xbox 360, about protecting our home planet with Earth's Orbital Defence System.

This was our Bachelor's Project at Hedmark College University in Experience Production and Interactive Medias.

Video shows work in progress.

CERN

UnrealEd

2009

Level Design on CERN, an intense 8-16 players deathmatch map for Unreal Tournament 2004.

This map was inspired by CERN, the European Organization for Nuclear Research, and their ATLAS experiment.

Favourite Games

My first computer game was Jazz Jack Rabbit that I got for Christmas in 1994.

Early favourites included strategy games like Theme Park, Sim City 2000, The Settlers II and III, Age of Empires I and II, and Heroes of Might and Magic III.

One day, sometime in 2003, a friend introduced me to Warcraft III. I remember that day quite well. It became the game I have played the most hours in my life.

I also loved Age of Mythology, Age of Empires III, C&C Generals, Dawn of War, and the Battle for Middle Earth games. Fair to say, RTS games have a special appeal to me.

I have also been an avid console gamer most of my life. I have good memories with games like Final Fantasy VIII, Super Smash Brothers. Melee, SSX Tricky, NBA Street, Halo: Combat Evolved, and Mass Effect.

Since I used to write game reviews, at one point I owned over 50 PS2 games. And I have been passionate about games of most genres. The only exception I can think of are horror games.

As a student I played games like League of Legends, Dota 2, Civilization V, and Terraria.

Recent favourites (2024) are Drova, The Forgotten City and Hollow Knight.

Ideal work environment

I prefer working with kind and passionate people in an agile work environment.

The best thing that can happen is developing deep friendships with my colleagues.

Work-life balance is important to me since I have kids.

Hobbies

Fotball (soccer), floorball, exercising, hiking, and of course gaming.

When I am not a nerd, I am a sportsidiot!

CV

Connect

For any questions, feedback or suggestions, please send a message to andre.l.read at gmail.

Top Projects Jamming About