James Kovilakath
Game Designer | Computer Scientist
Game Designer | Computer Scientist
In Mystic, players survive in a world inspired by MENA and South Asian folklore while managing Health, Stamina, and a custom Faith system. I built the entire hunting system from scratch in Unreal Engine 5.6 using real Islamic hunting principles—requiring targets to be wounded first and allowing them to bleed out naturally rather than die from blunt projectile impact. I also created a dynamic Faith progression system rooted in Islamic mysticism, where actions like non-lethal takedowns or avoiding dishonesty increase attributes such as Tawakkul, Sabr, Ikhlas, and Ma’rifah. This was my first professional group project, giving me experience translating cultural concepts into gameplay while collaborating within a studio environment.
In Auto Moba, I designed a hybrid RTS–arena battler inspired by Clash Royale and StarCraft, where each race comes with its own predetermined roster of units, abilities, and playstyles instead of player-selected cards. I built the core gameplay systems from scratch, including a real-time unit spawning and combat behaviour framework and a unique electricity-based resource economy that powers abilities, structures, and unit deployment. The project emphasized designing clear distinctions between races—each with custom mechanics, balance considerations, and counterplay—while developing responsive UI, animated VFX, and scalable Blueprint systems to support fast, competitive matches.
In Unwalled Meadow, players engage in shooting wooden targets with their rifles within a specified time limit that varies based on the selected difficulty level. The game features multiple difficulty levels that cater to various player preferences and skill levels. This project focuses on creating essential gameplay mechanics from scratch using Unreal Engine, emphasizing self-reliance and skill development.
Genre: Survival, Evasion, Co-op
Engine: Unreal Engine 5
Role: Game/Progression Designer
Platform: PC
Genre: Real Time Strategy
Engine: UE5
Role: Solo Project
Platform: PC
Genre: First-Person Shooter
Engine: Unreal Engine 5
Role: Game/Level Designer
Platform: PC
Skills
Software and Tools
Game Design
Methodologies
Agile Prototyping
Iteration
ResearchBased
Development
3D Modeling
Video Editing
Photo Editing
Experience with playtesting and iterative design
Game Development Engines
Unreal Engine 5
Source 2
Languages
C++
Java
Python
JavaScript
Source Control
Git
Perforce
Diversion
SVN
Production
Azure DevOps
Jira
Communication
Slack
Microsoft Teams
Discord
I'm a recent graduate with a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science. From an early age, I've been captivated by the immersive worlds of story-rich games like The Witcher, Skyrim, and Prey. This passion led me to explore game development, starting with creating custom maps for Counter-Strike and experimenting with game development using Unreal Engine. These experiences have bettered my skills in level design and spatial awareness, preparing me for the challenges of professional game development.
As an aspiring game Developer and designer, I'm particularly drawn to open-world experiences that blend authentic elements with creative storytelling. I believe games have the power to transport players to new worlds while also educating them about diverse cultures and histories. I'm confident in my ability to learn quickly, adapt to challenges, and contribute meaningfully to innovative projects.