Michael Vancore

Game & Puzzle Designer

Phone:(850) 591-3946

Email:vancoremichael@gmail.com

Portfolio link:www.vancoreportfolio.com

LinkedIn link:www.linkedin.com/in/vancore/

SKILLS:

  • Designed and built game content from paper prototype to final product.

  • Worked closely across multiple teams, including art, development, and UI/UX.

  • Developed games using Blender, Photoshop, and Unreal.

  • Familiar with puzzle game design and iterative prototyping processes.

  • Led design teams for large-scale and small-scale projects.

  • Strong technical/educational foundation backed by professional work.

EDUCATION:

Master’s of Science,Game Design, Full Sail University, Salutatorian 2021

Bachelor’s of Science,Game Design, Full Sail University, Valedictorian 2020

WORK EXPERIENCE:

Level Designer,Snail Games USA, Loveland, CO

Jul 2024 - Jul 2025

  • Level Designer on Ark: Aquatica, designed and developed live-service game content including levels, characters, and gameplay abilities.

  • Balanced difficulty, pacing, and progression across multiple systems and levels.

  • Participated in a large-scale cross-disciplinary team; acted as point of contact between my department and all other departments.

  • Designed, implemented, and maintained new systems; analyzed and iterated upon existing systems to meet long-standing player expectations.

  • Analyzed and integrated playtesting feedback and ran playtesting sessions.

  • Exhibited strong time management skills, including the ability to multitask and prioritize.

  • Developed content in Unreal Engine 4 using the Blueprinting system.

Lead Game Designer & Art Instructor, NonPareil Institute, Orlando, FL

Jan 2022 - Jun 2024

  • Instructed adults on the autism spectrum on game development, with a focus on meeting industry standards.

  • Lead multiple design teams, creating games and publishing them independently.

  • Practiced analytical and problem-solving skills, both as a designer and as an instructor.

  • As instructor, provided education on creating, balancing, and implementing game mechanics.

  • Connected with local game stores to host special D&D games and events for adults on the autism spectrum.

Store Opener & Delivery Driver, Jimmy John’s, Tallahassee, FL

Nov 2025 - May 2026

  • Opened the store, preparing food and dining room for customers.

  • Responsible for managing money and timecards.

  • Delivered and bagged food for customers.

  • Always arrived to shift on-time, with zero customer complaints or incomplete orders.

Lead Level Designer, Zygobot Studios, Winter Park, FL

Jul 2020 - Jul 2021

  • Led a team of six (Programmers, Artist, Level Designers) to design levels for Roll For Initiative, a D&D inspired RPG.

  • Developed and balanced RPG game mechanics including combat, dungeons, and exploration.

  • Created and maintained the Game Design Document (GDD).

  • Developed prototypes of art and game assets using Unreal Engine 5 Blueprint system.

  • Before work began, developed 10 levels of a playable prototype for a perspective-based puzzle game using Blender and Unreal 5.

Lead Writer and Co-Director, NerdzGarage, Wilmington, NC

Aug 2021 - Jan 2022

  • Developed pitch for an original audio drama inspired by Dungeons & Dragons.

  • Wrote, edited, and co-directed 10 episodes for a sitcom style audio drama.

  • Responsible for creating engaging and compelling content that resonates with audiences.

  • Performed clerical tasks such as transcribing, copying and printing documents.