Systems Designer specializing in creating interconnected game mechanics that allow for emergent player experiences.
Systems Designer specializing in creating interconnected game mechanics that allow for emergent player experiences.
Lacy
Systems Designer & Developer
Based in Portland Oregon
I specialize in designing interconnected game mechanics and rule-based systems that allow for emergent player experiences. I utilize my psychology background with technical implementation in order to craft systems that allow players to discover unique interactions and meaningful experiences that stick with them. My approach aims to balance strategic depth with intuitive design, creating games where player's choices generate unexpected, yet cohesive outcomes.
Systems Design Expertise
Systems Design Expertise
Systems Design Expertise
Behavior Systems (AI, agent simulations)
Designing AI systems with distinct personality traits that interact dynamically with environments and other agents. My implementation efforts have focused on creating emergent behaviors that surprise and engage players while still maintaining logical consistency in the back end.
Behavior Systems (AI, agent simulations)
Designing AI systems with distinct personality traits that interact dynamically with environments and other agents. My implementation efforts have focused on creating emergent behaviors that surprise and engage players while still maintaining logical consistency in the back end.
Behavior Systems (AI, agent simulations)
Designing AI systems with distinct personality traits that interact dynamically with environments and other agents. My implementation efforts have focused on creating emergent behaviors that surprise and engage players while still maintaining logical consistency in the back end.
System Architecture (state management)
Building robust state management frameworks that track object conditions, player progression, and environmental changes. These architectures are what enable the kinds of complex interactions between systems I aim to achieve while maintaining the experience's performancr and scalability every step of the way.
System Architecture (state management)
Building robust state management frameworks that track object conditions, player progression, and environmental changes. These architectures are what enable the kinds of complex interactions between systems I aim to achieve while maintaining the experience's performancr and scalability every step of the way.
System Architecture (state management)
Building robust state management frameworks that track object conditions, player progression, and environmental changes. These architectures are what enable the kinds of complex interactions between systems I aim to achieve while maintaining the experience's performancr and scalability every step of the way.
Documentation (technical specs, flowcharts)
Creating comprehensive technical documentation including system flowcharts, state diagrams, and balance analysis. My specifications throughout are meant to communicate both the technical implementation and the intended player experience.
Documentation (technical specs, flowcharts)
Creating comprehensive technical documentation including system flowcharts, state diagrams, and balance analysis. My specifications throughout are meant to communicate both the technical implementation and the intended player experience.
Documentation (technical specs, flowcharts)
Creating comprehensive technical documentation including system flowcharts, state diagrams, and balance analysis. My specifications throughout are meant to communicate both the technical implementation and the intended player experience.
Technical Implementation
Translating complex design concepts into functional code using Unity, Unreal Engine, and custom frameworks. My implementation approach focuses on modularity, extensibility, and robust testing to ensure systems work together seamlessly.
Technical Implementation
Translating complex design concepts into functional code using Unity, Unreal Engine, and custom frameworks. My implementation approach focuses on modularity, extensibility, and robust testing to ensure systems work together seamlessly.
Technical Implementation
Translating complex design concepts into functional code using Unity, Unreal Engine, and custom frameworks. My implementation approach focuses on modularity, extensibility, and robust testing to ensure systems work together seamlessly.
Featured Projects
Featured Projects
Showcasing my approach to designing interconnected mechanics that create emergent gameplay experiences.
Showcasing my approach to designing interconnected mechanics that create emergent gameplay experiences.
Showcasing my approach to designing interconnected mechanics that create emergent gameplay experiences.
DivergAnts
Skills Utilized
Systems Design, AI Behavior Development, Emergent Gameplay Design
Year
2025
DivergAnts
Skills Utilized
Systems Design, AI Behavior Development, Emergent Gameplay Design
Year
2025
DivergAnts
Skills Utilized
Systems Design, AI Behavior Development, Emergent Gameplay Design
Year
2025
Reality Channel
Skills Utilized
State Management Design, Implied Environmental Narrative, Visual Programming
Year
2025
Reality Channel
Skills Utilized
State Management Design, Implied Environmental Narrative, Visual Programming
Year
2025
Reality Channel
Skills Utilized
State Management Design, Implied Environmental Narrative, Visual Programming
Year
2025
Education & Background
Education & Background
Education & Background
My interdisciplinary background gives me a unique perspective on systems design that blends human psychology with technical implementation.
My interdisciplinary background gives me a unique perspective on systems design that blends human psychology with technical implementation.
My interdisciplinary background gives me a unique perspective on systems design that blends human psychology with technical implementation.
Academic Foundation
Academic Foundation
AAS Game Development (Expected June 2025)
Mt. Hood Community College - Focus: Systems Design, Technical Implementation, Game Theory - Relevant coursework: Small Games Programming, 3D Animation, Game Studio
AAS Game Development (Expected June 2025)
Mt. Hood Community College - Focus: Systems Design, Technical Implementation, Game Theory - Relevant coursework: Small Games Programming, 3D Animation, Game Studio
AAS Game Development
Mt. Hood Community College (Expected June 2025) - Focus: Systems Design, Technical Implementation, Game Theory - Relevant coursework: Small Games Programming, 3D Animation, Game Studio
BA Psychology & Sociology (2018)
University of Texas at San Antonio - Research Focus: Behavioral patterns, motivation systems, reward psychology - Applied coursework: Social Cognition, Psychology of Thought, Memory Systems
BA Psychology & Sociology (2018)
University of Texas at San Antonio - Research Focus: Behavioral patterns, motivation systems, reward psychology - Applied coursework: Social Cognition, Psychology of Thought, Memory Systems
BA Psychology & Sociology
University of Texas at San Antonio (2018) - Research Focus: Behavioral patterns, motivation systems, reward psychology - Applied coursework: Social Cognition, Psychology of Thought, Memory Systems
Professional Experience
Professional Experience
Behavior Therapist (2018-2019)
Kids Overcoming - Designed behavioral modification systems with measurable feedback mechanisms - Documented progress through quantifiable metrics and adapted approaches based on data analysis - Created and implemented personalized engagement systems for diverse client needs
Behavior Therapist (2018-2019)
Kids Overcoming - Designed behavioral modification systems with measurable feedback mechanisms - Documented progress through quantifiable metrics and adapted approaches based on data analysis - Created and implemented personalized engagement systems for diverse client needs
Behavior Therapist (2018-2019)
Kids Overcoming - Designed behavioral modification systems with measurable feedback mechanisms - Documented progress through quantifiable metrics and adapted approaches based on data analysis - Created and implemented personalized engagement systems for diverse client needs
Career Transition
Career Transition
My journey from psychology to game development represents a natural evolution of my interest in how systems shape behavior. Working with children to design behavioral systems revealed how carefully designed incentive structures could transform engagement - much like well-crafted game systems can create compelling player experiences.
This background gives me a dual perspective that combines rigorous understanding of human motivation with technical implementation skills - ideal for designing systems that feel intuitive and rewarding to players.
My journey from psychology to game development represents a natural evolution of my interest in how systems shape behavior. Working with children to design behavioral systems revealed how carefully designed incentive structures could transform engagement - much like well-crafted game systems can create compelling player experiences.
This background gives me a dual perspective that combines rigorous understanding of human motivation with technical implementation skills - ideal for designing systems that feel intuitive and rewarding to players.
My journey from psychology to game development represents a natural evolution of my interest in how systems shape behavior. Working with children to design behavioral systems revealed how carefully designed incentive structures could transform engagement - much like well-crafted game systems can create compelling player experiences.
This background gives me a dual perspective that combines rigorous understanding of human motivation with technical implementation skills - ideal for designing systems that feel intuitive and rewarding to players.
What is systems design in games?
Systems design is the practice of creating interconnected game mechanics that work together to generate emergent player experiences. Rather than scripting every possible outcome, systems designers build rule sets that interact in dynamic ways, allowing players to discover unexpected strategies and experiences. This approach creates games with greater replayability and player expression, as the interactions between systems can produce outcomes the designers themselves may not have anticipated.
How does your psychology background inform your design approach?
What types of game systems do you specialize in?
What tools/engines do you work with?
Systems Designer specializing in creating interconnected game mechanics that allow for emergent player experiences.
Systems Designer specializing in creating interconnected game mechanics that allow for emergent player experiences.
Lacy
Systems Designer & Developer
Based in Portland Oregon
I specialize in designing interconnected game mechanics and rule-based systems that allow for emergent player experiences. I utilize my psychology background with technical implementation in order to craft systems that allow players to discover unique interactions and meaningful experiences that stick with them. My approach aims to balance strategic depth with intuitive design, creating games where player's choices generate unexpected, yet cohesive outcomes.
Systems Design Expertise
Systems Design Expertise
Systems Design Expertise
Behavior Systems (AI, agent simulations)
Designing AI systems with distinct personality traits that interact dynamically with environments and other agents. My implementation efforts have focused on creating emergent behaviors that surprise and engage players while still maintaining logical consistency in the back end.
Behavior Systems (AI, agent simulations)
Designing AI systems with distinct personality traits that interact dynamically with environments and other agents. My implementation efforts have focused on creating emergent behaviors that surprise and engage players while still maintaining logical consistency in the back end.
Behavior Systems (AI, agent simulations)
Designing AI systems with distinct personality traits that interact dynamically with environments and other agents. My implementation efforts have focused on creating emergent behaviors that surprise and engage players while still maintaining logical consistency in the back end.
System Architecture (state management)
Building robust state management frameworks that track object conditions, player progression, and environmental changes. These architectures are what enable the kinds of complex interactions between systems I aim to achieve while maintaining the experience's performancr and scalability every step of the way.
System Architecture (state management)
Building robust state management frameworks that track object conditions, player progression, and environmental changes. These architectures are what enable the kinds of complex interactions between systems I aim to achieve while maintaining the experience's performancr and scalability every step of the way.
System Architecture (state management)
Building robust state management frameworks that track object conditions, player progression, and environmental changes. These architectures are what enable the kinds of complex interactions between systems I aim to achieve while maintaining the experience's performancr and scalability every step of the way.
Documentation (technical specs, flowcharts)
Creating comprehensive technical documentation including system flowcharts, state diagrams, and balance analysis. My specifications throughout are meant to communicate both the technical implementation and the intended player experience.
Documentation (technical specs, flowcharts)
Creating comprehensive technical documentation including system flowcharts, state diagrams, and balance analysis. My specifications throughout are meant to communicate both the technical implementation and the intended player experience.
Documentation (technical specs, flowcharts)
Creating comprehensive technical documentation including system flowcharts, state diagrams, and balance analysis. My specifications throughout are meant to communicate both the technical implementation and the intended player experience.
Technical Implementation
Translating complex design concepts into functional code using Unity, Unreal Engine, and custom frameworks. My implementation approach focuses on modularity, extensibility, and robust testing to ensure systems work together seamlessly.
Technical Implementation
Translating complex design concepts into functional code using Unity, Unreal Engine, and custom frameworks. My implementation approach focuses on modularity, extensibility, and robust testing to ensure systems work together seamlessly.
Technical Implementation
Translating complex design concepts into functional code using Unity, Unreal Engine, and custom frameworks. My implementation approach focuses on modularity, extensibility, and robust testing to ensure systems work together seamlessly.
Featured Projects
Featured Projects
Showcasing my approach to designing interconnected mechanics that create emergent gameplay experiences.
Showcasing my approach to designing interconnected mechanics that create emergent gameplay experiences.
Showcasing my approach to designing interconnected mechanics that create emergent gameplay experiences.
DivergAnts
Skills Utilized
Systems Design, AI Behavior Development, Emergent Gameplay Design
Year
2025
DivergAnts
Skills Utilized
Systems Design, AI Behavior Development, Emergent Gameplay Design
Year
2025
DivergAnts
Skills Utilized
Systems Design, AI Behavior Development, Emergent Gameplay Design
Year
2025
Reality Channel
Skills Utilized
State Management Design, Implied Environmental Narrative, Visual Programming
Year
2025
Reality Channel
Skills Utilized
State Management Design, Implied Environmental Narrative, Visual Programming
Year
2025
Reality Channel
Skills Utilized
State Management Design, Implied Environmental Narrative, Visual Programming
Year
2025
Education & Background
Education & Background
Education & Background
My interdisciplinary background gives me a unique perspective on systems design that blends human psychology with technical implementation.
My interdisciplinary background gives me a unique perspective on systems design that blends human psychology with technical implementation.
My interdisciplinary background gives me a unique perspective on systems design that blends human psychology with technical implementation.
Academic Foundation
Academic Foundation
AAS Game Development (Expected June 2025)
Mt. Hood Community College - Focus: Systems Design, Technical Implementation, Game Theory - Relevant coursework: Small Games Programming, 3D Animation, Game Studio
AAS Game Development (Expected June 2025)
Mt. Hood Community College - Focus: Systems Design, Technical Implementation, Game Theory - Relevant coursework: Small Games Programming, 3D Animation, Game Studio
AAS Game Development
Mt. Hood Community College (Expected June 2025) - Focus: Systems Design, Technical Implementation, Game Theory - Relevant coursework: Small Games Programming, 3D Animation, Game Studio
BA Psychology & Sociology (2018)
University of Texas at San Antonio - Research Focus: Behavioral patterns, motivation systems, reward psychology - Applied coursework: Social Cognition, Psychology of Thought, Memory Systems
BA Psychology & Sociology (2018)
University of Texas at San Antonio - Research Focus: Behavioral patterns, motivation systems, reward psychology - Applied coursework: Social Cognition, Psychology of Thought, Memory Systems
BA Psychology & Sociology
University of Texas at San Antonio (2018) - Research Focus: Behavioral patterns, motivation systems, reward psychology - Applied coursework: Social Cognition, Psychology of Thought, Memory Systems
Professional Experience
Professional Experience
Behavior Therapist (2018-2019)
Kids Overcoming - Designed behavioral modification systems with measurable feedback mechanisms - Documented progress through quantifiable metrics and adapted approaches based on data analysis - Created and implemented personalized engagement systems for diverse client needs
Behavior Therapist (2018-2019)
Kids Overcoming - Designed behavioral modification systems with measurable feedback mechanisms - Documented progress through quantifiable metrics and adapted approaches based on data analysis - Created and implemented personalized engagement systems for diverse client needs
Behavior Therapist (2018-2019)
Kids Overcoming - Designed behavioral modification systems with measurable feedback mechanisms - Documented progress through quantifiable metrics and adapted approaches based on data analysis - Created and implemented personalized engagement systems for diverse client needs
Career Transition
Career Transition
My journey from psychology to game development represents a natural evolution of my interest in how systems shape behavior. Working with children to design behavioral systems revealed how carefully designed incentive structures could transform engagement - much like well-crafted game systems can create compelling player experiences.
This background gives me a dual perspective that combines rigorous understanding of human motivation with technical implementation skills - ideal for designing systems that feel intuitive and rewarding to players.
My journey from psychology to game development represents a natural evolution of my interest in how systems shape behavior. Working with children to design behavioral systems revealed how carefully designed incentive structures could transform engagement - much like well-crafted game systems can create compelling player experiences.
This background gives me a dual perspective that combines rigorous understanding of human motivation with technical implementation skills - ideal for designing systems that feel intuitive and rewarding to players.
My journey from psychology to game development represents a natural evolution of my interest in how systems shape behavior. Working with children to design behavioral systems revealed how carefully designed incentive structures could transform engagement - much like well-crafted game systems can create compelling player experiences.
This background gives me a dual perspective that combines rigorous understanding of human motivation with technical implementation skills - ideal for designing systems that feel intuitive and rewarding to players.
What is systems design in games?
Systems design is the practice of creating interconnected game mechanics that work together to generate emergent player experiences. Rather than scripting every possible outcome, systems designers build rule sets that interact in dynamic ways, allowing players to discover unexpected strategies and experiences. This approach creates games with greater replayability and player expression, as the interactions between systems can produce outcomes the designers themselves may not have anticipated.
How does your psychology background inform your design approach?
What types of game systems do you specialize in?
What tools/engines do you work with?
Systems Designer specializing in creating interconnected game mechanics that allow for emergent player experiences.
Systems Designer specializing in creating interconnected game mechanics that allow for emergent player experiences.
Lacy
Systems Designer & Developer
Based in Portland Oregon
I specialize in designing interconnected game mechanics and rule-based systems that allow for emergent player experiences. I utilize my psychology background with technical implementation in order to craft systems that allow players to discover unique interactions and meaningful experiences that stick with them. My approach aims to balance strategic depth with intuitive design, creating games where player's choices generate unexpected, yet cohesive outcomes.
Systems Design Expertise
Systems Design Expertise
Systems Design Expertise
Behavior Systems (AI, agent simulations)
Designing AI systems with distinct personality traits that interact dynamically with environments and other agents. My implementation efforts have focused on creating emergent behaviors that surprise and engage players while still maintaining logical consistency in the back end.
Behavior Systems (AI, agent simulations)
Designing AI systems with distinct personality traits that interact dynamically with environments and other agents. My implementation efforts have focused on creating emergent behaviors that surprise and engage players while still maintaining logical consistency in the back end.
Behavior Systems (AI, agent simulations)
Designing AI systems with distinct personality traits that interact dynamically with environments and other agents. My implementation efforts have focused on creating emergent behaviors that surprise and engage players while still maintaining logical consistency in the back end.
System Architecture (state management)
Building robust state management frameworks that track object conditions, player progression, and environmental changes. These architectures are what enable the kinds of complex interactions between systems I aim to achieve while maintaining the experience's performancr and scalability every step of the way.
System Architecture (state management)
Building robust state management frameworks that track object conditions, player progression, and environmental changes. These architectures are what enable the kinds of complex interactions between systems I aim to achieve while maintaining the experience's performancr and scalability every step of the way.
System Architecture (state management)
Building robust state management frameworks that track object conditions, player progression, and environmental changes. These architectures are what enable the kinds of complex interactions between systems I aim to achieve while maintaining the experience's performancr and scalability every step of the way.
Documentation (technical specs, flowcharts)
Creating comprehensive technical documentation including system flowcharts, state diagrams, and balance analysis. My specifications throughout are meant to communicate both the technical implementation and the intended player experience.
Documentation (technical specs, flowcharts)
Creating comprehensive technical documentation including system flowcharts, state diagrams, and balance analysis. My specifications throughout are meant to communicate both the technical implementation and the intended player experience.
Documentation (technical specs, flowcharts)
Creating comprehensive technical documentation including system flowcharts, state diagrams, and balance analysis. My specifications throughout are meant to communicate both the technical implementation and the intended player experience.
Technical Implementation
Translating complex design concepts into functional code using Unity, Unreal Engine, and custom frameworks. My implementation approach focuses on modularity, extensibility, and robust testing to ensure systems work together seamlessly.
Technical Implementation
Translating complex design concepts into functional code using Unity, Unreal Engine, and custom frameworks. My implementation approach focuses on modularity, extensibility, and robust testing to ensure systems work together seamlessly.
Technical Implementation
Translating complex design concepts into functional code using Unity, Unreal Engine, and custom frameworks. My implementation approach focuses on modularity, extensibility, and robust testing to ensure systems work together seamlessly.
Featured Projects
Featured Projects
Showcasing my approach to designing interconnected mechanics that create emergent gameplay experiences.
Showcasing my approach to designing interconnected mechanics that create emergent gameplay experiences.
Showcasing my approach to designing interconnected mechanics that create emergent gameplay experiences.
DivergAnts
Skills Utilized
Systems Design, AI Behavior Development, Emergent Gameplay Design
Year
2025
DivergAnts
Skills Utilized
Systems Design, AI Behavior Development, Emergent Gameplay Design
Year
2025
DivergAnts
Skills Utilized
Systems Design, AI Behavior Development, Emergent Gameplay Design
Year
2025
Reality Channel
Skills Utilized
State Management Design, Implied Environmental Narrative, Visual Programming
Year
2025
Reality Channel
Skills Utilized
State Management Design, Implied Environmental Narrative, Visual Programming
Year
2025
Reality Channel
Skills Utilized
State Management Design, Implied Environmental Narrative, Visual Programming
Year
2025
Education & Background
Education & Background
Education & Background
My interdisciplinary background gives me a unique perspective on systems design that blends human psychology with technical implementation.
My interdisciplinary background gives me a unique perspective on systems design that blends human psychology with technical implementation.
My interdisciplinary background gives me a unique perspective on systems design that blends human psychology with technical implementation.
Academic Foundation
Academic Foundation
AAS Game Development (Expected June 2025)
Mt. Hood Community College - Focus: Systems Design, Technical Implementation, Game Theory - Relevant coursework: Small Games Programming, 3D Animation, Game Studio
AAS Game Development (Expected June 2025)
Mt. Hood Community College - Focus: Systems Design, Technical Implementation, Game Theory - Relevant coursework: Small Games Programming, 3D Animation, Game Studio
AAS Game Development
Mt. Hood Community College (Expected June 2025) - Focus: Systems Design, Technical Implementation, Game Theory - Relevant coursework: Small Games Programming, 3D Animation, Game Studio
BA Psychology & Sociology (2018)
University of Texas at San Antonio - Research Focus: Behavioral patterns, motivation systems, reward psychology - Applied coursework: Social Cognition, Psychology of Thought, Memory Systems
BA Psychology & Sociology (2018)
University of Texas at San Antonio - Research Focus: Behavioral patterns, motivation systems, reward psychology - Applied coursework: Social Cognition, Psychology of Thought, Memory Systems
BA Psychology & Sociology
University of Texas at San Antonio (2018) - Research Focus: Behavioral patterns, motivation systems, reward psychology - Applied coursework: Social Cognition, Psychology of Thought, Memory Systems
Professional Experience
Professional Experience
Behavior Therapist (2018-2019)
Kids Overcoming - Designed behavioral modification systems with measurable feedback mechanisms - Documented progress through quantifiable metrics and adapted approaches based on data analysis - Created and implemented personalized engagement systems for diverse client needs
Behavior Therapist (2018-2019)
Kids Overcoming - Designed behavioral modification systems with measurable feedback mechanisms - Documented progress through quantifiable metrics and adapted approaches based on data analysis - Created and implemented personalized engagement systems for diverse client needs
Behavior Therapist (2018-2019)
Kids Overcoming - Designed behavioral modification systems with measurable feedback mechanisms - Documented progress through quantifiable metrics and adapted approaches based on data analysis - Created and implemented personalized engagement systems for diverse client needs
Career Transition
Career Transition
My journey from psychology to game development represents a natural evolution of my interest in how systems shape behavior. Working with children to design behavioral systems revealed how carefully designed incentive structures could transform engagement - much like well-crafted game systems can create compelling player experiences.
This background gives me a dual perspective that combines rigorous understanding of human motivation with technical implementation skills - ideal for designing systems that feel intuitive and rewarding to players.
My journey from psychology to game development represents a natural evolution of my interest in how systems shape behavior. Working with children to design behavioral systems revealed how carefully designed incentive structures could transform engagement - much like well-crafted game systems can create compelling player experiences.
This background gives me a dual perspective that combines rigorous understanding of human motivation with technical implementation skills - ideal for designing systems that feel intuitive and rewarding to players.
My journey from psychology to game development represents a natural evolution of my interest in how systems shape behavior. Working with children to design behavioral systems revealed how carefully designed incentive structures could transform engagement - much like well-crafted game systems can create compelling player experiences.
This background gives me a dual perspective that combines rigorous understanding of human motivation with technical implementation skills - ideal for designing systems that feel intuitive and rewarding to players.
What is systems design in games?
Systems design is the practice of creating interconnected game mechanics that work together to generate emergent player experiences. Rather than scripting every possible outcome, systems designers build rule sets that interact in dynamic ways, allowing players to discover unexpected strategies and experiences. This approach creates games with greater replayability and player expression, as the interactions between systems can produce outcomes the designers themselves may not have anticipated.
How does your psychology background inform your design approach?
What types of game systems do you specialize in?
What tools/engines do you work with?