Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Volunteer Experience
Timeline
Generic

Joe Sperger

Madison,WI

Summary

Dynamic Lead Designer with extensive experience at Chromatic Games, excelling in Unreal Engine 3 and project management. Spearheaded the development of innovative gameplay systems and monetization strategies, enhancing player engagement. Proven ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams, ensuring high-quality content and a cohesive creative vision.

Overview

7
7
years of professional experience

Work History

Lead Designer

Chromatic Games
Gainesville, FL
04.2024 - Current
  • Developed and maintained yearly roadmaps to guide project goals and timelines.
  • Managed day-to-day tasks assigned by a cross-functional development team.
  • Collaborated closely with artists to communicate and align on the project's creative vision.
  • Conducted art reviews to ensure assets met visual standards and aligned with the game’s vision.
  • Provided feedback and direction during art reviews to maintain consistency and quality across the project.
  • Designed and implemented gameplay systems, characters, and monetization features.
  • Oversaw content implementation in Unreal Engine 3, collaborating closely with engineers and artists.
  • Led the development of new game modes and feature updates for live service support.

Junior Designer

Chromatic Games
Gainesville, FL
09.2021 - 04.2024
  • Developed and supported a live-service Free-to-Play title.
  • Learned to develop using a custom version of Unreal Engine 3.
  • Designed and implemented unique RPG characters, bosses, enemies, gear systems, and game modes.
  • Implemented designs with support from engineering.
  • Integrated art including 3D assets, animations, rigs, and 2D UI elements.
  • Designed and implemented a Battle Pass system that strengthened monetization efforts.
  • Created VFX for periodic content updates.

Owner/Operator

Spoxy Vending
Madison, WI
12.2018 - 06.2022
  • Drove to and stocked vending machines.
  • Collected money from vending machines.
  • Managed inventory and purchasing.

Remote Quality Assurance

Chromatic Games
Gainesville, FL
02.2020 - 09.2021
  • Found and reported bugs.
  • Successfully tested Dungeon Defender II and Dungeon Defenders: Awakened across PC, Xbox, and PlayStation platforms.
  • Utilized bug tracking software to accurately document, track, and report issues found during testing.
  • Provided detailed feedback on game balance and general gameplay.
  • Verified daily change logs.
  • Performed regression testing.

Volunteer

Dungeon Defenders Redux
06.2020 - 02.2021
  • Company Overview: Officially recognized mod for Dungeon Defenders
  • Provided meticulous quality assurance to ensure game stability and functionality.
  • Balanced gameplay to optimize player experience and enhance gameplay dynamics.
  • Directed game design and contributed to the overall vision and coherence of the mod.
  • Implemented maps according to existing design systems.
  • Officially recognized mod for Dungeon Defenders

Education

High School -

Middleton High School
Middleton, WI
01.2019

Skills

  • Unreal Engine 3
  • Unreal Engine 4
  • Unreal Engine 5
  • TortoiseSVN
  • Teamwork
  • Bug tracking
  • Game balancing
  • Content implementation
  • Gameplay systems
  • Monetization strategies
  • Microsoft Word (MOS Certified)
  • Project management
  • Game design

Volunteer Experience

  • Youth Lacrosse Coaching
  • Curtis M. Swenson Memorial Golf Tournament
  • Toys for Tots

Timeline

Lead Designer

Chromatic Games
04.2024 - Current

Junior Designer

Chromatic Games
09.2021 - 04.2024

Volunteer

Dungeon Defenders Redux
06.2020 - 02.2021

Remote Quality Assurance

Chromatic Games
02.2020 - 09.2021

Owner/Operator

Spoxy Vending
12.2018 - 06.2022

High School -

Middleton High School