Michael Miccio
San Ramon,CA
Summary
For the past decade, my focus has been on Game Development QA, fueled by a deep passion for video games. Leveraging my strong leadership skills, I strive to enhance gaming experiences and elevate game development across diverse platforms. Beyond quality assurance, I actively collaborate with developers and designers worldwide to deliver top-tier gaming experiences for players.
Overview
11
11
years of professional experience
Work History
Quality Designer
Electronic Arts (Maxis)
11.2023 - Current
- Develop comprehensive test plans as a Quality Designer (QD) at Electronic Arts (Maxis).
- Assess complex domains from player experience and business perspectives.
- Coordinating with stakeholders to align testing objectives.
- Review test results for efficiency and provide actionable insights.
- Interpret Quality Verification (QV) metrics to drive action plans.
- Communicate project risks to QV leadership for mitigation and triage.
- Propose and implement efficient and effective process changes to optimize testing workflows.
- Participate in organizational initiatives to enhance testing methodologies.
- I collaborate closely with Quality Verification (QV) and QA teams, ensuring comprehensive test coverage across both onsite and offshore locations.
- Promote growth in the Quality Designer (QD) craft through knowledge sharing.
Associate Quality Designer
Electronic Arts (Maxis)
03.2020 - 11.2023
- Coordinated Data Patch Releases and served as primary liaison for several offshore teams.
- Supported Embedded Analysts by overseeing their daily reports and task assignments
- Provided feedback to the Development Team for roadmap planning and risk analysis.
- Managed test build schedules for DLCs for upcoming expansion packs.
- Led multiple shipped packs as Release Lead.
- Solely managed monthly engagement patches from the Quality Assurance perspective.
Senior Quality Analyst
Electronic Arts (Maxis)
08.2018 - 03.2020
- Led coordination of bi-weekly patch updates consisting of new, limited timed events, new in-game content, bug fixes and QoL updates.
- Acted as liaison with offshore teams for Engagement/DLC releases.
- Assisted Embedded QV Analysts in generating and managing daily reports and task allocation.
- Delegated high-priority tasks to both internal and external teams through daily syncs and stand-ups.
- Provided support for the Development Team in roadmap planning and risk analysis for multiple projects.
- I oversaw test build schedules and conducted live patch deployments for The Sims Mobile app.
Quality Analyst II
Electronic Arts (Maxis)
07.2016 - 08.2018
- As the primary Embedded QA Lead for The Sims Mobile Art Team, I supported the Development Team and worked closely with Technical Artists to ensure comprehensive test coverage using content pipeline tools.
- I coordinated with stakeholders for Client Releases and managed Certification Submissions to internal test partners, as well as submissions to both App Store and Google Play.
- Prioritized high priority tasks for team members.
- Created and executed test plans, managing multiple project release schedules.
- Aided in debugging and replicating high-priority issues.
- Authorized test cases/suites across multiple phases of development.
- Maintained consistent alignment with remote teams regarding project priorities.
Quality Analyst (Contract)
Electronic Arts (Maxis)
04.2014 - 10.2015
- Supported digital distribution for Sims titles during the development/publishing cycles at Maxis.
- Assigned tasks to team members to ensure tasks were prioritized and fulfilled accordingly.
- Developed and implemented tests for completion test suites for local and offshore teams.
- Debugged issues and verified requirements from client and server interfaces, implemented QA automation unit level tests and tools when cost effective opportunities existed.
Production Artist
Toolwire
09.2013 - 04.2014
- Developed and managed digital assets for online training courses.
- Designed and maintained visual content to meet project specifications.
- Coordinated with the design team to ensure timely completion of projects.
- I generated multiple layout versions tailored to meet client requirements.
- Maintained asset databases, adhering to naming conventions for easy retrieval and management.
QA Analyst
Toolwire
05.2013 - 09.2013
- Conducted and executed automation test cases for Educational Flash applications.
- Demonstrated proficiency in utilizing the company-wide Mantis Bugtracker database.
- Collaborated closely with the team on daily creative and detailed tasks.
- Executed comprehensive test suites and compiled team results for analysis.
- Conducted blackbox and graybox testing of Flash, Java, and Web applications.
- Ensured consistent performance and content delivery through effective bandwidth throttling techniques.
3D Maps Touch Up Artist (Contract)
Apple
10.2012 - 04.2013
- Contributed as a 3D Touch Up artist for Apple's engineering teams.
- Applied expertise in using proprietary 3D tools within 3D editor and Photoshop.
- Specialized in refining and optimizing 3D meshes within Apple's proprietary editor for the flyover program.
- Collaborated with internal teams to ensure the quality and accuracy of 3D maps and flyover scans.
- Conducted rigorous quality assurance checks to maintain high standards of 3D assets.
- Implemented adjustments and enhancements to improve the visual fidelity of flyover scans.
- Worked closely with engineers to troubleshoot and resolve technical issues related to 3D assets.
- Ensured consistency and coherence in 3D representations across various mapping applications.
Education
BFA Animation and Visual Effects -
Academy of Art University
05.2010
Liberal Arts/Graphic Design -
Las Positas College
12.2006
Skills
- Proficient in coordinating release cycles and managing schedules for game development projects
- Skilled in developing comprehensive test plans and executing test cases across various stages of development
- Experienced in providing valuable feedback for roadmap planning and risk analysis
- Strong communication skills to align testing objectives with overarching project goals
- Expertise in quality assurance methodologies for consistent performance and content delivery
- Demonstrated leadership as Release Lead for multiple DLC releases, ensuring high-quality deliverables
- Familiarity with industry-standard software and tools for asset creation and optimization
- Committed to promoting growth and excellence across all aspects of game development
Timeline
Quality Designer
Electronic Arts (Maxis)
11.2023 - Current
Associate Quality Designer
Electronic Arts (Maxis)
03.2020 - 11.2023
Senior Quality Analyst
Electronic Arts (Maxis)
08.2018 - 03.2020
Quality Analyst II
Electronic Arts (Maxis)
07.2016 - 08.2018
Quality Analyst (Contract)
Electronic Arts (Maxis)
04.2014 - 10.2015
Production Artist
Toolwire
09.2013 - 04.2014
QA Analyst
Toolwire
05.2013 - 09.2013
3D Maps Touch Up Artist (Contract)
Apple
10.2012 - 04.2013
BFA Animation and Visual Effects -
Academy of Art University
Liberal Arts/Graphic Design -
Las Positas College
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