Semjon Leinweber Game and Level Designer

About me

I’m a Game and Level Designer, which creates content and features for millions of players to improve KPI’s of free-to-play mobile games. Creating unique experiences has been near and dear to me since building my first levels and games as a teen. Studying Game Design at the HTW Berlin showed me the depth and diversity of how to engage players.

Currently living and working in Berlin at Yager. With now over 7 years of industry experience I’m looking for new challenges.

Semjon Leinweber

semjon.leinweber [at] gmail.com

LinkedIn   YouTube

Projects

02/2020 - today TBA - Level Designer, Yager
PvE-based co-op TPS, Unreal Engine, Berlin (Germany)
01/2020 - today Riftgate Tactics - Game Designer, HotCore
TBS Game, Unity Engine (Mobile), Berlin(Germany)
05/2017 - 01/2020 Warlords of Aternum - Game Designer, InnoGames
Classic fantasy TBS, Unity Engine (iOS & Android), Hamburg (Germany)
12/2016 - 04/2017 Gates of Epica - Level Designer, InnoGames
12/2015 - 11/2016 Gates of Epica - Jr. Level Designer
06/2015 - 11/2015 Gates of Epica - Level Designer Intern
Action RPG, Unreal Engine (iOS & Android), Hamburg (Germany)
02/2016 - 04/2017 Redcliff Riots - Game & Level Designer, Side Project
TBS Game, Unity Engine (PC), Hamburg (Germany)
04/2014 - 08/2014 Prism - Bachelor These, Student Project
Abstract 3D puzzler, Unity Engine (PC), Berlin (Germany)
09/2013 - 03/2014 Life Cycle - Game & Level Designer, Shader Programmer, Side Project
Ancient greek themed 2.5D Endless Runner, Unity Engine (mobile Android), Berlin (Germany)
04/2013 - 07/2013 Luna - Game, Level & Environment Designer, Student Project
1vs1 Fantasy Top-Down Beat´em Up mix, Unity Engine (PC), Berlin (Germany)
07/2011 - 02/2013 Metal Funpark - Game, Level & Environment Designer, Student Project
Node based arena FPS, Unreal Engine (PC), Berlin (Germany)
05/2011 - 06/2011 Lizardstorm - Game & Sound Designer, Student Project
2.5D silhouette styled Platformer, Unity Engine (PC), Berlin (Germany)
02/2011 JetPork - Game Designer and Programmer, Student Project
2D Jump´n Run Platformer, Java (PC), Berlin (Germany)
04/2010 Fire vs. Ice - Game Designer and Programmer, School Project
Local 1vs1 Risk like TBS, Java (PC), Berlin (Germany)

Skills & Expertise

UNity Engine   Competent   Level design, C# programming, shader programming, particle systems
Unreal Engine   Competent   CSG, Kismet/Blueprints, Matinee, Landscape, Foliage, Material Editor, Cascade
Hammer World Editor   Advanced   CSG, Displacements, Textures, Define Object Properties
Adobe Photoshop   Competent   Texturing, concept Art, overpaiting, mock-ups, mood boards, layout, interface, web, print
Microsoft Excel   Competent   Balancing sheets, formulas and functions, data visualization, data import and export, BI
Autodesk 3Ds Max   Advanced   Low poly modeling, LODs mesh modeling, Collision mesh modeling, UV Mapping
others     Adobe InDesign Adobe Audition Adobe Flash Microsoft Word Prezi Google Drive Trello
Game Design & Prototyping
  • Creating and reviewing design documents, providing feedback and identifying impact on game systems, also documentation for other developers and teams
  • Prototyping iteratively and implementing new game systems and iterate on existing design
  • Designing with the player in mind and a understanding of the audience
  • Balancing features and game content
  • Effectively establishing and achieving project goals and milestone deliverables
  • Defining game scope and keeping vision
  • Creating asset lists
  • Creating and analysing game loops
  • Resarching market and competitors
  • Knowledge of the production pipelines
  • Designing & executing user tests
  • Programming (C#, Java, Nvidia Cg)
    		•
    Complete Level Creation
  • Topic Research, collecting reference and creating mood boards
  • Level design document and pre-production: Defining level vision, mood, required content and assets
  • Walkthrough plan and floorplan sketches
  • Game mechanics design & usage
  • Blocking out prototype (White boxing)
  • Gameplay scripting and implementation
  • Building level geometry and architecture
  • Level art benchmarks
  • Art and detailing pass
  • Lighting
    		•
    Maintaining Level Vision
  • Exchanging with the art team on content of environment art, considering the artistic direction
  • Creating and maintaining level props, geometry content list, production plan and timeline
  • Follow up on asset creation process with feedback
    		•
    3D Asset Creation
  • Low poly modeling
  • Level of Detail mesh modeling
  • Collision mesh modeling
  • UV Mapping
  • Texturing
  • Material creation
    		•
    Personal Skills
  • Open-minded and adaptability to the environment
  • Fast learner and looking for feedback to improve myself
  • Motivated and up for challenges
  • Diligence and commitment
  • Strong team player
    		•

    Education

    09/2010 - 04/2016 University of Applied Sciences Berlin - HTW Berlin, Berlin (Germany)
    Bachelor of Arts in Game Design, GPA of 4.0
    08/2004 - 06/2010 Ellen-Key Schule, Berlin (Germany)
    German Abitur (overall grade 2.0)
    01/2006 - 02/2006 BTK - University for Art & Design, Berlin (Germany)
    Internship with painting, drawing, designing, modeling and layout design