Michael Ford
Hello! My name is Michael Ford!
I am a recent graduate from the University of Southern California, with an major in Interactive Media and a minor in Game Programming.
My primary focus is game programming and design, specifically the creation and planning of game systems and mechanics through design documentation and diagramming. Technical experience with C#, C++, Java, and Python give me the tools to bring my visions to life and immerse players in new and engaging experiences.
Currently, I am working as a freelance game programmer and designer, which includes a position as a tutor with Curious Cardinals. I work with students ranging from 4th graders to high school graduates, and teach a variety of game development skills such as design documentation, programming games in Unity, and even board game development.
I am always on the lookout for new opportunities and fun projects to participate in, with the ultimate goal of working as a game programmer or designer full-time!
When I'm not making or teaching games, I'm playing them! Some of my current favorites are Hades, Slay The Spire, Shadow of War, and Civilization VI (VERY excited for 7). I also love to play board games in my free time, and have even designed a few of my own!
Baseball Rising is among my more recent game design projects, and one that's been a lot of fun! The game is a multiplayer sports action game set during the turn of the last ice age. As a freelance game designer on this project, I've continued to strengthen my coding and game engine experience, and have been able to put my skills in design documentation and system diagramming to use!
On Swingggggg, I gained a strong understanding of core feature prototyping, and the many uses and applications it can have in game development. Along the way, I created an inventive and unique puzzle-action game with a vibrant neon theme.
I spent the summer of 2022 working with the Saleblazers team at Airstrafe Interactive doing design work for player minigames, resource balancing, and the core shopkeeping loop.
My role in the Turtle Town project evolved over time. I started off as the designer/programmer of a 2-person team in the spring of 2020, then pitched the game to the USC faculty and worked as the creative director of a 30-person team for a year of development
My responsibilities consisted of outlining core mechanics at the beginning of the project, and creating game design documents that outlined key features such as the combat system, the integration of rhythm into the gameplay, and environmental events that could occur.
Ambush! combines the strategy and card specialization of fantasy card games such as Magic: The Gathering with the fast, fun gameplay of Egyptian Rat Slap.
