Hello! I am
Saulo Soares.
Game Programmer
About
I'm Saulo, a game programmer with a passion for crafting immersive digital experiences. With a strong foundation in Unity and Unreal Engine, I've contributed to the development of diverse gaming projects. From crafting complex gameplay systems to project management, I thrive on turning ideas into reality through effective, well-organized code.
I thrive in the world of game programming, constantly seeking new challenges and expanding my knowledge base.
I am deeply passionate about game programming, finding joy in the intricacies of coding and the creative process of game development. Collaborating with others to tackle challenging problems energizes me. While I acknowledge that I have room to grow and gaps in my knowledge, I embrace these opportunities for learning and continually strive to enhance my skills.
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Throughout my journey, I've refined my expertise with the following:
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Game Engines:
Unreal Engine 5 / 4, Unity
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Programming Languages:
C/C++, C#, Python​
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Version Control Software:
Perforce Helix Core, Git
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Project Management Tools:
Trello
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Software:
Visual Studio, JetBrains Rider
Throughout my academic journey, I've met amazing people and enjoyed opportunities to speak, teach, and learn.
Completing my Master's degree has honed my ability to dissect complex issues, challenge assumptions, and construct well-supported arguments through rigorous study, and engaging discussions. This journey equipped me with invaluable skills to navigate complexities beyond academia.
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I had the opportunity to teach multiple classes about Digital Games for undergraduate students. Guiding and mentoring students through their exploration of this dynamic field was not only fulfilling but also a chance to apply and share my knowledge.
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Presenting at conferences and to diverse audiences has honed my communication skills, enabling me to articulate complex ideas clearly. Whether delivering keynotes or leading workshops, each opportunity contributes to collective knowledge and inspires exploration of new perspectives.
Education and Experience
Academic Background and Professional Journey
Education
May 2022 - June 2024
Universidade Federal de Goiás – Goiás, Brazil;
Master's degree, Computer Science, Computer Systems
Mar 2016 - Nov 2021
Universidade Federal de Goiás – Goiás, Brazil;
Bachelor's degree, Computer Science
Experience
Jun 2023 - Present
LabTIME/UFG
Lead Game Programmer
Mar 2020 - Jun 2023 (3 yrs 4 mos)
LabTIME/UFG
Generalist Game Programmer
Professional Projects
A glimpse into some of the game titles I've contributed to throughout my career.
WIP Unannounced Title
Lead Game Programmer
Unreal Engine 5 | Multiplayer | Perforce Helix Core | Trello | Jenkins
(Windows)
Lead Game Programmer - Unreal Engine 5
Project Management
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Manage a team of five game programmers
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Conduct code reviews to ensure adherence to defined coding conventions and documentation style (Javadoc)
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Hold weekly meetings with the Animation and 3D Artists teams
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Use Scrum agile methodology with bi-weekly sprints
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Configure a Perforce Helix Core server
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Administer Perforce Helix Core users, depots, and backups
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Set up automated testing on the Jenkins server
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Make architectural design decisions using Unreal Engine's modules, subsystems, and SOLID principles
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Maintain and document core game systems on Notion
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Maintain and document game programmers team workflow on Notion
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Create and maintain UML class diagrams
Core Gameplay Systems
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Implemented Needs-Based AI (Utility AI) integrated with the Gameplay Ability System (GAS) for The Sims-like NPCs
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Developed a comprehensive quest system with failure conditions, prerequisites, automatic rewards, and a quest log
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Implemented third-person character movement with game camera functionalities
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Created a puzzles base system
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Game states management system
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Set up automated tests, including unit and functional tests
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Developed character object pick-up actions with hand and fingers IK
Gameplay Programmer - Unreal Engine 4
Core Gameplay Systems
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Integrated the NGSpice third-party library for Arduino circuit simulation.​
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Developed a system to translate user-created Arduino scripts into C++ using Regex.
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Integrated the g++ compiler to compile user-created Arduino scripts.
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Compiled user-created scripts into shared libraries for linking with game's code.
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Implemented a threading system to concurrently run translated Arduino scripts and NGSpice simulations.
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Enabled real-time updating of circuit simulations.
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Developed a system for saving and loading circuit data.
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Created functionality for exporting and importing circuit data using JSON files.
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Enabled manipulation and interaction with circuit elements, including creation, rotation, property changes, and removal.
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Designed and implemented UI elements for enhanced user interaction.
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Refined the game code architecture by utilizing Unreal Engine's modules.
Users-support
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Provided player support for installation and game opening issues.
Gameplay Programmer - Unity
Core Gameplay Systems
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Developed an Easter egg system that unlocks hidden crossword puzzles.
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Created a system to give players a personalized card image with their name upon completing the game.
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Implemented a saving system to save the rewarded card image on Documents.
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Implemented the game progress bar.
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Tweaked character movement scripts.
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Developed and refined various UI elements.
Gameplay
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Scripted over 50 puzzles gameplay, including crosswords, drag-and-drop (2D/3D), connect-the-dots, and more.
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Developed gameplay sequences for maps, incorporating cinematic moments and puzzle interactions using the xNode plugin.
Gameplay Programmer - Unity
Gameplay
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Bug fixing and game tweaks
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Gameplay sequence with xNode: Setup NPCs, dialogues, interactions, and overall scripted behavior
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Some UI elements
General
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Game packing and upload to Google Play Store (Android), and App Store (iOS)
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Game packing to Windows, Linux, MacOS and WebGL
Gameplay Programmer - Unity
Gameplay Systems
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Developed 15 mini-games gameplay
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Conducted bug fixing and game tweaks
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Designed gameplay sequences with xNode, including tutorials and dialogues
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Created and implemented UI elements
General
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Game packing and upload to Google Play Store (Android)
Personal Projects
Featured Personal Projects
WIP Unannounced Title
Solo Developer
Unreal Engine 5 | FPS | Multiplayer | Github | Trello
(Windows)
Solo Developer - Unreal Engine 5
Core Gameplay Systems
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First-person character movement logic
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Weapons system integrated with Gameplay Ability System (GAS)
Networking
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Weapons' firing client-side predicition
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(In-Progress) Weapons' firing server-side rewind for better accuracy and fair gameplay
Project Management
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Adherence to SOLID principles
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Javadoc-style code documentation
Solo Developer - Unreal Engine 4
Core Gameplay Systems
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Simple follow-and-attack AI for enemies and bosses
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Weapon firing and damage system
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Health system
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User interfaces
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Dialogue system
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Player interaction system
Gameplay
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Gameplay story scripting
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Gameplay props logic
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Enemy wave level logic
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Cutscene scripting
General
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Story & level design
Solo Developer - Unreal Engine 4
Core Gameplay Systems
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Enemies/Bosses simple follow-attack AI
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RPG Abilities custom logic with damage, cooldown, and mana costs
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Health system
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User Interfaces
Gameplay
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Gameplay props logic
General
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Level design