Brian Herman

Gameplay / Network Programmer

Self-driven, quick starter, passionate programmer with a curious mind who enjoys solving a complex and challenging real-world problems.

About

My name is Brian, but most of my peers call me Pinecone. I am a Gameplay and Network programmer from Chicago, Illinois. I have a strong passion for Multiplayer games and the numerous systems, tools, and strategies that they rely on.

My professional experience consists of 5+ years of development across a wide span of technologies including AR/VR development, multiplayer and backend system development, art and tools pipelines, and general gameplay programming.

Languages: C#, C/C++, JavaScript, TypeScript, Java, Lua
Databases: MySQL, PostgreSQL, Cassandra
Engines and Frameworks: Unity3D, Unreal Engine 4 & 5, Android NDK, Oculus SDK, Viveport SDK, Node.js, FastAPI, Flask, LiteNetLib, Photon, RakNet
Tools & Technologies: Git, Perforce, SVN, Docker, AWS, GCP, Jira, Asana, Jenkins, Houdini, Maya, Qubicle

I'm currently looking for an opportunity to help develop myself further and assist with producing the new wave of games and projects.

Experience

Sky Castle Studios

Network Gameplay Programmer

Developed gameplay and networking focused systems on an unannounced project.
Prototyped gameplay and network features.
Improved existing serialization strategies.
Tools: C/C++, JavaScript, TypeScript, Node.js, Nginx, Git

May 2023 - April 2024 | San Francisco, California

ACDMY

Network Programmer

Prototyped and developed gameplay and multiplayer systems for Synthetic Selection project.
Rigged animation skeletal structures for creatures in cinematics.
Developed CI pipeline for company and developed other tools and build solutions.
Built backend API for user generated content.
Created node editor tool for user and developer visual scripting and content creation.
Developed ACDMY discord bot.
Helped create Procedural Animation and IK systems foundational to project.
Tools: Unity3D, C# .Net, C/C++, Houdini, AWS Platform tools, FastAPI, LiteNetLib, MySQL, PostgreSQL, Jenkins, Git

August 2022 - November 2022 | Toronto, Ontario

February 2020 - January 2021 | Toronto, Ontario

Babaroga

Developer

Ported VR Games between Oculus, Vive, Windows Mixed Reality, Playstation VR, Samsung VR, and other mobile platforms.
Acted on behalf of company as programming consultant, directly interafacing with 3rd-party clients.
Developed and maintained company game titles.
Created R&D cloud rendering solution for mobile games.
Developed and improved in-house mobile engine, tooling, and build pipeline.
Tools: C# .Net, C/C++, Java, PHP, Unity3D, Unreal, Android NDK, Oculus SDK, Viveport SDK, AWS Platform Tools, MySQL, Jenkins, SVN, Git, Perforce

May 2017 - March 2019 | Chicago, Illinois

MasonDogg Studios

Multiplayer Network Programmer

Worked as general programmer for team, jumping between network programming, gameplay, and general software development.
Developed network systems for Battle of the Broadsword title.
Assisted with build pipeline and preparation for Steam release of Otto the Ostritch
Tools: C# .Net, C/C++, JavaScript, Unity3D, Git

May 2016 - January 2018 | Atlanta, Georgia

Projects

                
Unannounced Project
                  A new project is upcoming!
                
AccomplishmentsTools: C/C++, JavaScript, TypeScript, Git, Nginx, Asana
Developed and implemented network serialization strategies for project.
Assisted in implementation of gameplay elements.

Underworld Ascendant
                  First-person role-playing game developed as a sequel to Ultima Underworld.
                
AccomplishmentsTools: Unity3D, C#, Perforce, Jenkins
Created and implemented custom audio systems.
Assisted team with bug fixes and optimizations related to audio and physics.
Created various Enemy AI behaviors and implemented tutorial prior to E3 trailer.

Underworld Overlord
                  Defend your VR dungeon from invading "heroes" with traps, spells & monsters.
                
AccomplishmentsTools: Unity3D, C#, Perforce, Oculus, Vive
Helped develop ports to Oculus Quest and Viveport.
Fixed graphical bugs and implemented DRM protections.

Synthetic Selection
                  Explore alien environments and survive among fully procedurally-animated entities of unknown origins.
                
AccomplishmentsTools: Unity3D, C#, C/C++, Git, Houdini, LiteNetLib, Jenkins
Created plugins and tools for procedural animation serving as the base of the project.
Developed entities, environments, and rigs for cinematics show to community.
Created Network system and net-specific behaviors for procedually-animated entities.

Tripp VR
                  Your mind. Elevated. Unlock your full potential. 
                
AccomplishmentsTools: Unity3D, C#, Git, Oculus, Vive, Samsung VR
Helped develop tooling for entity and object instatiation.
Created and tested R&D cloud-based rendering subsystem for 360-video distribution to mobile devices.

¡Zombies! Faulty Towers
                  Escape an unstable zombie world. 
                
AccomplishmentsTools: Unity3D, C#, SVN, Jenkins, Oculus, Vive
Fully developed game as sole programmer.

Solitaire VR
                  Enjoy your favorite solitaire gaims in the luxury, warmth, and grandeur of this ancient mountain keep.
                
AccomplishmentsTools: Unity3D, C#, SVN, Jenkins, Oculus, Vive
Maintained project and updated to modern VR standards.
Implemented DRM protections.

Ghostbusters VR: Now Hiring
                  The Ghostbusters need your help at the firehouse.
                
AccomplishmentsTools: Unity3D, C#, Perforce, SVN, Jenkins, Oculus, Vive, Windows Mixed Reality
Ported game from Playstation VR to Oculus, Vive, and Windows Mixed Reality.
Optimized vfx and audio to meet required VR standards.

Battle of the Broadsword
                  A unique fighting game featuring high-risk high-reward gameplay.
                
AccomplishmentsTools: Unity3D, C#, Git
Implemented Networking systems.
Implemented Enemy AI behavior
Took over as gameplay programmer for project.