kiarash, the designer

the art of game design

In a gaming world brimming with choices, I am captivated by the timeless elegance of intentional constraints. My viewpoint goes beyond just the gaming community; it speaks to what makes us human. I argue that it's through these well-planned constraints that we discover the true depth and contrast of our experiences. Take, for instance, the sense of relief you get from bonfires in Dark Souls. Those moments wouldn't feel nearly as powerful if they weren't set against a backdrop of challenge and darkness. Inspired by da Vinci's mastery of chiaroscuro, I meticulously calibrate the balance between challenge and relief in every design decision. This approach amplifies the essence of the gaming experience, echoing da Vinci's belief that 'Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication'.

the alchemy of constraints

In adversity, we unearth our true potential. Despite significant resource constraints during the development of 'The Squared Circle', my ambitions remained undeterred. No, I transmuted these limitations into unique strengths. I turned the proverbial 'lead into gold'. The abstract aesthetic chosen transcended my artistic limitations, melding form and purpose, and my modular design philosophy allowed me to not spend time on asset creation, but on creating a thoughtful experience that mattered on a personal level. The result? A 40-minute, emotionally resonant gameplay odyssey that eclipsed peer projects—each commanding more substantial resources—and made anyone who played it enamored with its layers of depth and complexity.

the indomitable human spirit

My design philosophy emanates from an unyielding conviction in the indomitable human spirit. Guided by Jungian concepts of individuation and Piaget's framework of symbolic play, the innovative endeavor "The Squared Circle" came into being. This experience allows players to manifest their authentic selves, blurring the boundary between player and avatar. Grounded in Piagetian theory, the game operates as a semiotic conduit for players to engage with various themes. In my bachelor's thesis, I provide empirical evidence attesting to the game's profound impact in cultivating psychological connections and eliciting deep emotional introspection.

kiarash, the programmer

ontological engineering

Deeply rooted in Object-Oriented Programming, my journey in software development takes a unique turn into philosophy. I have coined the term 'Ontological Engineering' to encapsulate my conviction that transcendent coding extends far beyond mere technical expertise. This journey necessitates a deep understanding of the underlying principles that shape our world—how is the essence of reality 'coded,' so to speak? While Object-Oriented Programming is a solid starting point, it's just the beginning of my journey. I aim to go further by grasping the fundamental truths that make up the fabric of our existence. These truths, simple yet powerful in their structure, allow a programmer to create algorithms that closely mirror their real-world counterparts.  

the ingenuity principle

As the great Iwata-San put so elegantly; "There isn't much that can't be done with a little ingenuity". I, as an up-and-coming game developer, took this principle to heart. I see challenges not as obstacles but as puzzles, not as impediments but as opportunities, waiting to be solved. My belief in 'Ontological Engineering' has been a guiding star, enhancing my coding capabilities to transcend the constraints of language and technology. This was evident in "Project K8", "The Squared Circle", and more, where I employed modular data structures and design patterns, achieving virtually infinite scalability and creating a software architecture that stands as a testament to the power of philosophical integration in coding. 

the symbiotic nexus

At the crossroads of my design and programming acumen lies a fertile ground for innovation—a symbiotic nexus, where contrast breeds creativity. Mastering languages like C/C++ and C# through the lens of Object-Oriented Programming, my code architecture mirrors my philosophical ontologies. The sense-decide-act framework in AI development is a case in point. This methodology breathes life into agents within an ontological framework, harmoniously aligning with my overarching game design philosophy. While Finite State Machines (FSMs) offer a more intuitive design pattern for game objects, it is in their synthesis with my philosophical convictions that they find their full expressive potential. This seamless integration renders the question of whether I am more of a designer or a programmer moot. Instead, it reveals the true essence of my practice: a holistic blend, each enriching the other in a continuous loop of iterative refinement.

kiarash, the human

the genesis of a game designer

From my first memories to my current moments, gaming has been more than a pastime; it has been a companion, a mentor, an integral part of my very being. I vividly recall the enchanting world of 'Hercules' unfolding before me at two years old, perched on my father's lap. Sharing the keyboard and mouse, the game's vivid imagery and captivating sound effects left a lasting impression on my mind. Those moments were the awakening of a lifelong passion. Growing up, the countless hours I spent immersed in 'Pokemon' and 'Harvest Moon' revealed to me just how important these living, breathing people residing in my powder-blue Nintendo DS were for me. By my teenage years, the path unveiled itself, crystal clear and undeniable: I was destined to be a game designer. This epiphany was further reinforced by masterpieces such as 'Skyrim', 'The Last of Us', and 'Journey' - each illustrating the limitless potential of games as an art form. Skyrim; the digital portal that transported me to fantastical realms and revealing the immersive power of video games. 'The Last of Us' benchmarked narrative excellence, masterfully marrying story with mechanics. And last but not least, 'Journey' - a minimalist masterpiece that showcased the unique value of video games as an art form. Their narratives were not mere stories; they were mirrors reflecting life's complexities, emotional whirlwinds, and intellectual labyrinths, transforming mere entertainment into profound life lessons. 

a fusion of art, cinema, and philosophy

My journey isn't confined to the digital realms of video games. In arts and cinema, every detail inspires me - the meticulous cinematography, the weaving narratives, the passionate craftsmanship of each frame. More recently, my forays into philosophy, psychology, and literature, particularly through an existential lens, have further enriched my perspective. These diverse fields share a spirit akin to my gaming passion: a relentless pursuit of meaning, expression, and transforming the ordinary into the truly extraordinary. This fusion of gaming, art, and human philosophy shapes not just my creations, but the very core of who I am as a designer and a human being.

inspired by legends, driven by ambition

My aspirations in game development are fueled by industry legends and my unyielding quest to explore new frontiers in gaming.  Influenced by visionaries like Hideo Kojima, Ken Levine, Jenova Chen, Neil Druckmann, and Hidetaka Miyazaki, I strive to redefine gaming's boundaries. Their groundbreaking work and unwavering dedication mirror my own journey in gaming. Embarking upon this odyssey fueled by boundless ambition, I am steadfast in my desire to innovate, challenge norms, and elevate the medium of games to unparalleled heights. Like 'Citizen Kane' revolutionized cinema, I too strive to script a similar saga in gaming, redefining realms of interactive experiences, diving deep into the core of human existence, one groundbreaking game at a time.

ready to embark on this journey?

 explore my portfolio or contact me!