AUSTIN MICHAUD
LEVEL DESIGNER
Hello!
Welcome! I’m Austin Michaud, a game designer with a passion for crafting immersive, player-centered experiences. With a degree from the Florida Interactive Entertainment Academy (FIEA) and experience across narrative-driven, action, and strategy genres, I specialize in level and content design with a focus on player engagement, progression, and environmental storytelling.
​My love for games runs deep, shaped by countless hours exploring worlds like Skyrim, World of Warcraft, and Zelda: Breath of the Wild. RPGs, in particular, are my favorite genre, as they offer endless opportunities to create meaningful player experiences and immersive worlds. These games and genres inspire my design philosophy and my drive to build unique experiences that players will hold on to, just as I have.
​
I approach every project with a clear design challenge in mind, continuously pushing my skills to new heights. In projects like Caesura, I crafted complex gameplay mechanics and dynamic puzzles that adapt to player actions, creating a reactive environment. My background in behavioral sciences enhances my design approach, giving me unique approach to analysis, problemt solving, and player engagement. From developing stealth mechanics in my Last of Us Part II-inspired project, The Arcade, to analyzing tactical layouts in an XCOM 2 map design project, I bring both technical skills and an analytical mindset to every project.
​
I believe in continuous learning, collaboration, and innovation, and I thrive in environments where ideas are shared, iterated on, and refined to create truly memorable player experiences.​
Outside of game development, I’m passionate about music—I’ve been playing guitar since a young age—and enjoy spending time with my dogs, who never fail to inspire me with their boundless energy.
Thank you for visiting my portfolio. If you’re interested in learning more about my work or would like to discuss collaboration opportunities, feel free to reach out!
EDUCATION
BS in Digital Media | University of Central Florida (2023)
MS in Games and Interactive Media | Florida Interactive Entertainment Academy (2024)
SKILLS
-
Mechanics Prototyping
-
Environmental Storytelling
-
Layout Development
-
Visual Composition
-
Lighting & Post Processing
-
Level Sequencer
-
Materials Editing
-
Kit Bashing
TOOLS
-
Unreal Engine 5
-
Unity
-
Maya
-
Visual Scripting (Blueprints)
-
C#
-
Jira
-
Perforce
LET'S CONNECT
FEEL FREE TO CONTACT ME FOR FUTURE WORK AND PARTNERSHIPS