Hi, I'm Michael Boschwitz!

About Me:

I'm a persistent, highly creative, and passionate Game Developer from Minnesota, U.S.A! I've been making games since high school and playing them for as long as I can remember. I'm currently pursuing professional opportunities in the industry, either domestically or expanding my horizons abroad! Thanks for stopping by! 🙂

Education:

University of Minnesota

May 2023

Software Engineering and Creative Design

+ Japanese Studies (Minor)

立命館大学

August 2023

SKP Program

Orono H.S

June 2018

High School Diploma

Tri-M Musical Honor Society

Orono H.S. 2016-2018

立命館大学 SKP Award

Spring 2023

UMN Deans' List

(Several Years)

Eagle Scout Award

Boy Scouts of America, May 2018

1-Bit Jam 2023 Winner

MYLine Media, 2023

T. Welty Award for Excellence

Winter 2023

— Leadership & Work —

- Gameplay Programmer -

Avalon is an MMORPG developed by Avalon Corp, where players can explore new worlds, conquer dungeons, battle, collect rare items, and craft new experiences for others all using the power of Unreal Engine 5. From lush forested lands where you wield swords and spells to a gritty cyberpunk city with nothing but guns to dispatch enemies, Avalon features a world filled with both developer and community-created experiences for the players.

- Lead a team in overhauling the Animation Locomotion System to bring it to modern standards.
- Created an Animation Cancelling system for the 100+ player networked environment.
- Upgraded 3C's with various features such as Input Buffering and Coyote Time.
- Significantly improved the complexity and depth of combat with a "Combo Mixing" system.
- Developed an enormous amounts of both unique abilities and weapons for players and enemies.

Avalon Corp.

- Vice President -

"VGDC" is a club at the University of Minnesota all about making games! Each semester, we get 3 new themes and have to try to make a game based on our interpretation. I was 'Lead' for several projects. I led the group, worked on anything, and supported everyone. Art, Music, Programming, Managing Pushes, etc. I was either working on it or helping the people who were. The VGDC Vice President's job is mainly to handle aspects of club at a similar level to the president of club. This includes things such as reserving rooms for club meetings, planning events, et cetera.

Another important role is being in charge of handling public presence of club. This was done by promoting the club on campus, outreaching to other clubs, and communication with gaming related people/companies. Some examples of this from the past are getting guest speakers who've worked in the industry to come to a meeting and chat; or our group having a field trip to the organization Glitch - a company in Minneapolis that offers services to upcoming indie devs.

Video Game Development Club at the University of Minnesota

- Technical / Combat Designer -

Mantra is a fast paced, high mobility, first person shooter made in Unreal Engine. Many of my major deliverables on this project have been related to combat, AI, enemies, and boss design. Lately, I've been focused on designing enemies that require the player to keep mobile, while also pushing the conventions of FPS games with new twists on mechanics such as bullet-hell and evolving boss encounters!

- Lead a small team in enemy creation, from concept to implementation.
- Upgraded existing AI, such as improving pathfinding and awareness.
- Refined combat flow to improve overall player experience and game feel.
- Developed multiple intersystem assets with a high standard for quality.

Feel free to check a look or wishlist the game on Steam. (It'll be free)

Rubyshark Games

- Teachers Assistant (VR/XR) -

My senior year of college I was asked to help as a TA for the class on Virtual Reality and 3D Interaction (CSCI 5619), due in part to my exceptional performance as a student when I was took the class!

- Facilitated expansion of students’ breadth of knowledge in VR/AR.
- Demonstrated proficiency and adaptability to accommodate everyone.
- Left concise and communicative feedback on students’ VR/AR projects

University of Minnesota

- AI/Enemy Design Intern -

The project I worked on at Hangar 13 has yet to be announced. As such, I cannot disclose much about the game itself.

- Used a powerful proprietary toolset and game engine to work on a unannounced Open World Multiplayer AAA game.
- Drafted new abilities while enhancing existing attacks, locomotion, group behaviors, reactions, and combat roles.
- Maintained and thrived with an extremely high level of quality in an international, fluid, and fast paced setting.
- Evolved classic 2D game mechanics and concepts to construct a ground-breaking new style of 3D gameplay.
- Aided overhaul the design of multiple enemies to create a more unique and consistent player experience.

Hangar 13

- Boating Director -

I have thousands of stories about Camp Teko, and I'd love to talk about them all but I only have so much space! Here's an overview of my job at least.

- Being prepared to perform emergency rescues at the waterfront, and maintaining the safety of both campers and counselors.
- Directing and coordinating boating specialist and lifeguards during rotations, while being engaged and welcoming to campers.
- Identifying potential hazards, handling them to maintain the safety of the campers during, and between boating rotations.
- Provide leadership and maintain the boating beach, boats, and equipment.
- Providing a positive role model for the campers, especially younger campers.

Camp Teko