About

Me

I graduated the University of York in 2018 with a MEng (Hons) Computer Science (1st).

I Joined Sumo Digital Ltd. in 2018 as a Junior Programmer, progressed to Programmer in 2019, Senior Programmer in 2022, and Lead Programmer in 2025. I’ve lead a number of teams on several unannounced projects with a focus on 3Cs, gameplay, and networking.

Sackboy: A Big Adventure

I was a Programmer on the multi-discipline AI team for Sackboy: A Big Adventure.

Sackboy released in 2020 on PS4 and PS5 as a launch title for the PS5 (it was also later ported to PC). The game was made in Unreal Engine 4, and features both local co-op and online multiplayer.

I worked primarily on the Enemies, Minibosses and Bosses for the game. In particular I did the almost all of the programming work for the three Vex Conveyor boss fights (pictured below) and the N.A.O.M.I boss fight.

As we progressed to release I also worked on networking and bug fixing in various other areas of the project, including for Gameplay Objects and the Character.

After release I worked on the “Knit-Speedrun Challenges” tournament update in a general capacity, working on gameplay flow, UI etc. I later also assisted with the PC Port of the game.

Unannounced Projects

Since Sackboy I’ve worked on several unannounced projects, largely multiplayer platforming games. Unfortunately so far none of these games have progressed to public announcement so I cannot give details, though one did have a semi-public playtest in Dec 2025.

I’ve both worked on and lead 3Cs teams for several of these 3D Platformer projects. With focuses on tight & responsive controls, flowing movement & combat, and developing robust systems and frameworks for fun gameplay. As well as working closely with other disciplines as is natural for 3Cs.

These projects were in Unreal Engine 5 and utilised Unreal’s Gameplay Ability System (GAS), the Character Movement Component, and many other Unreal features.

For a time my focus shifted towards networking—an area I’ve always had an interest in and affinity for. I began focused on Character Networking but then expanded to leading the Gameplay Networking effort as a whole on one project before shifting to lead the 3Cs team for the project.

I’ve developed a deep understanding of Unreal’s replication systems, the Character Movement Component, and GAS as well as the various tools for network & performance debugging and profiling. I’ve got a good handle on what’s the tradeoffs you have to make to balance game-feel, performance, and securit.

Personal and Miscellaneous Projects

The various projects I’ve done in my spare time have each got their own pages.

Check them out using this tag filter: Projects

Game AI Uncovered

I wrote Chapter 5 “Stitching It Together: The Enemies of Sackboy: A Big Adventure” for the first volume of the book “Game AI Uncovered” which released in 2024.

In the chapter I detailed some of the systems and approaches that we used when developing the enemies for Sackboy including:

• Detection & Alert Systems - to allow the enemies to detect the player, and allow them to switch between idle and fight states
• “Hook Point” System - to prevent enemies from crowding around the player and getting in each others’ way
• “Run Away” System - a performant method to allow a particular enemy to flee from a player in a natural-looking way

Hobbies

Japanese

I began learning Japanese in 2021 and have found it a really enjoyable and rewarding hobby. SInce then I’ve been constantly learning, practising and improving. I regularly take part in language exchanges with Japanese Speakers to improve and make new friends.

Photography

I’ve gained an interest in photography in recent years, and enjoy planning photography day trips with my friends. I’ve still got a long way to go with my technique and eye for what makes a good shot, but I enjoy it as a different creative outlet.

Video Games

In addition to playing video games, I also enjoy learning about their development and how they work. I especially enjoy deep dives and breakdowns of game systems, mechanics, and technical implementations as I find the little tricks, techniques, and workarounds that are used to get the game out the door extremely interesting and insightful.

I really enjoy games as a social outlet and for the opportunities for community that they make possible. I particularly enjoy co-operative experiences, working together as a team to beat an encounter/challenge.