Brandon A. Smith

Game Designer | Programmer | Business Guy | Professor

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Brandon Smith is a multi-talented game developer and educator with a passion for crafting immersive, innovative experiences. With years of experience in game development, Brandon excels in Unity and C# development for 2D, 3D, and augmented reality games. He has led teams in the creation of games for both Steam and mobile platforms, focusing on genres like platformers, racing, music, and puzzle games.

In addition to game development, Brandon has made significant contributions to the tech industry, including projects involving VR training simulations, AR tourism, and mobile app development. His leadership skills shine through as he consistently takes charge of development teams, steering projects from concept to completion, all while ensuring a high standard of quality.

Brandon also plays a pivotal role as an educator, mentoring the next generation of developers as an adjunct professor, where he teaches coding technologies and game design. Through his work, he continues to inspire and equip students with the skills they need to succeed in the gaming industry.

Projects I've Worked On

ROTii

2D | Platformer | GameMaker | Steam | Mobile

As the designer, director, and lead programmer for ROTii, a platformer game released on Steam, I was responsible for overseeing all aspects of the project from conception to launch. Utilizing GameMaker, I led a team of artists and sound designers, ensuring their work aligned with the game’s creative vision. I also took the initiative to promote the game at various industry trade shows, successfully increasing visibility and building anticipation among potential players and partners.


Music Tales

Mobile | Educational | Rhythm | Unity

As the sole programmer for Music Tales, I took on the challenge of rewriting the client’s original project from scratch, ensuring a clean and optimized codebase in Unity. I seamlessly integrated client-provided art and design documents into the game, maintaining the original creative vision while enhancing overall performance. The result was a polished, educational, and interactive music-themed mobile game that met and exceeded the client’s expectations.


Houston AR Experience

React JS | Browser | Augmented Reality

Tasked with transitioning the Houston Augmented Reality Browser from a mobile app to a web-based platform, I recreated its features from scratch using React. This involved developing a fully functional browser-based AR experience that retained all the functionality of the original Unity-based mobile app. I focused on optimizing the web version for performance and accessibility, ensuring a seamless user experience across platforms and demonstrating my versatility in both Unity and React.


FastTrack

Unity | Mobile | Racing | Online Multiplayer

I served as the sole programmer for EDMC Presents: FastTrack, a fast-paced, music-driven mobile racing game. Developed using Unity and Photon, I implemented real-time online multiplayer functionality, allowing players to compete against each other seamlessly. I also worked closely with subcontracted artists and musicians, integrating their high-quality assets into the game. The project culminated in a successful launch on the Apple App Store, showcasing advanced networking capabilities and delivering a polished user experience.



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Buffalo Soldier Museum App

Unity | Mobile | Augmented Reality

In the development of the Buffalo Soldier Museum mobile app, I took on the role of front-end programmer, utilizing Unity to create a user-friendly interface. Additionally, I shot and edited video content on-site, contributing to the media section of the app. My work also included calibrating the AR scavenger hunt, ensuring that the augmented reality features were both accurate and engaging, thereby enhancing the overall visitor experience at the museum.


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Poop N Puppies

Unity | Runner | Mobile

I was the sole programmer for Poop n Puppies, responsible for the complete development process from concept to deployment. My work included designing and implementing all gameplay mechanics to ensure a fun and engaging user experience. I also managed the integration of assets, animations, and sound effects, delivering a polished and cohesive final product that resonated with the target audience.


Odyssey Armament

Unity | Shooter | Virtual Reality

I developed mini-games and training modes for the Odyssey Arm VR experience using Unity. My contributions focused on creating engaging and interactive content that enhanced user immersion. I also implemented gameplay mechanics tailored for VR, ensuring smooth performance and intuitive interaction within the virtual environment. This project allowed me to apply my expertise in VR development to create a comprehensive educational and experiential training tool.


Fish N Hats

Unity | Mobile | Arcade

As a programmer on the Fish n Hats development team, I collaborated with two other developers to bring this whimsical mobile game to life. My contributions included implementing key gameplay features and optimizing the code architecture for performance. I worked closely with my team to ensure a cohesive and polished gaming experience, and I played a significant role in debugging and testing, leading to a smooth and successful release.

Companies

Houston Community College

Adjunct Professor

2021 - Present

 

  • Teach advanced courses in Unity & C#, 2D game development, and AR game development, equipping students with the technical skills and industry knowledge needed for successful careers in the gaming industry.

  • Develop comprehensive curricula that integrate hands-on projects and real-world scenarios, fostering a deep understanding of game development principles and practices.

  • Mentor students through complex coding challenges and game design projects, providing personalized guidance that has led to the successful placement of graduates in prominent roles within the gaming industry.

  • Stay current with industry trends and emerging technologies, incorporating the latest tools and techniques into coursework to ensure students are prepared for the evolving demands of game development.


Revelation

Software Development Lead

2019 -2024

 

  • Produced cutting-edge software solutions, including a mobile app for a museum, a VR firearms training simulation, and an AR tourist experience for the City of Houston, showcasing expertise in diverse technologies.

  • Led daily stand-up meetings, tracking team progress and ensuring alignment with project timelines and objectives, fostering a collaborative and productive development environment.

  • Served as the primary point of contact for clients, managing expectations, providing status updates, and addressing concerns, resulting in high client satisfaction and successful project deliveries.

  • Implemented and optimized code across multiple platforms, ensuring high performance and seamless user experiences in both VR and AR environments.

  • Coordinated with cross-functional teams, integrating feedback from customers and stakeholders to refine and enhance project outcomes.


DarkShot Studios

Founder

2014 - 2019

  • Led cross-functional development teams in the creation and launch of multiple successful games on Steam and mobile platforms, including platformers, racing, music, and puzzle games, using Unity and C#.

  • Developed core gameplay mechanics, optimized performance, and implemented complex features, ensuring seamless player experiences across diverse game genres.

  • Directed and reviewed contributions from artists and musicians, providing clear creative and technical feedback to align their work with the project vision.

  • Conducted code reviews and quality assurance testing, maintaining high standards of code quality and bug-free gameplay.

  • Represented DarkShot Studios in press and media, handling interviews, managing social media content, and showcasing games at trade shows, successfully building the brand’s public presence.

  • Negotiated and secured contracts with new clients, expanding the studio’s portfolio and ensuring consistent project pipelines.

Insights and Interviews

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Community Outreach


Webinar - Tech Fest

Speaker on Augmented Reality (AR) Development

2020

Tech Fest 2020 is a virtual learning experience for ages 11+ hosted in Hopin’s multi-level interactive venue. The experience provides users with a unique way to educate themselves and gain a better understanding of the technological climate they’re currently living in.
I was honored to give a broad look into Augmented Reality (AR) technology for their 2020 Web Event.

Check it Out

The Healthcare Games Showdown

Programming and Development Mentor

2018

Hosted by the Texas Medical Center’s TMC Innovation Institute, the Healthcare Games Showdown was an Accelerator meets Game Jam in which medical and healthcare games or gamification concepts were created by college students to compete for paid internships developing innovations for the healthcare industry. I served as one of the mentors who would help these contestants develop their software.

Check it Out

University of Houston Game Development Program

Finals Judge

2018 - 2024

The game development students at University of Houston are tasked with creating a game for their final during the fall semester. Several industry professionals like myself are asked to come in for these presentations to critique and assign final grades. I have been a part of this program for a while, providing mentorship and insight to the students.


International Game Developers Association (IGDA)

Community Organizer

2014 - 2024

The Houston Chapter of the IGDA hosts events where developers can network, share resources, and get help on their projects. Since 2014, I have served as one of the lead organizers of this group, coordinating events, connecting with industry professionals to give talks, and fundraising for the group.

Check it Out

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