Alexander Smith | Gameplay Programmer

Halifax, NS, Canada | alexander.smithr@gmail.com | www.linkedin.com/in/alexander-smith-px

Gameplay programmer with 10+ years of experience in gameplay, prototyping, and live-ops. Led teams and developed content pipelines throughout development, release, and live-ops. Passionate about gameplay systems and indie development.

TECHNICAL SKILLS

C#, C++ (working knowledge), Unity, Godot (working knowledge), Perforce, Git, Jira, Confluence, Android, iOS, Windows, Gameplay Systems, Live-Ops, UI, AI, Animation, Tools Development, Pipeline Design, Optimization, Mentorship, Cross-Discipline Collaboration

EXPERIENCE

Founder/Solo Developer | Maplelike Games | Jan 2025 – Present

  • Founded and operated a one-person independent game studio.

  • Designed, developed, and self-published Rogue Cell, an arcade-like game on Steam (Windows), handling code, art pipeline, store setup, marketing, and community engagement.

  • Delivered post-launch patches and updates, iterating based on player feedback.

Lead/Senior Programmer | ZeniMax Halifax | Jan 2023 – May 2024

  • Managed a team of 4 gameplay programmers through the live-ops phase of Mighty DOOM (iOS/Android), coordinating content delivery and ensuring smooth monthly releases.

  • Worked with design and production to scope, plan, and deliver monthly content drops that kept players engaged and retention high, using analytics and KPIs to track results.

  • Led technical improvements and optimizations, improving game stability and performance across devices (iOS/Android) using Crashlytics data to track results.

Gameplay Programmer | ZeniMax Halifax | Feb 2021 – Jan 2023

  • Developed gameplay features, modes, and mechanics for Mighty DOOM (iOS/Android).

  • Collaborated with various departments to develop new enemies, weapons, abilities, and game modes that were positively received by players.

  • Improved programming team workflow and project stability by implementing code review standards and feature reviews, involving production and feature stakeholders.

Intermediate Gameplay Programmer | Ubisoft Halifax | May 2016 – Feb 2021

  • Developed new features, characters, and weapons for Assassin’s Creed Rebellion (iOS/Android).

  • Led a rapid prototyping strike team, producing mobile gameplay proofs-of-concepts to evaluate new projects.

  • Partnered with design on gameplay and UI features for Tom Clancy’s ShadowBreak.

PROJECTS & INDIE WORK

Technical Advisor | Moon Pepper Games | Jan 2025 – Present

  • Helped transition a prototype into production for an unannounced title (PC) by establishing a Unity 6 project foundation.

  • Provided ongoing tools development, feature implementation guidance, and code support.

  • Mentored a junior programming and creative director, improving team velocity and technical confidence.

Technical Advisor | Howling Moon Wolf | Dec 2024 – Present

  • Supported developed of an unannounced title (PC), offering technical feedback on playtests and advising on feature implementation and alternative solutions

  • Provided time-cost estimates to assist in production planning.

EDUCATION

Bachelor of Information Technology | Ontario Tech University | 2010 – 2014

Major: Video Game Development & Entrepreneurship

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