Hi! I'm Zach, but my friends call me Trout.
Hi! I'm Zach, but my friends call me Trout.
I design and create games.
I design and create games.
Embedded Files
I'm an aspiring Game Maker, currently working with friends on Hammerblow Studios, but I'm also looking to break into the industry any way I can!
I'm an aspiring Game Maker, currently working with friends on Hammerblow Studios, but I'm also looking to break into the industry any way I can!
Design Challenges
Design Challenges
Design Challenge:
Create a game using DICE that does not use the face value of the die.
Status:
Prototyped, Playable, working towards Kickstarter!
Notes:
I wanted to create a game that used dice but wasn't just a straight comparison of numerical values. What I ended up with was using the position of the pips on the die face!
Print and Play version available on request!
How To Play
Design Challenge:
Create a scrolling Galaga-style game in ONE DAY.
Status:
Complete!
Notes:
I wanted to learn unity better so I whipped together a (fairly generic) scrolling shooter.
In Development!
Gameplay
Writing Samples and Prototypes
Writing Samples and Prototypes
Bungie - GDW.docxBungie Weapon Designer Submission
Bungie Weapon Designer Submission
As part of my portfolio to Bungie for a Weapon Designer position, I included some thoughts and ideas I had. I've since stopped doing this for legal reasons, but I'm still proud of the ideas and I think they're worthwhile.
Titan's of Industry - Shelved Prototype
Titan's of Industry - Shelved Prototype
This was an very early original design. This folder contains all my designs, notes from playtests, rules iterations, and more. Ultimately it ended up being too complicated for the light Euro I was trying to create.
These are just a few things I've worked on. I have multiple board games in various stages of development; some in writeups, some in playtesting, and others that I'm working to source art for. If you're curious, feel free to contact me for more information, or check out my Resumes Page to find more samples and my background!
Diving Deeper Into Designs
Diving Deeper Into Designs
Here's a look at how I approach new designs. It might not be exactly the same for each project, but it generally follows this flow, and it works well for me. For more examples, feel free to reach out and I'd be happy to share things like my design OneNote that contains all my prototypes, designs, notes and more!
(Note: Pleas exscuse the TERRIBLE hand writing. I type any notes that others need to read, I promise!)
Start with an idea.
Start with an idea.
I generally start with an idea, it can come from any source: movies, music, conversations with friends. It gets jotted down in my Design Diary in OneNote.
Draft the rules.
Draft the rules.
First I go through and outline the initial rules and mechanics, then I start working on generating some quick mateirals that I can playtest with. 3D printing helps a ton!
Testing and iteration.
Testing and iteration.
The only thing left is testing, iterating, and testing some more. If I get an idea to a point where I'm having fun with it and others are too, I may even take it out for public playtesting.
Of all of these, getting feedback is the most important. Getting as many people with as many points of view to look at something and point out what they like, what they don't like, and getting their thoughts is the most important thing. Being able to take that feedback isn't always easy, but it's some of the most fun for me as it gives me more challenges to overcome. For more information on my Design and Production process, check out my Resumes Page where you can find links to some more designs and writing samples, as well as a description of the process I have when designing games!
What Am I Playing?
What Am I Playing?
Current Games Taking My Time:
Current Games Taking My Time:
Destiny 2
A staple of my gaming diet. I wax and wane on it, but I always end up coming back for new seasons.
Helps that I have friends that are super into it.
Factorio
I switch this back and forth with Satisfactory, but both scratch that 'the factory must grow' itch.
I'll get super addicted for a month then drop it and come back later.
Foxhole
Really underrated, steep learning curve, but so much fun.
The feeling of actually contributing to a full scale war is something else!
Marvel Snap
Always on my phone, ready for a quick game.
For great information, Ben Brode gave a talk at GDC that's fantastic on the Design Process behind Snap.
Honorable Mentions (stuff I've been playing, but not as regularly):
Honorable Mentions (stuff I've been playing, but not as regularly):
Vampire Survivor
Splitgate
Quantum Break
Rimworld
Midnight Suns
Tron Identity
Disco Elysium
Hall Of Fame (Favorites):
Hall Of Fame (Favorites):
Control - Remedy Games
Baulders Gate 3 - Larian Studios
Valheim - Iron Gate Studios
Total War Series - Creative Assembly
Hades - Supergiant Games
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