Taking Your Game to the Next Level
The market for videogames is growing exponentially. With PC, console, handheld, mobile, XR, wearable, and social platforms all vying for gamers’ time, and days still being limited to 24 hours, how will you capture your audience’s attention?
With a decade of experience in game design, narrative, art, creative direction, programming, game testing, and business development, I will help you get your project playing great, looking great, to the finish line, and in your audience’s hands, no matter the platform. I will work with you to develop monetization models that work within your technical capabilities, your target audience’s expectations, and your own financial goals. By the end you will have a game that you can be proud of and that gamers around the world will have fun playing.
We often talk about gamedev as a “community,” but the term only has meaning because of the efforts of people like Dan to transform that idea into a tangible reality.
PAUL MARZAGALLI, PUBLIC RELATIONS & COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER AT INXILE ENTERTAINMENT
Services
Game Design
I will help you take your gameplay to the next level with a focus on fun, feel, and feedback. Through testing & brainstorming we will iterate your game’s design step by step to turn it into something awesome.
Monetization
Striking that right balance between ethics and profitability can be very tricky. No matter your game model – premium, F2P, or subscription – I will work with you to develop a path that will work both for you and your audience.
Creative
Whether it’s 2D or 3D, sprites or models, lighting or sound effects, I’m ready to dive in and create! I can even help you define a unique look to your game to stand out from the competition. I’m skilled in multiple toolsets including Photoshop, Unity, BXFR, and more. See my About page for more info.
Events
Are you bringing your game to an expo? Are you looking to start the next E3? I can help you with your events, from designing, building, and managing your booth all the way up to booking space, finding sponsors, and selling tickets for a conference with thousands of attendees.
Public Speaking
From presentations to conference panels and even podcasting, I keep audiences engaged, intrigued, and laughing. If you’re looking for someone to speak at your next event, join your panel, or even help develop and give your game pitch, I’m always ready to start talking. See my Talks page for more info.
Other
I have a pretty eclectic skillset, including video filming & editing, web design, game prototyping, writing, graphic design, hauling equipment, building PC’s, etc. I’m never afraid to wear many hats. If you’re looking for someone to help in an area that isn’t listed here, I may still be able to. Get in touch!
I’ve worked with Dan for a number of years and he has always been a joy to work with. He has been able to assist in a variety of roles including but not limited to Design, Marketing and production. Not only is he quick to pick up any task which needs assistance but he’s always looking for more areas to help out the team. He has been a valuable member of team and I look forward to continuing our work relationship.
ANDREW DESILVA, CEO RATDOG GAMES
Ludography
Children of Liberty (Early Access)
Lantana Games
Steam (PC, Mac, Linux) 2014
Mondrian – Abstraction in Beauty
Lantana Games
Steam (PC) 2015
Mondrian – Plastic Reality
Lantana Games
Steam (PC, Mac) 2020
Gunnhildr
RatDog Games
Steam (PC, Mac, Linux) TBD
Education
Bachelor of Fine Arts, Interactive Design and Game Development
Savannah College of Art and Design, 2009
Events
PAX East 2012
Booth Design & Management, Lantana Games
Boston Festival of Indie Games 2012
Marketing Producer
PAX East 2013
Booth Design & Management, Lantana Games
Boston Festival of Indie Games 2013
Marketing Producer
Boston Festival of Indie Games 2014
Co-Director
Booth Design, Lantana Games
PAX East 2018
Booth Management, Lantana Games
Boston Festival of Indie Games 2019
Booth Design & Management, Lantana Games
Pricing and Availability
My pricing is competitive and rates can be negotiated depending on your needs, schedule, and budget. Contract prices range from a beer for <1 day of work to a weekly rate for as long as you need my help. Please send an email below to discuss your project and needs.
At the moment I am still running Lantana Games and helping on some other projects, therefore I am unable to sign non-competes for any game-related work. However, I am happy to sign NDA’s and am fine creating works that belong to you and/or your company and will not be reused or recycled in other projects.
Also note that I’m always happy to come on podcasts as a remote guest free of charge! If I need to travel, we can talk. If you’re looking for someone to talk to about indie games, game development, game news, or really just about anything gaming, art, business, or entertainment, my schedule is open. Please get in touch!