Gameplay Programmer Gameplay Designer
Meet Me
Hello! I’m Ethan, a Master of Engineering student at Duke University, specializing in Game & Interactive Media. I earned my undergraduate degree in Simulation and Game Design from William Peace University, where I developed a strong foundation in game design principles, programming, and interactive media development.
I’m a dedicated and creative gameplay programmer and designer with a passion for crafting immersive and engaging game experiences. I’m proficient in C++ and specialize in Unreal Engine, with spanning technical architecture, Blueprint scripting, performance optimization, and level design. I also have a solid background in 3D modeling with Blender, which helps me bring environments and assets to life with both functionality and style.
My current interests lie in virtual reality development—building interactive simulations and gameplay systems tailored for VR platforms like the Meta Quest. I’m particularly driven by the challenge of writing efficient and scalable C++ code to support innovative mechanics in immersive environments. I believe VR is the future of interactive media and education, and I’m passionate about creating experiences that leave a lasting impact.
Projects
PuzzlePuttVR
Led a team of 9 developers in the creation of a VR mini-golf puzzle game for the Meta Quest, overseeing project direction and delegating roles across programming, design, and art. Personally handled all gameplay programming, including core mechanics, physics-based interactions, and interactive system development. Integrated 3D assets and implemented responsive feedback systems to ensure an engaging and polished player experience
Haunt & Hospitality
Led a team of 5 developers on a haunted hotel management simulation, coordinating task delegation, project milestones, and team communication. Designed and implemented all minigame programming, including interactive logic, UI integration, and gameplay flow. Contributed additional 3D assets to support level design and enhance player interaction within the game environment.
Haunt & Hospitality
The Frontlines: Drone Operator is an educational war simulation game developed in Unreal Engine 5. This game intricately blends real-world geopolitical dynamics with strategic gameplay, offering players a profound understanding of drone warfare within the context of the Russian-Ukraine conflict. Designed to educate as well as engage, the game leverages the powerful features of Unreal Engine 5 to create a realistic and immersive environment where players can experience the complexities of modern warfare through the lens of a drone operator.
Text Overlay Tool
Multi-Purpose Text Overlay Tool is a versatile software tool designed in Unreal Engine 5 for adding dynamic text overlays to various media. Ideal for game developers and video producers, this tool offers customizable options for text formatting, positioning, and animation, enhancing the user interface and viewer engagement. It demonstrates innovation in UI/UX design within Unreal Engine, streamlining the integration of informative or narrative text in digital projects.
Sewer Purge
Sewer Purge is a third-person action game set in the labyrinthine sewer systems of New York, designed in Unreal Engine 5. Players navigate through a large sewer network, combining elements of puzzle-solving, AI enemies, combat, and resource management. The game features engaging gameplay mechanics, including a challenging boss battle. Sewer Purge shows technical prowess in level design and gameplay programming, UI design, offering a gripping and immersive gaming experience.
GymBuddy
Gym Buddy is an innovative fitness application developed in Unreal Engine 5, utilizing procedural generation, photogrammetry, and motion tracking to deliver a highly realistic workout experience. The app guides users through exercises with precise demonstrations, leveraging MetaHuman for accurate body motion. Gym Buddy combines advanced technology and user-friendly design to enhance training effectiveness and engagement, making it a cutting-edge tool for fitness enthusiasts.
Contact
Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/ethanminnich/
Email: itsethanminnich@gmail.com
Phone: +1 (910) 297 9854