Jeff Yanick

Dynamic and innovative Lead Game Developer with extensive experience in the gaming industry, currently contributing to the success of Microsoft Game Studios' Minecraft franchise. Proficient in C++ and skilled in cross-platform development, I have significantly enhanced player engagement and revenue through the integration of key features and efficient bug resolution. My background includes developing turn-based games in Unity, creating versatile Google Workspace Add-ons, and architecting intuitive programming tools that empower designers. I excel in team leadership and agile methodologies, driving growth through collaboration and strategic problem-solving. With a strong foundation in software engineering and a commitment to excellence, I'm passionate about creating immersive and engaging player experiences in the ever-evolving gaming landscape.

I am an accomplished Lead Game Developer with a strong background in the gaming industry, currently making significant contributions to Microsoft Game Studios on the Minecraft franchise. My expertise in C++ has allowed me to develop key features that enhance player engagement and drive revenue growth. I have focused on console game development for Nintendo Switch, tackled cross-platform solutions, and efficiently managed high-priority bugs, all of which have resulted in substantial success for the game.

In addition to my role at Microsoft, I engage in various personal projects where I develop a turn-based video game and create Google Workspace Add-ons. My work on innovative programming tools has empowered my teams and streamlined our development processes, enabling us to work more efficiently.

Prior to my current position, I served as a Core Developer at Corelation, where I enhanced backend services for a large user base and improved software development pipelines to increase efficiency. My journey began as a Game Programmer intern, where I demonstrated my ability to deliver high-quality gameplay systems.

My experience also includes working in retail and independent film production, where I developed strong relationships with clients and showcased my leadership and organizational skills. Overall, my diverse skill set, which includes software engineering, game design, and project management, positions me as a valuable asset in the tech and gaming sectors.

I graduated from Full Sail University with a focus on Game Engineering/Development, where I gained extensive practical experience in game programming and design. During my internship at Full Sail from June 2016 to May 2017, I was selected as one of only five students out of 500 in the Game Development program for a university-partnered internship. In this role, I developed top-tier gameplay systems and created highly customizable components for designers, which significantly reduced iteration time by 20%. My work involved collaborating with teams using the Unity 3D Engine and C#, where I surpassed project goals by 40%.

For my final school project, I took on the roles of programmer and designer, dedicating over 70 hours a week to deliver a polished product. I utilized C++ programming and blueprint scripting in Unreal Engine 4, allowing for greater involvement from artists and designers throughout the development process. Among my achievements, I maintained and updated networking systems for a four-player online multiplayer experience and designed an innovative user interface with six different, hot-swappable control schemes. This attention to detail enhanced player immersion and ensured a better overall experience.