Jason Miller
Suisun
Summary
Dynamic game designer with a passion for crafting immersive experiences, honed through independent projects and as a Drafting & Design Specialist at SMW 104. Expert in game mechanics and narrative design, I excel in playtesting and documentation, driving player engagement and system balance to create captivating gameplay.
Overview
13
13
years of professional experience
Work History
Independent Game Designer & Dungeon Master
Self-Directed
01.2013 - Current
- Designed and executed multiple fully homebrew Dungeons & Dragons campaigns, including original worlds, characters, lore structures, mechanics, and nonlinear narrative arcs.
- Built and refined systems such as progression models, encounter balancing, and player-choice branching.
- Conducted structured playtests; analyzed player engagement, pacing, and mechanical clarity to inform revisions.
- Authored extensive documentation including story bibles, rule variants, setting guides, NPC briefs, and encounter flow.
- Developed strong expertise in critiquing and improving game systems-mirroring professional evaluation workflows.
Board & Card Game Designer (Independent Projects)
Freelance
01.2013 - Current
- Created original strategy-focused board games and card games from concept to prototype.
- Designed core mechanics, turn structures, balancing frameworks, and player interaction models.
- Iterated on gameplay after testing to resolve clarity issues, rule inconsistencies, and balance challenges.
- Produced complete rulebooks and detailed design documentation.
Drafting & Design Specialist
SMW 104
Fairfield
07.2014 - 06.2024
- Delivered precise, technically accurate drafting using AutoCAD for engineering and design projects.
- Produced detailed annotations, schematics, and technical documentation to enhance project clarity.
- Collaborated with engineers and project leads to interpret requirements for optimized designs.
- Strengthened analytical skills to improve documentation structure and workflow accuracy.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Game Engineering
California State University
Sacramento01.2012
Skills
- Game design and mechanics analysis
- Narrative design and worldbuilding
- Playtesting and prototyping
- System balancing and player engagement
- Documentation and annotation
- Technical design and AutoCAD drafting
- Creative development and fiction writing
- Indie game development
- Cross-functional collaboration
- Written and verbal communication
Project Highlights
- Homebrew D&D Campaign Series, Fully original worlds, mechanics variants, political structures, and narrative branches. Developed encounter balancing models and alternative progression systems.
- Original Strategy Board Game - Guild Defenders (Prototype), Resource systems, tactical movement, faction design, and modular board layouts. Multiple revision cycles based on structured testing. Probability-driven mechanics, combo logic, and synergy-based deck structures. Complete rulebook and UX revisions.
Additional Qualifications
- Deep familiarity with major game genres across PC, console, tabletop, and indie spaces.
- Strong analytical judgment of gameplay quality, innovation, and player experience.
- Highly self-directed and experienced in remote, independent work environments.
Timeline
Drafting & Design Specialist
SMW 104
07.2014 - 06.2024
Independent Game Designer & Dungeon Master
Self-Directed
01.2013 - Current
Board & Card Game Designer (Independent Projects)
Freelance
01.2013 - Current
Bachelor of Science - Game Engineering
California State University