Ken
Koontz
Game Designer
|
Product Manager
|
Coach
I help really cool people craft really cool experiences that leave a real impact on the world.
Converting customer needs into actionable strategies and useful experiences is a collaborative process of discovery, often across multiple disciplines, that require clear and precise specifications, empathic communication and the occasional "poking at things".
More than just games...
With a genuine commitment to excellence, I want to help us all leave the world a little better than we found it.
SERVICES
Cool solutions that spark positive behavioral change
AWARD-WINNING GAME DESIGNER IN APPLIED GAMES
SPECIALIZED IN CREATING IMMERSIVE & ENGAGING EXPERIENCES
3D ARTIST
VISUAL STORYTELLER
WORLD BUILDER
GAME DESIGN
PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS
TEST MARKET RESEARCH
UX/UI EXPERIENCE
INTERDISCIPLINARY TEAM LEADERSHIP
PRODUCT FOCUS
INDIVIDUAL / TEAM WORKSHOPS
MENTORSHIP
PRIVATE CONSULTANCY*
NATURAL PROBLEM-SOLVER
*CONFIDENTIAL SERVICES
COACHING
Bridging the gap between high level design and technical implementation
click to view more selected works >>>
EXPERIENCE
2013-2016
Tempe, AZ
Art Director - Dept. of Psychology
Asked to improve the appeal and user engagement of the games under development at the Embodied Games Lab, including but not limited to the Alien Health game. Consequently, EGL won multiple innovation grant competitions and awards at local and national levels.
2007-2008
Phoenix, AZ
Environment Artist
Placed on pre-production strike team to explore and prototype game mechanic concepts in a new IP development.
Utrecht, The Netherlands
2023-present
Sr. Designer/ Operations Manager
Tasked with increasing the efficiency of internal & external game production and to nurture the growing company culture.
Product Owner for ErasmusX project: Ace Yourself App
2011-2014
Tempe, AZ
Collins College
Adjunct Professor - Game Design
Lectured students in Principles of Art & Design, Game Mechanics and Theory, Level Design, Narrative Design.
Additionally volunteered to serve as a student project mentor, and Game Jam Coach/Supervisor
2020-present
Remote
Owner
*Working under Game Architect as a managing member
Designing effective gamified solutions in a variety of genres, mediums, and contexts.
Providing teaching support to technical education institutes and innovators with interdisciplinary projects.
Awarded NWO Take-Off Phase-1 Feasibility Study grant.
2016-2021
Nijmegen, The Netherlands
Game Designer - Behavioural Science Institute
Was hired to increase participant engagement in GEMH Lab research through gamification. Each game designed is able to show significant improvements in engagement. Furthermore, completed RCT trials indicate substantial and relevant outcomes from these studies.
2008-2010
Phoenix, AZ
Lead Artist
Co-designed environments for kart racing and speeder bike racing mini-games within the already established FreeRealms and Clone Wars Adventures MMORPGs, both mini-games became fan favorites and one of the game's top rated mini-games.
2021-2023
Eindhoven, The Netherlands
Student Mentor/ Consultant - Dept. of Industrial Design
Worked with design professionals and professors at the Games & Play Lab to create, implement and facilitate a curriculum that focused on societal change through digital and tangible solutions. Student project coach, guest lecturer, and workshop facilitator.
CONTACT
I am constantly looking to create those "aha!" moments when you know impact has been felt, and working with others who share that passion for gaming and growth.
Zierikzee, The Netherlands
