Project Select:
Station 86
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Team
Indie Project
My Role
Game Designer/ Programmer
Dates
2021
A first-person, physics-driven cooking simulator set in a “flyby” space restaurant, where players race against time to assemble and serve orders in a frantic, futuristic kitchen.
My Highlights
Designed & Implemented Core Gameplay Systems
Designed and implemented all gameplay systems, including a wave-based order system, core cooking mechanics, physics-based interactions and a progression system. I Iterated upon and tuned these systems based on player feedback to create an experience with strong flow, satisfying interactions and escalating challenge.
Balanced Pacing, Difficulty & Player Pressure
Tuned pacing and difficulty curves using time limits and order complexity to build challenge and tension.
Streamlined Level Layout for Better Usability
Iterated on the level’s design to reduce scope while improving usability, optimising the gameplay space based on observed player behaviour and removing friction during high-stress moments.
Supported Cross-Discipline Implementation
Used my Unreal Engine experience to support the team’s 3D art, UI and audio work, helping both teammates integrate their assets and systems directly into the game. This reduced technical bottlenecks, sped up iteration and kept development moving smoothly.
Behind the game
The project was developed by myself and two fellow Falmouth alumni during lockdown as a portfolio-building exercise. We chose a tight scope that matched our technical skillset — one Designer/Programmer (me), one UI Artist/Audio Designer and one 3D Artist — and focused on creating a single-room experience built around a solid, scalable core loop.
Soon after releasing version 1.3, I received the opportunity to join Antimatter Games — the plan was successful. While I had many plans for improving Station 86, I’m proud of what we achieved in just a few months and grateful for the lessons it provided in rapid prototyping and scope management.