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Nicholas Shaw

Gameplay Programmer and Systems Engineer

- Developer - Designer -
- Gamer - Student -

I’m a graduate student pursuing a Master’s in Computer Science at DigiPen Institute of Technology, with a background in Software Engineering from Barrett, the Honors College at Arizona State University.

I specialize in gameplay, systems, and engine development, with recent work focused on building ECS architectures, physics systems, particle simulation, and scripting frameworks. I enjoy developing the core systems that drive interactive and responsive player experiences.

My passion for games started early—designing backyard Nerf battles and reinventing the rules of classic games—and has grown into a drive to build complex, scalable systems that bring games to life.

My Experience as a . . .

Software Developer

My software development experience centers on building robust and scalable systems for games and interactive applications. I’ve implemented gameplay logic, AI behaviors, and reusable templated systems, with a focus on clean architecture and performance. Across languages like C++, C#, and Java, I prioritize writing maintainable code that supports extensibility and long-term development.

System Engineer

I think in systems—how mechanics, rules, and interactions combine to create meaningful player experiences. From tuning gameplay values to building physics and scripting systems, I focus on how individual components connect and influence one another. This perspective allows me to design systems that are not only functional, but cohesive, scalable, and responsive.

Project Contributor

As both a programmer and project contributor, I take initiative in driving development forward—whether that means building core systems or helping organize team efforts. I’ve worked closely with peers to set goals, coordinate tasks, and maintain momentum across projects. I also focus on developing tools and systems that are intuitive and accessible, improving both developer experience and team productivity.