Ajith Murali
Level Designer Game Analytics User Researcher QA
Hello, I'm Ajith, an innovative Game Designer specializing in Level Design, Game/User Research, and Analytics. As an avid gamer and creative designer, I have a keen eye for detail and a dedication to crafting immersive and memorable gaming experiences. Holding a Master of Science in Game Science and Design and a Bachelor's in Computer Science and Engineering, I blend technical expertise with a deep understanding of player psychology and game mechanics. My journey in game design is driven by a relentless pursuit of innovation, always aiming to push the boundaries of what games can achieve. I am committed to transforming ideas into engaging realities that captivate and inspire players worldwide.
Projects
Game
Gambit’s Gauntlet
Gambit’s Gauntlet is a 3D co-op puzzle platformer using ragdoll physics, where players must rely on each other to navigate challenging levels.
Global Agenda: Headlines of Influence
“Global Agenda: Headlines of Influence” is a text-based game where players take control of the media to shape world relations and events. As the architects of information, players dictate the flow of global narratives, influencing international affairs and determining the course of the game.
Snatched
Snatched is a 2.5D puzzle platformer where players harness the power of shapeshifting to overcome each level’s unique challenges. By stealing forms and transforming, players must creatively solve puzzles and navigate through diverse environments.
Crime Solver
In Crime Solver, you play as Joel, a father racing against time to save his kidnapped son by investigating his home for clues and uncovering the kidnapper’s motives. Solve puzzles and gather evidence to secure his safe return.
Ice Skating
Ice Skating is a 2.5 D game designed to test a person’s cognitive and decision-making abilities.
Research
Street Fighter 6 - Classic VS Modern Controls
Our research on Street Fighter 6 involves comparing the win rates of characters using Modern versus Classic Control Schemes over January, February, and March. By analyzing player performance across different ranks, we aim to understand the impact of control schemes on gameplay and player progression.
Competitive Games Tend to Bring Out Aggressive Behaviour in Gamers
We investigated the link between heightened aggression and competitive video games, particularly those prevalent in the E-Sports scene. Our hypothesis posits that competitive games tend to elicit aggressive behavior in gamers.
Assessing Decision-Making Skills in Gamers vs. Non-Gamers Using Horror Video Games
This study explores whether gamers, known for their superior decision-making skills, maintain this advantage under high-stress conditions in horror video games. By comparing the performance of regular gamers and non-gamers, we aim to determine if horror games’ heightened stress, fear, and anxiety affect decision-making abilities differently between these groups.
Education
Northeastern University
2022-2024 | Boston, MA, USA
Master of Science in Game Science and Design
St. Joseph’s College of Engineering
2016-2020 | Chennai, TN, India
Bachelors of Engineering in Computer Science and Engineering
Experience
Northeastern University
Teaching Assitant in Game Design and Analysis
- Assisted Professor Wallace D. Lages in teaching and managing the class of students for the course of GSND 5110 - Game Design and Analysis.
- Assisted the Professor in providing meaningful feedback on the games developed by the students throughout the course.
- Conducted and invigilated multiple exams and graded the students based on the rubric provided by Dr. Bob De Schutter ( Graduate Coordinator: Game Science and Design)
Indium Software
Associate Game Tester (QA)
- Test Planning: Created comprehensive test cases and plans for games developed by Lion Studios, ensuring thorough coverage and high-quality testing.
- Bug Reporting: Identified and reported game-breaking bugs in "Merge Villa" by 4Enjoy and various other titles, leading to significant quality-of-life updates.
- Compliance: Detected GDPR and Ad Adapter issues, contributing to a smoother ad revenue flow.
- Game Analytics: Conducted in-depth analytics to track and understand player interests, enhancing game engagement strategies.