A passionate Game Dev / Programmer / Designer focused on crafting immersive, interactive, and accessible experiences while driving creativity and collaboration.
Hi, I'm Carson! I'm a game designer and programmer with a passion for crafting immersive, cinematic experiences that blend innovative storytelling with engaging gameplay. Whether through intricate level design, deep systems programming, or interactive narrative elements, I strive to create games that captivate players and leave lasting impressions.
With experience in Unity, Unreal Engine, and a range of programming languages, my work spans VR simulations, indie game projects, and interactive learning experiences. I thrive on technical problem-solving, creative iteration, and designing worlds that feel alive.
Currently, I’m completing my degree in Games, Interactive Media, and Mobile Technology at Boise State University while working on projects that push the boundaries of interactive experiences. My recent work includes developing educational games, VR safety simulations, and an indie studio project.
Beyond game development, I find inspiration in
film, outdoor exploration, and dynamic storytelling, all
of which shape my creative approach. I’m always looking to
collaborate, innovate, and push the medium forward.
Let’s connect and build something great!
This collection of projects showcases my skills and passions. With each project, I build upon my previous experience, continuously improving my abilities in programming, game development, and design.
Currently, I am working on a VR hunting safety simulation, a stylized dark-fantasy indie game, a virtual escape room, and various experimental prototypes.
My focus is on creating engaging, atmospheric experiences while maintaining strong technical foundations.
Roles: Project Lead, Programmer, Designer
About: IdaGem is a gamified 4th-grade history curriculum designed in collaboration with Idaho teachers. It transforms traditional lessons into an interactive experience, with extensive lessions, students exploring a virtual Idaho Anne Frank Memorial, and completing educational minigames. Aligned with state standards and currently used in classrooms, IdaGem is also being submitted for an educational game award.
Collaborators: GIMM Works, Wassmuth Center for Human Rights, Department of Homeland Security
Roles: Lead Programmer, Scenario Lead
About: Fish & Game Hunter Safety VR is an
immersive, educational simulation developed by GIMM Works
in partnership with Fish & Game Departments across over 12
states. This free VR experience is built to support hunter
education by recreating real-world shoot/don’t shoot
scenarios in diverse terrain and conditions.
Actively in development.
Collaborators: GIMM Works, Fish & Game Departments
Roles: Programmer, UI, Data Conversion
About: This application has been developed for an exhibit at the 2024 Personal Structures Exhibition in Venice, Italy. It displays geological drone data gathered by Boise State University's Human-Environment Systems department in an interactive manner. Exhibitors are able to immerse themselves in the environment while learning about invasive plant species in Idaho.
Collaborators: Dr. Megan Cattau, Mae Bridgeman, Kaj Forney, Chase Franklin, Mitchell Oliarny, Jayden Quallio
Roles: Lead Programmer
About: Vocab Verse is an iOS app designed to help students with dyslexia and autism improve word recognition through interactive, image-based learning. Built in Swift, it reinforces vocabulary comprehension with engaging visuals and structured exercises. Developed with a focus on accessibility, the app is currently being submitted for an Apple award.
Collaborators: Jacob Thrall, Konner Pierce, Rachael Nordby, Kaj Forney, Chase Franklin
Roles: Programmer
About: An iPad application designed to help children learn the alphabet through interactive stories. Featuring a variety of stories, each with unique interactions and animations.
Collaborators: GIMM Works, Mae Bridgeman, Kaj Forney, Chase Franklin, Mitchell Oliarny, Jayden Quallio
Roles: Designer, Programmer, Artist
About: A PSX-styled VR roguelike, heavily inspired by
Spaghetti Westerns of the mid-to-late 1960s. With your
trusty revolver in hand, you must face off against waves of
outlaws, to determine if you are truly the fastest gun in
the west.
With a focus on fast-paced, arcade-style gameplay, and a
variety of levels and upgrades, each playthrough is unique
and challenging to the last.
Roles: Project Lead, Lead Programmer, Artist, Animator, 3D Modeler, Level Designer, Sound Designer
About: A story-based interactive comic book about a master thief who has access to powers related to quantum mechanics. As the thief loses his perception of reality over time, the art style, and the unique games connected to each of the three sections, devolve into further abstract visuals and mechanics.
Collaborators: Sam Lummus, Kevin Sherwood, Hank Davidson
Roles: VFX Artist, Programmer, Gameplay Implementation
About: Navigate the treacherous waters of a paradoxical universe aboard a ship adjacent to a massive black hole. Made for a game jam, Temporal Tides explores the theme of paradoxes by having the player's actions be simultaneously reflected and opposed by the echoes from an alternate timeline.
Collaborators: Konner Pierce, Heaven Rust, Chase Franklin, Jacob Thrall
Music and Sounds: Ethan Bessette, Bria Eutsey, Quinne Houck, Freddie Oliveira-Chevres, Angelica Ramos
Roles: Lead Level Designer, 3D Modeler, Programmer
About: Project Sakura is a short experiment in level
and environmental design, focusing on atmosphere, cinematic
effects, and environmental storytelling. While specific
details remain private, this project allowed me to explore
lighting, composition, and scene optimization in a stylized
world.
Due to project restrictions, only a limited showcase is
available.
Collaborators: Torchfire Studios
Roles: Designer, Programmer
About: A movie-logging website that allows users to keep track of the films they have watched, as well as the films they want to watch. The website features dynamically updating pages through the use of the TMDb API, as well as a variety of other features such as a modern, responsive UI, search functionality, and more.
Roles: Designer, Programmer
About: A narrative website that analyzes the history of Western films, exploring its evolution, themes, popularity, and cultural impact over the decades. The website features a variety of interactive data visualizations, as well as fitting styling and design.