Unannounced AAA VR Action Game

Lead Systems Designer 2024-2026

Sanzaru was handed a massive franchise IP and asked to make the ultimate triple-A open-world VR narrative action experience. I headed the newly formed Systems Design team, whose responsibilities included the design of props, open-world activities, investigation gameplay, player and enemy progression, and drivable vehicles.

As the Lead Systems Designer I managed my team’s output and planned development with partners in production, engineering, art, UI, and other design disciplines.

• Assigned and managed team members’ tasks in JIRA.

• Reviewed and approved team’s work and presented it to directors for feedback.

• Guided revisions, prototyping, and iteration across all areas of responsibility.

• Held one-on-one meetings with team members, providing support and mentorship.

• Delivered twice-yearly performance reviews for team members.

• Designed UI requirements for features like map, progress, and investigations.

• Collaborated closely with design leads of Combat, Narrative, and Level to ensure a cohesive design and to smooth out development obstacles.

• Ran design department’s weekly playtests.

• Presented system design goals and progress to the studio at all-hands meetings.

The project made incredible strides in a year, proving out nearly all aspects of gameplay. We had an extremely positive relationship with the IP holder. Unfortunately, Meta changed its metaverse strategy and closed Sanzaru and several other studios early in 2026.