Christopher Kroll, Full-stack Unity Developer in Duluth, MN, United States
Christopher Kroll

Full-stack Unity Developer in Duluth, MN, United States

Member since August 23, 2022
Chris is a full-stack Unity developer with 10+ years of experience developing for various platforms and genres. He combines a diverse skillset in art, design, mathematics, and coding to bring complex ideas from vision to reality. Chris is willing to embrace new challenging projects where he can partner with people who share his passion for game development.
Christopher is now available for hire

Portfolio

Experience

  • Mathematics 12 years
  • C# 12 years
  • Git 12 years
  • Unity 8 years
  • Art 8 years
  • Blender 5 years
  • Character Rigging 5 years
  • HLSL 5 years

Location

Duluth, MN, United States

Availability

Part-time

Preferred Environment

Unity, C#

The most amazing...

...thing I've developed is a procedurally-generated open-world multiplayer adventure game featuring genetically accurate horses with natural age progression.

Employment

  • Freelance Game Developer and Technical Artist

    2018 - PRESENT
    Kroll Development
    • Developed a VR rowing game for the Meta Quest platform using Unity.
    • Built an online multiplayer open-world game using Unity.
    • Extended the Unity editor with custom functionality for artists, designers, and animators.
    • Automated build processes for PC, Mac, and Linux platforms.
    • Developed a generative character system that is highly expressive and highly performant on low-end systems.
    • Authored custom, highly performant shaders in HLSL.
    • Created highly sophisticated character rigging that combined traditional animation, procedural animation, and dynamic bone scaling.
    • Optimized game performance by reducing draw calls and employing a custom level of detail control.
    Technologies: C#, Unity, Git, Adobe Photoshop, Character Rigging, Character Design, Software Engineering, 3D Art, Art, Python, Computer Graphics, Data Structures, Algorithms, C++, 3D Animation, 3D Character Animation, 3D Character Modeling, Game Development, Mobile Games, 3D Modeling, Debugging, Algebra, 3D, WebGL, Photoshop CC, HTML, Windows, Raspberry Pi
  • Senior Software Engineer

    2016 - 2018
    Saturn Systems Software Engineering
    • Developed a scheduling app for a metal foundry that utilized the alloy type, supply chain data, and profitability to create optimum arrangements of casks and timing for crucible firings.
    • Utilized continuous deployment and continuous integration to ensure client satisfaction and development efficiency.
    • Developed a fractal-based heating-element design system for aerospace applications.
    • Mentored junior developers and performed code reviews.
    • Communicated directly with clients to establish software requirements.
    Technologies: C#, Git, Jira, Bitbucket, SQL, SAP, Scrum, Agile, Computer Graphics, Data Structures, Algorithms, .NET, Debugging, XAML, Algebra, WebGL, Windows
  • Lead Software Developer

    2012 - 2014
    Lake Superior Consulting
    • Developed software tools for CAD technicians and pipeline engineers.
    • Established coding standards and the code review process.
    • Developed mobile apps to connect field technicians with engineers.
    • Conducted interviews for new developers and database administrators.
    • Introduced Scrum and Agile methodologies to the team.
    Technologies: C#, HTML, JavaScript, GIS, AutoCAD, AutoCAD API, Scrum, Agile, Computer Graphics, Data Structures, .NET, iOS, Debugging, Algebra, 3D, WebGL, Windows
  • Technical Artist

    2012 - 2014
    Game Machine Studios
    • Developed software tools for artists and animators that significantly increased production efficiency.
    • Created concept art for levels, characters, and props for several licensed intellectual properties.
    • Prototyped game concepts for client acquisition and project planning.
    • Established standards for poly-count and texture size to ensure optimum performance across various consoles.
    • Developed diagnostic tools for 3D Studio Max that revealed corrupt mesh, transform, and animation data.
    Technologies: C#, Unity, Adobe Photoshop, Git, Art, Modo, Computer Graphics, 3D Animation, 3D Character Animation, 3D Character Modeling, Game Development, Mobile Games, 3D Modeling, Mobile Game Development, Debugging, 3D Visualization, Algebra, 3D, Photoshop CC, Windows
  • Technical Artist

    2010 - 2012
    Subdued Software
    • Developed a modular character system for a WWE wrestling game.
    • Created a custom animation data parser that saved hundreds of hours in development.
    • Built character concept art and coordinated modeling and animation outsourcing.
    • Created a custom user interface using animated matte paintings and highly detailed 3D models.
    • Developed software tools for artists and animators.
    Technologies: C#, ZBrush, 3D Studio Max, Maya, Character Design, Character Rigging, Art, Autodesk Maya, Computer Graphics, 3D Animation, 3D Character Animation, 3D Character Modeling, Game Development, 3D Modeling, Debugging, Algebra, 3D, Photoshop CC, Windows
  • 3D Modeler

    2007 - 2008
    VisionScape Imagery
    • Created 3D architectural models and animations for residential and commercial development projects.
    • Utilized MaxScript and JavaScript for automation of 3D modeling and texturing tasks.
    • Participated in daily standup meetings to receive feedback, eliminate impediments, and stay on track for efficient product deliveries.
    • Used a proxy object system to manage scenes of enormous complexity.
    • Researched new technologies for modeling, animation, and rendering.
    Technologies: 3D Studio Max, MaxScript, JavaScript, Adobe Photoshop, Computer Graphics, 3D Animation, 3D Character Animation, 3D Modeling, 3D Visualization, Algebra, 3D, Photoshop CC, Windows

Experience

  • Horse Isle 3
    http://horseisle3.com

    A multiplayer online game focused on catching, trading, breeding, and caring for horses. Set in an infinite procedurally-generated world, players can learn realistic horse genetics, build a custom ranch, start a town, or even sell their custom artworks.

    My primary responsibility was creating the horse and player character systems. The horses are generated at run-time, allowing any breed of horse at any age to be represented in the game. Horse coats are also procedurally generated, making every horse unique and memorable. Characters are highly customizable and efficient. All clothing and accessories are combined into a single animated mesh to optimize performance.

  • Spirit Row

    A VR rowing game for the Meta Quest platform. It provides a variety of novel experiences designed to pair with users' stationary rowing machines. These experiences motivate and entertain by activating both the body and the mind.

    Spirit Row can be played with controllers while seated or paired with a stationary rowing machine.

  • Monster High: 13 Wishes

    An exploration-based adventure game that comprises six playable characters led through eight different levels. The game takes place during Monster High 13 Wishes, when the shadow eclipse has taken place.

  • Monster High Skultimate Roller Maze

    A Monster-High-themed arcade racing videogame tying into the Skultimate Roller Maze doll line and the Friday Night Frights TV special. Players can select one to three characters from a roster of three to twelve to win in various types of competitions on six or eight tracks. Each character fits into a weight class and has a unique ability that can be used to gain the upper hand in a match.

  • Battle Chess: Game of Kings

    It took 2,000 years for someone to make chess better! The most challenging game on earth comes to life in Battle Chess; an entire medieval world at war is reflected on the checkered field.

    Everyone who's ever had a knight take a pawn has seen that capture as more than one piece replacing another on the board. In players' minds, the bold knight, resplendent in his armor of silver or ebon, sallies forth and slays the foul foot-soldier. Combat, mortal combat, is the heart and soul of chess, but this aspect can only live in the mind's eye until now!

    Lots of computer chess games capture the basics of chess. Only Battle Chess brings chess to life by combining a magnificent chess logic system with colorful, humorous, and dramatic three-dimensional animations.

  • HEX: Shards of Fate

    A new breed of a digital card game, combining classic TCG gameplay with elements of an online RPG. It allows creating powerful decks from over 1,000 unique cards, battling through the single-player mode, or testing a user's mettle against other players.

  • WWE All Stars

    WWE All Stars features arcade-style gameplay, over-the-top animation, and wrestlers bearing a more exaggerated look. The game combines fighting and wrestling game features with combos playing a significant factor in gameplay, both on the ground and mid-air. Characters perform exaggerated moves, such as John Cena's Attitude Adjustment, in which he leaps high into the air, and Triple H's Pedigree with shock waves running across the ring. The game features contemporary WWE wrestlers such as Kane, Randy Orton, Triple H, The Undertaker, Rey Mysterio, CM Punk, Sheamus, and John Cena and past wrestlers such as Dusty Rhodes, Roddy Piper, Bret Hart, Shawn Michaels, Steve Austin, Ted DiBiase, and Michael Hayes, and commentary from Jim Ross and Jerry Lawler.

  • UFC Undisputed 3

    UFC Undisputed 3 is a mixed martial arts fighting game in which players step into the iconic octagon fighting cage to battle in one-on-one action for the ultimate fighting championship. Just as in real MMA bouts, players of UFC Undisputed 3 use a variety of martial arts disciplines separated into striking and grappling techniques to knock out an opponent, forcing him to submit or win a decision on points. The game features a massive roster of real UFC fighters in multiple weight classes, a new submission system, simplified controls, and an improved online component.

  • Barbie: Groom and Glam Pups

    Barbie Groom and Glam Pups is a virtual pet game for Wii in which players groom, train, dress, and show puppies in a high-fashion game environment under the watchful eye of their in-game mentor, Barbie. The game features six available breeds of dog in puppy form to use in the game based on popularity and dramatic styling potential. Additional features include realistic grooming activities, the ability to train your pups to do outrageous tricks they can perform on the catwalk, customizable puppy costumes, and in-game photoshoot functionality for puppies.

Skills

  • Languages

    C#, HLSL, ShaderLab, JavaScript, XAML, Python, MaxScript, SQL, Java, C++, HTML
  • Frameworks

    Unity, Unity3D, Unity2D, .NET
  • Tools

    Git, Adobe Photoshop, Photoshop CC, Blender, ZBrush, Modo, 3D Studio Max, 3ds Max, Maya, Jira, Bitbucket, GIS, AutoCAD
  • Paradigms

    Scrum, Agile
  • Platforms

    Windows, Linux, Raspberry Pi, iOS
  • Other

    Art, Mathematics, 3D Math, Abstract Algebra, Software Engineering, 3D Animation, Game Development, 3D Modeling, Debugging, 3D Visualization, Algebra, 3D, Unity Shaders, Character Rigging, Character Design, Data Structures, Algorithms, 3D Character Animation, 3D Character Modeling, Mobile Games, Mobile Game Development, Geometry, Autodesk Maya, SAP, Virtual Reality (VR), 3D Art, Computer Graphics, Neural Networks, Computer Architecture
  • Libraries/APIs

    WebGL, AutoCAD API

Education

  • Bachelor's Degree in Mathematics and Computer Science
    2001 - 2006
    St. Cloud State University - Saint Cloud, Minnesota, USA

Certifications

  • Maya Modules Professional Studies Certificate
    DECEMBER 2009 - PRESENT
    Gnomon – School of Visual Effects, Games, and Animation

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