❓- Who are you?
Hi, my name is Noel! I’m a UX Designer originally from California, with a strong passion for creating immersive experiences in video games. My background is in software engineering and game development, which gives me a unique perspective on both the technical and creative sides of the industry. Beyond work, I love mountain biking, exploring photography, mixing music, and spending time with friends. These hobbies often inspire my creative process, fueling my passion for building engaging and memorable games.
❓- How did you start to work at Fire Totem Games?
I joined Fire Totem Games as part of my master’s program, which required an internship in the game industry. In 2022, I was fortunate to find Fire Totem Games, one of the few local studios at the time. What started as a short-term opportunity turned into a long-term commitment as I grew alongside the team. By 2023, when we made the decision to officially incorporate the business, I was invited to become one of the founding members. It’s been an incredible journey watching the studio evolve and being part of shaping its future.
❓- What is your role at Fire Totem Games?
At Fire Totem Games, I wear several hats. My primary role is as a UX/UI designer, where I craft interfaces and ensure seamless user experiences across our games. I also support Sebastian, our lead developer, with programming tasks and take an active role in managing our social media presence. Additionally, I serve as the community manager on Discord, engaging with players, answering questions, and fostering a welcoming space for our audience. Each of these responsibilities lets me contribute to the development and success of A Webbing Journey in meaningful ways.
❓- How does your job work?
My role revolves around understanding our players and designing solutions that enhance their experience. I engage directly with our community to identify pain points, gather feedback, and test new features. For instance, our recently implemented customizable UI for mobile devices was inspired by community input and has been a game-changer for accessibility.
I use a mix of tools for design, including Figma, Photoshop, and Illustrator, to create mockups and layouts. These designs are then implemented in Unity, where I collaborate closely with the team to ensure functionality. I also participate in playtesting and beta testing to fine-tune features before they’re rolled out, ensuring we deliver the best possible experience to our players.
❓- What part of your job do you enjoy the most?
The aspect of my job I enjoy most is testing and iterating on prototypes with our community. It’s incredibly rewarding to involve players in the development process, letting them experience features early and gathering their feedback to refine our work. Seeing their excitement and hearing their ideas not only validates our efforts but also creates a collaborative energy that fuels our development of A Webbing Journey. Sharing the journey with our players makes the process feel more meaningful and connected.
❓- What is your favorite video game?
Right now, my favorite game is Star Citizen. I’m drawn to the vast scale and immersive detail of large-scale simulators like this. Exploring space and engaging in its rich systems provides an experience that feels both boundless and deeply personal.
❓- What is your favorite thing in A Webbing Journey?
My favorite feature in A Webbing Journey is the advanced building mode. It’s incredibly satisfying to see players use it in ways we never anticipated, crafting intricate web structures and creative patterns. This mode encapsulates the spirit of the game—offering freedom and encouraging imagination. Watching players push its boundaries has been a constant source of inspiration for our team.