GABRIEL BERNINI - Game Designer
SUMMARY
Game Designer focused on designing, implementing, and refining interactive gameplay systems across Unity, Unreal, and web environments. I build systems where player understanding and progression are shaped through rapid prototyping, playtesting, and constraint-driven iteration to create intuitive and engaging interactions. My background in computer science and mechanical engineering supports practical design and production-ready development.
EDUCATION
Santa Clara University—Santa Clara, CA — Sept. 2021- June 2025
B.S. Computer Science and Engineering, Minor in Mechanical Engineering
Graduated with Honors and Awarded a full scholarship through A&S Dean's Academic Excellence Award
Relevant courses include: Computer Architecture, Embedded Systems, Networks, Algorithms, Machine Design
Lund University—Lund, Sweden (Honors Engineering Exchange Student) — July 2023 - Jan. 2024
Studied internationally at the Nobel prize-winning Lund Faculty of Engineering (LTH) with coursework in systems programming, operating systems, and interdisciplinary topics including Viking Archaeology.
PROJECTS (Design Systems)
Language-Driven Action-Adventure Game (Unity + Python) — Sept. 2024- June 2025
Designed and developed a single-player action-adventure game where language comprehension is a core gameplay mechanic and player understanding drives exploration, combat, puzzle-solving and progression.
Created gameplay systems, level interactions, UI feedback, and NPC dialogue flow supporting players’ gradual understanding of an original in-game language through repeated encounters and environmental discovery.
Implemented a Python-driven language translation layer that dynamically changes the in-game text and interface readability based on player progression and comprehension.
Iterated on combat readability, level flow, interaction clarity, and player feedback timing through structured playtesting, advisor reviews, and collaborative design critique.
Language-Driven Game Iteration: Web Re-Architecture (Unity + WebAssembly) — Feb. 2026 - May 2026
Re-designed and deployed the Language-Driven Action-Adventure Game Unity project for browser-based play under WebAssembly performance and input constraints.
Optimized runtime performance, revised gameplay systems, and streamlined non-essential features while preserving the intended gameplay feel and progression.
Redesigned UI responsiveness, control schemes, camera behavior, and map systems to support variable browser window sizes and input limitations.
Refined gameplay responsiveness and readability across web environments with iterative testing and deployment.
Real-Time Multiplayer Card Game (JavaScript + Firebase) — April 2026 - May 2026
Designed and developed a browser-based multiplayer card game with a synchronized real-time game state using Google Firebase. Implemented UI feedback systems, and multiplayer interaction logic to improve gameplay clarity and reduce ambiguity during simultaneous player actions. Tested and refined multiplayer interactions.
C Language Compiler — Aug. 2023 - Oct. 2023
Designed a C-like compiler with an international team, including lexical analysis, parsing, optimization, and code generation. Contributed to system architecture, debugging, and full pipeline implementation.
WORK EXPERIENCE
Teacher Assistant - Buchser Middle School, Santa Clara, CA — Sept. 2024 - Dec. 2024
Translated abstract concepts into structured learning sequences that were adapted to students’ comprehension levels. Refined explanations based on feedback signals to improve clarity and retention.
Math Tutor - Santa Clara University, Santa Clara, CA — Jan. 2023 - Jan. 2024
Supported learning through adaptive instruction based on individuals’ comprehension gaps and feedback.
Colorado Space Business Roundtable Internship, Denver, CO — June 2020
Awarded a spot in an educational internship program where I worked with top aerospace organizations including NASA, Lockheed Martin, and Boeing. Learned concepts in engineering workflows and industry collaboration.
SKILLS
Game Design & Development: Unity, Unreal Engine 5, Godot, gameplay systems iteration and implementation, level design, UI design, rapid prototyping, and playtesting
Programming & Systems : C, C++, Java, Python, C#, WebAssembly, Google Firebase
Development & Collaboration: Git, team development, structured iteration, cross-functional communication
Design & Media Foundations: Through film studies, aesthetic philosophy, 3D animation and game jams, developed skills in pacing, framing, and visual communication in interactive systems