This project was developed during our third year at university as part of a large-scale team assignment. The challenge was to design and build a game from scratch based on a provided IP, Warhammer 40,000, and a predefined genre: a top-down action RPG inspired by Diablo. The twist was that we had to use a custom engine built entirely in-house, without the support of Unity or Unreal.

I acted as the Lead Designer, working alongside two other leads and a producer. Our team included over 40 students across programming, art, design, and production. I was responsible for directing the design team, setting the core gameplay vision, and maintaining strong communication between all departments. My role covered everything from writing early design documents to shaping enemies, progression systems, and gameplay feel.

We aimed to capture the brutal and oppressive atmosphere of the Warhammer universe through intense ranged combat, large enemy waves, and powerful abilities. I oversaw the creation of multiple enemy types, combat arenas, difficulty tuning, and skill mechanics while ensuring that every system felt impactful and engaging.

One of the biggest challenges was adapting our design goals to the technical limitations of our custom engine. This required close collaboration with programmers, frequent playtesting, and fast iteration to make the gameplay feel smooth and responsive.

Leading a team of this size taught me how to manage scope, delegate effectively, and align creative ideas with production constraints. I improved my leadership and communication skills and gained hands-on experience in every step of the development process, from concept to vertical slice.