Zach Russell
I'm a game developer and software engineer from Austin, Texas. I am a new grad from the University of Texas at Austin where I received my Bachelors of Science in Computer Science. Throughout college I worked as an intern at Aristocrat Technologies where I gained professional experience working in Unity.
In my free time, I have developed several Unity games as well as a custom Arcade Cabinet to run them. You can find a showcase of my projects and experience below!
If you'd like to get in touch, you can reach me at zachrussell193@gmail.com
Education
University of Texas at Austin
Bachelors of Science in Computer Science
2020-2024
Selected Professional Experience
April 2024 - Present
Outlier AI
Code Review Expert
● Developed and optimized LLM prompts for training
● Conducted testing and debugging of prompt submissions
● Utilized feedback and data to improve the submission process.
● Python, Java and Javascript to build code samples for training.
Jan 2022- Aug 2023
Aristocrat Technologies
Unity and Accelerated Computing Development Intern
● Unity: scripts in C#, TMPro for UI, Agile environment
● Prototypes for CUDA/OpenCL on internal software April. 2024- Present Jan. 2023- Aug 2023
● Python to analyze Math Verification tests from Docker/Kubernetes on Google Cloud
Projects
Happy LLC
Tech:
Unity (C#), TextMeshPro
Personal Project
Feb 2024 - Present
Platforms:
Windows, Linux
Happy LLC is an economics simulator Rogue-like created by my brother and me. You can invest in 40+ different stocks with varying value as modeled by our simulated stock market. Each share grants unique perks that benefit you throughout the game. After investment, you must return to the office where you can complete minigames (to not lose your job), do office chores and socialize with coworkers.
I worked primarily on the office phase of the game. This includes making menu UI for viewing tasks, chores and coworker happiness levels. Additionally, I created a 2d isometric sprite sorting system that gives the office phase its unique feel. You can download a recent build of the game HERE.
Coworker Dialogue within the office
The Stock market shop
Office chore tracker
The desktop
Example Office Gameplay
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Tech:
Unity (C#), TextMeshPro,
Custom GDK
Buffalo Gold
Aristocrat Technologies
2022-2023
Platforms:
Slot Machine
I interned at Aristocrat Technologies where I worked in an Agile Environment on their slot machine game "Buffalo Gold". My team was responsible for porting the game from a different game engine into Unity. This involved migrating the SDK and recreating all UI elements in TextMeshPro. Our team had to make sure the new game system continued to abide government regulations as the final product is deployed to thousands of casinos around the world.
I primarily worked on bug fixes and implementing UI features within the game. This required interaction with most of the codebase.
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Arcade Cabinet
Tech:
Unity (C#), TextMeshPro,
Bash Scripting
Personal Project
Feb 2024 - Present
Platforms:
Batocera Linux
For an elaborate Christmas gift, my brother and I created a custom arcade cabinet from scratch. I built a small PC from used parts and loaded Batocera Linux onto the system. I created a custom boot sequence that pulls game updates from my home server via a bash script. I revamped the OS UI to include custom sprites and music created over the years.
We created 6 different arcade-style games for this cabinet using Unity. They incorporate versus and coop modes that can be played with a second joystick we added to the cabinet. Each game was created using our own sprites (created in Aseprite) as well as our own music (Logic Pro/Ableton).
Included Games:
Happy LLC: A Capitalism Rogue-Like
Avoid Dad 2: Endless Survival Game (Solo or Co-op)
Flappy John: Flappy Bird Spoof
Rooftop Tax Evaders 2: Endless Platformer (Solo or Versus)
Bird Brawl: Tanks-like Battle Game
Granny's Goodies 2: Endless Highscore Game (Solo or Versus)
