James Peterson

Hybrid Product Designer & Manager with 15+ years experience spanning

7+ industries.

James Peterson

Hybrid Product Designer & Manager with 15+ years experience spanning

7+ industries.

James Peterson

Hybrid Product Designer & Manager with 15+ years experience spanning

7+ industries.

PERSONAL

GAME DESIGN │ B2C │ GAMING

Brackeys Game Jam Submission

Brackeys Game Jam 2024 gave small, globally remote, teams one week to design, build and release a working video game. I took on the role of game and UX/UI designer.

I focused on balancing gameplay loops, difficulty progression, and rewarding player engagement. The result was an enjoyable yet challenging experience centred around a squirrel gathering acorns to survive an incoming storm.

Play Game at itch.io

My Role

During the 2024 Brackey’s Game Jam, I played a central role in a six-person team, designing and delivering a fully functional game within one week. As both Game Designer and UX/UI Designer, I also took on leadership responsibilities—managing project timelines, coordinating team efforts, and contributing high-quality assets as needed.

Core Gameplay Design

I led the development of the core gameplay mechanics, focusing on balanced loops, difficulty progression, and rewarding player engagement. The result was an enjoyable yet challenging experience centred around our protagonist, Squall the squirrel, who must gather acorns to survive an incoming storm.

User Interface Design

I designed the entire UI, including the main menu, HUD, and key in-game elements. Using an autumnal colour palette, I aimed for a visually cohesive and intuitive interface that provided players with critical information without distraction

Accessibility was a key priority—ensuring high contrast and legible typography to accommodate a wide range of players.

Collaboration & Iteration

Working closely with developers, artists, and sound designers, I maintained our design documentation and incorporated team feedback to iterate quickly. This ensured alignment between game mechanics, aesthetics, and user experience throughout development.

Key Results

Our game became one of the most played and discussed entries of the jam, praised for its engaging gameplay and polished UX. Delivered on time under tight deadlines, the project showcased my leadership, game design, and UX/UI expertise in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.