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Michael Zhuikov Profile

I am a game developer working primarily in Unity with a strong interest in
gameplay and systems design. I focus on designing and implementing game
mechanics, actively developing an RTS project and showcasing completed
systems through short gameplay videos on LinkedIn.

Education

Bachelor in Software Engineering Sep 2022 - Present
Kharkiv National University of Radio Electronics, Kharkiv
Personal details
Employment
Michael Zhuikov

[open contact info](look above in the "contact info" section) Game Designer / Unity Developer Sep 2023 - Present
Self-Taught
Core Loop Prototyping & Implementation: independently designed and
[open contact info](look above in the "contact info" section)
built core real-time strategy mechanics in Unity. Translated theoretical
concepts of macro- and micro-control into functional, testable gameplay.
Krivoy Rog Balance Architecture & Systems Design: developed data-driven systems
(utilizing Scriptable Objects and custom inspectors) for rapid iteration of unit
Ukrainian balance, economy, and timings. Created an environment where game design
adjustments can be made directly without rewriting code logic.
[open contact info](look above in the "contact info" section) UI/UX Design for High-Load Gameplay: created and integrated a game
zhuikov-91bb96288 interface tailored to the strict cognitive demands of the RTS genre. Optimized
the readability of resource states, the minimap, and production management.
@vancrite Game Feel & Responsiveness: iteratively polished controls, pathfinding, and
command feedback. Synchronized visual and audio feedback to meet the
quality standards of benchmark competitive titles.
Full-Cycle Feature Development: guided mechanics through all stages -
Skills from concept formation and GDD documentation to build integration,
playtesting, and ruthless critical audit of personal design choices.
Unity Project Showcase: a visual demonstration of the gameplay and key
mechanics is available on my LinkedIn profile as a series of short videos and
C# screenshots.

GDD
Analytical Skills
Trello

GitHub Comprehensive Systems Approach: utilize the architecture of competitive
RTS games (StarCraft II, Warcraft III) as a universal analytical framework.
Game Design
Deconstruct games across genres into fundamental elements: economic
mathematics, core loops, resource management, and difficulty curves.
Cross-Genre Analytics: apply high-intensity RTS analysis skills to
Languages deconstruct titles across all genres (Action, RPG, Shooters). Identify
unobvious connections between mechanics and analyze how granular
English changes in balance or level design can either break or amplify overall game
dynamics.
Russian Critical Mechanics & UX Audit: reasoned identification of game design
flaws, logical gaps in balance, and overloaded UI solutions in established
Ukrainian titles. Go beyond merely spotting weaknesses in other designers' decisions
by providing evidence-based explanations of why a system fails and
proposing viable alternatives.
Game Feel & Quality Standards: evaluate overall product quality through
the lens of genres demanding extreme cognitive load. Understand how instant
input responsiveness, clean visual language, and precise pacing shape the
ultimate user experience.
Cognitive Load Management: leverage experience from RTS - the most
attention-demanding genre - to audit tutorials and learning curves across all
projects. Identify bottlenecks where developers overload players with
mechanics, breaking immersion, and propose solutions for optimal focus
distribution.