Matt Withers
Portfolio
Hi, my name is Matt, I am a game designer. I graduated university in 2022 with a 2:1 in BA Games Design. I have since become a self-employed trading card vendor and game designer.
Below are some examples of my work, with a particular focus on a card game that I have created that can be played both physically and digitally.
The Hand Of Naraka
A Video Game that I have created that is a new take on the tcg genre. Multiple unique mechanics, fantastic gameplay flow and unique gothic art style.
In the game there is 5 distinct archetypes of cards.
Blood Archetype - These are cards killers and most likely crave blood in some way.
Necrotic Archetype - Are reanimated creatures or those that have the powers of necromancy.
Sunlight Archetype - This archetype consists of the people of the sunlight, the other largest faction on the planet. It can also be for creatures associated with the sun and/or fire.
Moonlight - This archetype consists of the people of the moonlight, 1 of the 2 largest factions in this world, or creatures associated with the moon and/or space.
Corrupted Archetype - This archetype is full of creatures that are abominations or creatures that have been "corrupted" by something.
These 4 cards are the Book cards. These are a gameplay mechanic unique to Hand Of Naraka. They are one time use cards that can be used at any point in the game. They add a lot of strategy to the game whilst being easy to use, and both players know to anticipate their use as they are prominently on the game board.
These images were all part of a wizard based minigame collection I created. I did all the artwork and animation for this project and here are some of the examples.
I love using a large range of art styles as I feel games can often over utilise certain art styles such as pixel art and realistic, and so for this project I used a 1930s rubber hose art style.
I've had experience with lots of other art styles such as Japanese Animation and Realism. I have also worked on lots of background art for projects
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Game Creation Experience
I've had some experience using game engines, specifically I have used Unreal, Gamemaker and Renpy. My programming isn't the strongest but I'm striving to make it better. Lots of the art I have done has also been designing gameplay mock ups or UI elements
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Work Experience
Education that has helped me as a Game Designer
- The Petersfield School
Media Studies GCSE A* - This has helped me to learn how to market products and how to market my games to the right audience
Art + Design GCSE B - Lots of my artistic techniques originated from this course and I have continued to develop different styles since
- Alton College
Film Studies A Level B- Many of the core skills I have learnt will be directly applicable to Game Design such as cinematography, narrative theories and the relationship between the audience and a creator, I feel these skills will give me a real head start.
- Canterbury Christ Church University
- Game Design - I have developed my art skills significantly since I have started here, I had no programming experience prior to this course. I feel like I have gained a better understanding of what type of Game Designer I want to be through this course