Ismail Mert Tarihci
Hi, I'm Ismail Mert, a versatile game designer with nearly seven years of experience in game economy design, combat design, and systems design. Skilled in data-driven design, team leadership, and creating sustainable economies for games.
Experience
Magic Media / Starloop Division - Senior Game Designer (Economy) (January 2023 - Present)
- Led game economy and system design for multiple games, focusing on data-driven economy and combat mechanics.
- Designed levels, AI behaviors, and monetization models for a range of genres, from Match-3 and Gacha to MMORPGs.
- Utilized Machinations, Unity, and Unreal Engine to build scalable systems that enhance player engagement and retention.
Skills/Technologies Used: Game Economy Design, Data Analytics, NFT Integration, System Architecture, Level Design, Combat Mechanics, AI Design, UI Design, Unity, Unreal Engine, Machinations
Multiple Games
Genre: Various (RPG, 2D Platformer, Idle Mobile, MMORPG, Match-3, Casino, Gacha)
Platform: PC, Mobile
Skills Used: Economy Design, Combat Design, System Design, NFT Integration, Level Design
Firebyte Games - Game Designer (July 2022 - January 2023)
- Worked on Rogue Blast, a rogue-like match-3 game, and Age of Battles, a synchronous PvP battler.
- Created detailed game documentation and guided projects from concept to prototyping, while collaborating across multiple departments.
- Designed and tested systems for combat, progression, and player engagement, aligning the technical and creative visions.
Skills/Technologies Used: Game Design Documentation, Prototyping, Collaboration, Rogue-like Design, Progression System
Rogue Blast
Genre: Rogue-like Match-3
Platform: Mobile
Skills Used: Game Documentation, Prototyping, Combat Design
Age of Battles
Genre: Strategy
Platform: Mobile
Skills Used: Combat Design, Progression System, Multiplayer Mechanics
Defimons - Lead Game Designer, Creative Director, Advisor (November 2021 - January 2023)
- Led the design of Spellborne, a monster-catching web game with mobile compatibility, focusing on a sustainable in-game economy.
- Defined core game mechanics such as health, stamina, and attributes, with an emphasis on user choice and customization.
- Managed a cross-functional team, coordinating efforts to deliver an integrated project with a focus on engaging mechanics.
Skills/Technologies Used: Economy Design, Game Mechanics, Team Leadership, Customization Systems, Monster-catching Design
Spellborne
Genre: Monster-catching
Platform: Web, Mobile
Skills Used: Game Mechanics, Customization, Team Leadership, Economic Planning
Dingos - Lead Game Designer, Advisor (December 2021 - January 2023)
- Designed the combat system and tokenomics for an Action RPG on PC and Web, applying quantitative analysis for system calibration.
- Refined battle algorithms, including damage calculations and reward systems, optimizing the gameplay experience.
- Designed and balanced classes and NFT integration, leading a team in building a unique action-based economy.
Skills/Technologies Used: Tokenomics, Economy Design, NFT Design, AI Design, Combat Mechanics, Unity, System Design
Dingos
Genre: Action RPG
Platform: PC, Web
Skills Used: Tokenomics, Combat Design, NFT Design, System Design, AI Design
Gameforge - Game Designer (June 2017 - February 2022)
- Designed and prototyped a variety of game mechanics and economic models for multiple MMORPGs, reaching a global player base.
- Balanced gameplay across diverse hero classes, ensuring fairness in large-scale monthly events.
- Developed and managed bi-weekly in-game events, utilizing analytics to maintain economic equilibrium.
- Executed QA protocols and leveraged in-game data to influence strategic design decisions and support game meta development.
Skills/Technologies Used: Game Mechanics Design, Economic Modeling, Event Management, Quality Assurance, System Design
Multiple Games
Genre: MMORPG
Platform: PC
Skills Used: Game Mechanics Design, Class Balancing, Event Management, Analytics Utilization, System Design
Projects
StyLegally / Turkcell Lexathon Prototype
A web application prototype created for Turkcell Lexathon.
Skills/Technologies Used: TypeScript, JavaScript, React, NextJS, TailwindCSS
- Built a responsive UI using TailwindCSS.
- Integrated TypeScript for type-safe coding practices.
- Deployed the project using Vercel.
Game Project
A simple game project deployed for web browsers.
Skills/Technologies Used: JavaScript
- Developed a browser-based game with interactive elements.
- Deployed using Vercel for easy access.
Game Critics Gathered
A platform aggregating game critiques.
Skills/Technologies Used: HTML, CSS, JavaScript
- Created a responsive layout using CSS.
- Built a platform to gather and display game reviews.
- Deployed on Vercel.
DrawApp
A drawing application for web browsers.
Skills/Technologies Used: HTML, CSS, JavaScript
- Built an interactive canvas allowing users to draw.
- Styled with CSS for a clean interface.
- Deployed on Vercel.