Designing systems that turn player friction into flow.

Hi, I’m Isak — a game designer focused on crafting systems that challenge, engage, and surprise players. I specialize in mechanics design, combat balancing, and iterative prototyping, supported by a strong QA background and a love for player-centered design. I specialize in game systems, combat mechanics, and quality assurance, blending creative vision with technical execution.

I believe the core of any great game lies in the systems that support it. Whether it’s fine-tuning combat loops, designing progression mechanics, or stress-testing features from every angle, I thrive at the intersection of balance, clarity, and playability. My background in QA and leadership gives me an eye for both the big picture and the smallest bug, and I love iterating toward the “aha!” moments that make gameplay click.

I write about solving real design problems, refining systems, and lessons learned from the field, as well as my design thoughts →

Why I Design Games

Systems fascinate me because they reveal how players think. My favorite moments in development are when I see someone engage with a mechanic the way I hoped—or completely break it in a way I didn’t expect. That’s when I know I’ve made something alive.

Whether it’s designing for tension, flow, or creative freedom, I’m always asking: “What makes this meaningful for the player?”

Case Studies

What I Bring to Teams:

• Designing and refining combat systems, progression loops
• Creating system diagrams and balancing sheets that help teams align quickly
• Breaking and rebuilding systems as a QA tester with deep insight into functionality
• Translating playtest feedback into meaningful design improvements
• Foreseeing short coming and limitations of a system, and the difficulties of implementing said system
• Collaborating across design, art, and programming to bring mechanics to life

Daidala

Turned player burnout into rewarding agency-filled moments.

• Daidala – Level Designer & QA | 2nd place “Best in Show” (GGC 2021)

  → Tuned levels to a point where player urgency and pacing felt rewarding rather than overwhelming.

  → Balanced levels through playtest-informed decisions and mathematical possibilities.

Shifting Sands

Designed modular behavior tree patterns, allowing many and quick iterations with less development.

• Shifting Sands – The Combat Designer & QA | Nominated for “Public’s Choice” (GGC 2022)

  → Through rigorous iterations backed by playtest data, Shifting Sands created crowds on the show floor.

Skills

Skills

Teamspace Home

Companies

I had the privilege of working with:

Want to discuss a project or problem? Let's talk.

📬 Contact

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Thanks for stopping by my corner of the internet! 💫