My Projects
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Space Race
Jan 2024 - May 2024
Genre: Racing Game
Platform: PC
Engine: Unity
A casual single-player racing game aimed at preschool children. The game implements leaderboards to promote competition between schools and players
My contributions:
I helped in a lot of aspects of the game, but my focus was on user interface design and player experience. My job was to define playstyles, balance and tune the three different cars in order to embody established genre archetypes and cater to potential users. Additionally I was tasked with designing the UI with a focus on efficiency, simplicity and universality.
Escape The Facility
Sep 2024 - May 2025
Genre: Horror Puzzle
Platform: PC
Engine: Unreal Engine 5
A navigational puzzle with a dark horror aesthetic. The player utilizes the geometry in order to exploit the movement limitations of the enemy in order to escape.
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My contributions:
I was responsible for defining a core puzzle mechanic and finding a fun core gameplay loop from the existing functionality. I worked on level design geometry that supported navigational puzzle solutions with focus on readability to create memorable gameplay moments. I worked on lighting that fits the horror aesthetic, highlights moments of safety and danger and draws attention to important gameplay objects.
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Puzzle Island
Jan 2024 - Aug 2025
Genre: Puzzle
Platform: PC
Engine: Unreal Engine 5
A challenging puzzle​ game inspired by a classic in the genre - Portal. The main puzzle mechanics are movable platforms activated by pressure plates and movable boxes.
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My contributions:
I was responsible for the level design geometry, creating challenging patterns using the existing mechanics. I focused on introducing mechanics gradually, helping the player build understanding and confidence before presenting challenging situation that subvert initial expectations in satisfactory way. I developed a mechanic that lets the player interact with objects at a distance in order to deliver depth in puzzle solutions.
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Rock The Boat
July-2025 - WIP
Genre: Restaurant Game
Platform: PC
Engine: Unreal Engine 5
An experimental cooperative Restaurant management game with a shifting playfield. The game creates fun and challenge through a chaotic seesaw platform, that responds to the weight of the players, customers and orders.
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My contributions:
This is a solo project with a focus on UI design and system design. I'm responsible for everything from project management to feature development and modeling. It's following in the footsteps of Overcooked 2 in trying to create a casual co-op experience though an innovative for the genre mechanic and bright cartoonish aesthetic.
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About Me.
Hi, I’m Ivan Sapundzhiev.
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Game designer passionate about creating meaningful player experiences. I specialize in level design, lighting, and UI, and I love refining games through user-focused iteration, testing, and thoughtful design.
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My goal is to craft spaces and interfaces that feel intuitive, engaging, and rewarding, where every detail—from lighting to layout—guides the player naturally. I enjoy exploring how design choices shape behavior, and I’m always looking for ways to make games feel more responsive, immersive, and fun.
Education
2015-2017
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2011-2014
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2007-2010
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Address
500 Terry Francine St.
San Francisco, CA 94158
Phone
123-456-7890
