name
Khelben Leonard
position
Gameplay Programmer
phone
(231) 557-6306
email
LeonardKhelben@gmail.com

HelloHolaHallåSalamBonjour

I'M Khelben

I'm a Gameplay Programmer and developer. I have a Bachelor's in Digital Animation and Game Design. I have several years of experience working in Unreal and a good amount of C++ knowledge. I love programming and the problem-solving that comes with it.

Thank you!

Gameplay Programmer

As a Gameplay Programmer, it is my goal to create an immersive and fulfilling experience for players. With my background, I am able to help design, develop, and program video games from concept to delivery with industry-level knowledge and practice in different aspects, including, but not limited to, utilizing blueprints and C++ to implement multiple player interactables and obstacles, AI implementation, and co-op multiplayer.

Project Management

Alongside my role as a Gameplay Programmer is my experience in project management. In both my internships and projects, I have learned to work with and lead teams to plan, organize, and oversee key goals, ensure development progress was within key timeframes, and make certain our finished product was delivered up to industry-expected standards.

More about Me

Why I Became A Game Dev

I always had a passion for games when I was young. When I was eight, I decided that my dream was to become a game designer/developer. Over time, that dream hasn't changed, but the reason for it has. It went from making games to making something that people can connect with. Something that will make them laugh, cry, get angry, but most importantly, help create memories. I've played way too many games throughout my life, and there are a few that I hold closely. I keep those games near because they have given me great memories, allowed me to meet people I never would've met, and allowed me to experience stories and adventures I never would have throughout my life. Videogames have always been an essential part of my life. And because of that, I want to help bring that to people. I like making games because I want to help people create memories they will never forget, to help them meet people they would have never met, and to feel something that, even though it is fiction, is still real life.

Improve Your Next Project

With My Skills

I have been creating and working on games since I was a little kid. It started when my dad taught me how to mod Red Alert 2 on CD. High school was where I started actually learning code. I took 2 semesters of HTML/Javascript classes, which helped me learn how to make a few games in Processing and Visual Studio. My second semester in college was when I started playing around and creating things in Unreal. Now that I've graduated, I'm ready to get out there and help out making games for people to enjoy!

1

Years in Game Design

0

Years in Unreal

11

Projects Made

9

Projects Published

Certificates

2024
Unreal Engine C++: Multiplayer Course
GameDev.tv

• Developed online multiplayer games in Unreal Engine 5.
• Implemented key gameplay features, including pressure plates and doors.
• Optimized multiplayer performance using UE5's replication system.
• Integrated Steam services for global online sessions.
• Designed and programmed interactive, co-op gameplay experiences.
• Created dynamic levels with movable platforms for enhanced player interaction.

2024
Unreal Engine C++: Fundementals Course
GameDev.tv

• Compiled C++ programs in Visual Studio Code.
• Created an axe-dodging game using Raylib.
• Animated 2D characters in a side-scroller.
• Organized code with structs and functions for efficiency.
• Applied Object-Oriented Programming with classes and inheritance.
• Debugged and solved complex C++ programming challenges.

2024
Unreal Engine: Blueprint Programming
GameDev.tv

• Basics of the Unreal Engine
• Creating and Changing Input Mappings
• Utilizing and Changing Physics with Blueprints
• Unreal Macros, Functions, and Event dispatchers
• Building and Packaging a Project
• Basic Modeling with BSP

2024
Unreal Engine 5 Blueprint: FPS Training
GameDev.tv

• Character Controls, Animation, Camera, and Stats
• Weapon Aiming, Firing, Sounds, and Animations
• Enemy Spawning, Stats, Patrolling, and Targeting
• Pickup Health and Ammo
• Gamemode, Game State, and Game Instance
• UI/UX HUD and Enemy Lights

2024
Unreal Engine: Environment Design
GameDev.tv

• Adding Materials and Model Assets to a Project
• Creating and Modifying Material Instances
• Grey-Boxing and Planning Level Design
• Unreal Landscaping and Foliage Tools
• Lighting and Post-Processing

2023
Unreal 5 C++: Developer Course
GameDev.tv

• Using C++ to Add and Modify Object Physics
• Combining C++ and Blueprints for Gameplay Mechanics
• Making Changes to the Character in C++
• Using C++ to Spawn Projectiles That Attack a Target
• Game Win and Loss Conditions with C++
• Behavior Tree Services in C++

Education

2020-2023
Bachelor of Applied Science:
Digital Animation and Game Design
Ferris State University

- Five Dean's List Awards
- Procedural Animation Technique in C++
- Multiplayer Game Programming

2017-2020
Associates in Science and Arts:
Interactive Media and Game Design
Muskegon Community College

- Published Author in the Muskegon Community College River Voice

"Khelben is extremely passionate about game development and enjoys finding creative solutions to develop desired game mechanics. He aims to achieve quality and always goes above and beyond, from designing fundamental frameworks to developing functional outcomes. To talk about his dedication to game design and programming, Khelben is also an excellent mentor who voluntarily welcomed students who needed assistance outside of class hours, sometimes even until 4 AM in the morning. He continues to inspire and motivate younger generations by demonstrating how fun it is to develop games!"

"Working with Khelben has been an absolute pleasure. He approaches every task with a proactive mindset, always anticipating potential challenges and devising effective solutions. Khelben's thoughtfulness shines through in his attention to detail, ensuring that every aspect of a project is addressed. His dedication to excellence is evident in all his work, and his collaborative spirit fosters a positive and productive environment. In short, Khelben is a true asset to any team, and it's been a privilege to work alongside someone so proactive, thoughtful, and detail-oriented."

"Khelben is a strong problem solver and a quick study when confronted with anything new. He was definitely an asset to the team and a great mentee."

"Khelben was very professional and enthusiastic during his internship with us. His work was not only impressive but added great value to our project."

let's talk

About your next project.

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I’ll try to get back to you as soon as I can and I look forward to hearing from you! 😀

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