Michael Ivanov

A Senior Unreal Engine Developer with expertise in C++, Blueprints, Gameplay Ability System, CI/CD and Git.

Lead Unreal Engine C++ Developer at TheMasterForge LLC (2024-05 – Present)

A hex-based map builder for D&D, released on Steam. Worked on the project from Prototype to Steam release.

• Worked on the project from Prototype to Steam release
• Moved Blueprint project to C++
• Improved CPU and GPU performance and eliminated stuttering by profiling
• Optimized RenderTargets and fixed memory leaks
• Setup builds for MacOS and Linux
• Implemented high-quality full-map image export without RAM limitations
• Implemented optimized Effect drawing with Custom Data Interface, Niagara listener systems and chunking
• Optimized drawable Objects by using GUIDs and reusing actors
• Implemented tools for paths and intersections
• Reworked UI with C++ base classes
• Extended UI functionality with Slate
• Implemented custom Subsystems for managing asset data and categorization
• Implemented UGC (User-Generated-Content) support with Steam Workshop, runtime GameplayTag registration and models export/import with in-game editor
• Setup and managed Git workflow with Conventional Commits, Semantic Versioning and automatic Change logs
• Reviewed team's merge requests
• Created and described new tasks for the team
• Setup CI/CD pipeline for cross-platform build with release to Steam
• Setup Steam DLCs with automated content Chunking using AssetManager
• Setup Steam branches for testing and CI/CD integration
• Setup Sentry with automatic Crash Reports to fix bugs quickly
• Developed internal tools with C++ Editor Utility Widgets
• Managed third-party dependencies with Build configuration

Middle Unreal Engine C++ Developer at University Project (2024-09 – 2025-05)

A VR project for university finals. Endless tower-defense shooter based on shooting music out of electric guitar.

• Built the whole game framework in C++
• Utilized hand tracking to simulate guitar playing in VR
• Implemented dynamic guitar playing with MetaSounds
• Implemented randomized music with MetaSounds
• Implemented enemy behavior with BT and EQS
• Implemented enemy wave system
• Implemented upgrade system for rogue-like elements

Middle Unreal Engine C++ Developer at Unannounced Project (2024-02 – 2025-03)

A Rogue-like Multiplayer Shooter based on Lyra, GAS

• Worked with Lyra-based architecture
• Implemented AbilityTasks for hitscan and projectile-based shooting
• Implemented Object Pooling system for projectiles
• Implemented Enemy Encounters
• Reworked Lyra's weapon system to reduce binary assets
• Communicated with Gameplay and UI Designers to deliver tools based on their needs
• Extended Gameplay Debugger in C++, added new categories and extensions

Junior Unreal Engine C++ Developer at Personal Project (2021-09 – 2024-05)

My learning project, a 3D rogue-like first-person slasher game.

• Created player and enemy abilities using GAS (Gameplay Ability System)
• Programmed AI behavior using Behavior Trees and EQS
• Created systems for Health, Interactables and Powerups in C++
• Created a Data-driven Weapon System in C++ using Data Assets
• Created Movement Mechanics (Sliding, Dashing, Wallrunning, Backflipping)
• Worked with Animation Blueprints and Montages
• Implemented widgets in UMG
• Implemented Materials for UI, Post-Processing, Shaders

Bachelor of Science in Computer Science – Odessa National Polytechnic University (2025-06)