Jonathan Dearborn

About

Unreal Engine (C++/Blueprint) gameplay systems engineer who shipped major VR social-sports features in Orion Drift, including a wieldable items system that became the game’s primary IAP revenue driver and supported 75-player lobbies via careful replication/performance tradeoffs. Also built the station/server browsing system to steer players into lively lobbies and implemented backend-to-frontend tech tree infrastructure using Unreal DataTables, plus tuned standout mechanics like rideable rockets and Driftball projectile/ball behavior through frequent playtests.

Experience

Education

Key Strengths

• Owned and shipped end-to-end gameplay systems on a commercial VR title (wieldable items)
• Strong multiplayer performance/replication optimization for large lobbies (up to 75 players)
• Delivered high player impact and monetization (wieldables became primary IAP revenue source)
• Designed and implemented server/station browsing to drive players into active lobbies
• Applied practical algorithms/metrics for lobby sorting and auto-join (binning, random selection within top bin, skill-level toggles)
• Effective UE prototyping-to-production workflow (C++ architecture + Blueprint iteration; refactors BP to C++ for performance)
• Built robust progression/tech-tree data pipeline bridging backend catalog to player-facing UI (dual authoring/runtime views via DataTables)
• Iterative playtest-driven tuning of novel movement mechanics (rideable rockets) including one-handed usability and comfort considerations
• Balanced realism vs competitive clarity in sports/ball mechanics through playtesting (reduced spin-to-velocity effects for predictable reflections)