Mahdi Ikken

Gameplay Programmer & Technical Game Producer

Specializing in Unreal Engine gameplay systems, AI development, and scalable architecture. I bridge technical execution with project coordination to deliver quality games.

About Me

Mahdi Ikken

I'm a gameplay programmer with extensive experience in Unreal Engine, specializing in AI systems, multiplayer architecture, and scalable gameplay mechanics. Throughout my career, I've discovered that my true passion lies not just in writing code, but in coordinating teams, managing scope, and ensuring projects ship on time and within quality standards.

I'm actively transitioning into game production and technical production roles. My technical background allows me to bridge the gap between engineering and creative teams, estimate task complexity accurately, identify risks early, and facilitate clear communication across disciplines. I believe the best producers combine empathy, organization, and technical literacy to empower their teams to do their best work.

From leading programming teams at Byzantian Interactive to building full-stack solutions at Verse Estate, I've honed my ability to manage complex projects, coordinate cross-functional teams, and deliver results. I'm excited to bring this experience to a junior or associate producer role where I can help ship quality games.

Projects

Professional work and personal projects showcasing technical expertise

🎥 Knights of the Fourth Age (Video Coming Soon)
Professional

Knights of the Fourth Age

Byzantian Interactive Present - 03/2024

An open-world Souls-like game featuring complex combat and enemy systems.

  • Led team of programmers throughout development process
  • Designed and optimized Enemy Horde Mechanics using AI Behavior Trees
  • Ensured fluent communication between departmens
  • Took part in the ideation, planning and testing phases of the prototype
  • Handled all tasks related to all departments
Team Leadership Unreal Engine AI Systems C++ Task Management
🎥 The Perfect Run (Video Coming Soon)
Professional

The Perfect Run

Lanterns Studios 02/2024 – 11/2023

A rogue-like game where the main character has time-stop abilities, a gun, and knife. Designed AI systems and implemented unique gameplay mechanics.

  • Designed immersive AI and Boss fights using Behavior Trees
  • Implemented Time Stop & Psychic abilities for Enemies
  • Created comprehensive Interaction system
  • Maintained well-structured documentation
AI Design Gameplay Mechanics Boss Systems Rogue-like
🎥 Verse World (Video Coming Soon)
Professional

Verse World

Verse Estate 10/2023 - 01/2023

A metaverse experience where players can access NFTs in-game and interact with friends. Built full-stack solution from backend to VR gameplay.

  • Built full backend service for authentication, profiles, and NFT access
  • Developed multiplayer VR Air Hockey
  • Created online cinema with synchronized streaming via PlayFab
  • Documented entire development process
Backend Development Multiplayer VR PlayFab NFT Integration
🎱 VR Pool Game (Video Coming Soon)
Professional

VR Pool Game

Lanterns Studios 2022

A networked VR pool game focusing on realistic physics and intuitive VR interactions. Developed advanced grab systems and multiplayer functionality.

  • Developed networked VR Pool Game
  • Built advanced grab systems for natural interactions
  • Implemented realistic physics for accurate pool mechanics
VR Development Networking Physics Interaction Systems
🎥 MultipurposeAI Framework (Video Coming Soon)
Personal

MultipurposeAI Framework

Personal Project

A comprehensive AI system for Unreal Engine featuring centralized enemy coordination, dynamic behavior switching, and scalable performance optimization.

  • Reduced AI setup time by 70% through modular architecture
  • Supports 20+ concurrent AI agents maintaining 60fps Tested and Approved in "Knights of the fourth Ages
  • Built with Behavior Trees, EQS, and optimized tick management
  • Created comprehensive documentation and integration guides
Unreal Engine 5 AI Systems Behavior Trees Performance Optimization EQS
💻 View on GitHub
🤘 The Satanic Saint Game (Video Coming Soon)
Personal

The Satanic Saint

Personal Project

This is a project is a game that pushes edgy humor to the next level while trying to revive the old God Of War games. It is an Action RPG game that I decided to put a pause on because of all the things I wanted to do in this project. From composing music, 3D modeling, Animating, and more. While I still lack a lot in those departments I would like to take my time to learn all these skills before moving forward but I thought maybe I should show it anyway. Here's what to expect in the future from this game

  • Fun Gameplay that reflects the old ways of Action RPG
  • Hard yet engaging enemy encounters
  • For those Metal fans there will be original music pieces
  • Choose a class between Holy and Demonic
  • Including a morality to show the internal struggle our saint has to go through, by either sparing enemies or executing them
  • Unique Artstyle
Unreal Engine 5 3D Modeling Music Writing 3D Animation
🎥 BounceBack Juggle Core (Video Coming Soon)
Personal

BounceBack Juggle Core

Personal Project

Inside South America's Slums lives a young man that fights off gangs to preserve peace in his neighborhood. Fascinated by Football, and as it's his last memory of his father, Eduardo our main character adopted a new fighting style that revolves around the sport he cherishes. Kick objects towards enemies and bounces back towards the player, the more you keep your weapon off the ground the more style points you get which is more damage. This Game will include:

  • A set of multiple shot types to choose from, each with its unique properties
  • Parkour to go through the slums
  • Unique enemy interaction and enemy behavior
Unreal Engine Gameplay Mechanics Personal Project

Technical Skills

Core competencies spanning programming, production, and team coordination

🎮 Game Development

  • Unreal Engine 5 (C++ & Blueprint)
  • Gameplay Ability System (GAS)
  • AI Systems
  • Multiplayer & Networking
  • VR Development
  • Performance Optimization
  • Game Design
  • Concept Art
  • 3D Modelling

⚙️ Technical Production

  • Agile/Scrum Methodologies
  • Project Management Tools (Jira, Trello)
  • Technical Documentation
  • Scope & Risk Management
  • Cross-Team Coordination
  • Sprint Planning & Estimation

💻 Programming & Tools

  • C++ & Blueprint Scripting
  • Backend Development (PlayFab)
  • Version Control (Git, Perforce)
  • Debugging & Profiling
  • System Architecture Design
  • Code Review & Mentorship

👥 Leadership & Soft Skills

  • Team Leadership & Mentoring
  • Cross-Discipline Communication
  • Problem-Solving & Decision Making
  • Stakeholder Management
  • Time Management & Prioritization
  • Adaptability & Flexibility

Let's Work Together

I'm actively seeking opportunities in gameplay programming and technical production roles.