About Ryan Ontiveros

I am a Master of Science student and Lucas Scholar in Game Design and Development at the University of Southern California’s School of Cinematic Arts, where I am developing my skills in technical game design, gameplay systems, prototyping, and interactive storytelling. I am particularly interested in the intersection of design and technology—building mechanics and systems that translate creative ideas into engaging, responsive player experiences.

I am also a proud alumnus of the University of California, Irvine, where I earned my B.S. in Game Design and Interactive Media from the Donald Bren School of Information and Computer Sciences and was inducted into The Phi Beta Kappa Society. At UCI, my work spanned game development, systems design, programming, and research. As a member of Professor Kurt Squire's research and development team, I have also explored emerging approaches to AI-assisted game development and how new technologies can support the design process.

As a designer, I am most interested in understanding how gameplay systems work together. I enjoy taking a mechanic from concept to implementation, prototyping it in-engine, testing how players interact with it, and iterating until it contributes meaningfully to the larger experience. My background in Unity and C# allows me to work hands-on with the systems I design and communicate effectively across both design and technical disciplines.

I am also passionate about the connections between games, education, and social impact. I believe games can do more than entertain: their systems can encourage experimentation, collaboration, strategic thinking, creativity, and problem-solving while creating experiences that remain genuinely compelling to play.

I am pursuing opportunities in technical game design, systems design, and gameplay design, where I can contribute to teams building innovative and memorable interactive experiences. Long term, I hope to continue expanding the relationship between design and technology while helping create games with systems that give players meaningful ways to interact with their worlds.

Some of my favorite games include League of Legends, 2XKO, Helldivers, Elden Ring, Overwatch, and GTFO—games that continually inspire my interest in deep systems, expressive mechanics, player mastery, and cooperative gameplay.

Outside of game development, I enjoy going to concerts—especially Green Day, Linkin Park, and The Offspring—visiting Disneyland and Knott’s Berry Farm, watching horror movies, and spending time with my pug, Brutus.