Game Designer, Author, Educator
Ioana Cazacu game designer, social games, designing games meant for sharing
Hi, I'm Ioana!
A generalist game designer with 8+ years of industry experience across digital and physical products.
I have a lot of hands-on experience with games across diverse genres, such as casual puzzle games, systems-heavy simulation games, real time action multiplayer and much more. This varied experience allows me to engage with design in all of it's incarnations, and I take pride in being a versatile professional and a quick learner.
I have lead multidisciplinary teams and taken features and games from concept to Live Ops.
And I'd love to work with you!
Video Game Showreel
Here's a selection of games I have worked on
Software competence
I have experience with a variety of tools and I am adaptable to using any tech stack
Unity
Playcanvas
Figma
Machinations
Photoshop
Blender
Tabletopia
Dextrous
Why Hire Me
I am a multi-skilled designer with comprehensive knowledge of games and digital experiences
Adaptable
In my professional experience I have used a host of standard and in-house development tools. I am a fast learner and I can adapt to any tech stack your project might use. I am a hands on designer and I am not intimidated by engaging with the challenge of a new tool.
Versatile
I am ready to tackle any design challenge that comes my way. I have experience with all areas of design across many different types of projects. I have designed games aimed at different audiences, platforms and devices. I am great at understanding the brief and working within constraints.
Multidisciplinary
I have a good understanding of other development disciplines. I've worked in many teams of different sizes, and also as an independent developer, across multiple disciplines. This allows me to communicate with people well regardless of their speciality, and I have a holistic understanding of project and their timelines.​
Reliable
I am organised and I have experience managing interdisciplinary teams. I am familiar with managing milestones and scoping projects, especially when deadlines need to be met. I am used to fast paced working environments and am always looking for opportunities to improve my process.
What Can I Help With?
I offer digital design expertise with a flair for fun playful interaction
Aimed at studios or individuals that have a concept idea for a game and require some additional design support to make it all come to life.
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I'll support you from concept to prototype. I will turn your ideas into concrete pillars and loops and provide you with market research to help correctly position your product.
We'll collaborate closely on establishing a solid foundation for future development and prepare a pitch that you can take to investors. ​
Aimed at studios or individuals that already have a solid second-to-second game loop and want extra help with mid-to-long term player progression systems.
I will offer you a full analysis of the game as it stands and outline its mid-to-long term player progression opportunities.
I will then model the systems for you, and assist in planning how to implement and test the features in order to ensure they have the desired result on your KPIs.
Aimed at studios or individuals looking for a specialist to assist them with the social and multiplayer components of their game.
I will offer my social and multiplayer expertise, adapting it to whatever stage your project is in. I will analyse your target market and offer you a series of social and multiplayer features to consider. I will then assist in the prototyping and user testing of those features to make sure they meet your goals.
Aimed at studios and companies who desire to take user engagement in their app to the next level by incorporating playful interaction and game progression features.
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I will offer a full analysis of your app as it stands, highlighting all the potential gamification opportunities it offers.
I will then establish UX prototypes to help you envision the way these features will fit into the app, and assist with user testing to make sure the features bring the desired results.
None of the packages sounds like what you are looking for? Feel free to reach out anyway, I might still be able to help.
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Tell me about your project! I will craft a specialised offer for your, or I will refer you to other designers in my network that would be better suited for your project.
Studies & Certifications
My Book
Designing Games Meant for Sharing is the culmination of my experience as a social game designer, backed up by extensive academic research.
It talks about the history of games as social interaction, from board games to arcades to social-media games, and explores the ways in which they use design to encourage different kinds of social connection.
It encourages the reader to consider the role of games and play in any social framework, from small friend groups to society at large.
Wanna Hear Some of My Thoughts?
Here's a selection of podcasts, webinars and articles
Got More Questions?
Here are answers to some frequently asked ones
Where are you based? Can you work on site for us?
I am based in the South East of the UK and I work predominantly remotely. Travel to location may be possible for certain types of activities or over short distances if we reach an agreement beforehand.
What kind of contract work do you offer?
Contracts are flexible and negotiated individually. I can offer you:
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Hourly rates for short one off consultation sessions.
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Day rates for longer term project support.
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Classes that are priced individually based on number of attendees and complexity.
What is the process for hiring you?
You can reach out to me either by booking a consultation or by sending me an email. We will get to chatting about what you need and I will tell you how I could help you. The consultation is always free of charge and I will sent you a tailored offer that will suit your needs.
What tools can you use?
I have used a host of standard and non-standard game dev and prototyping tools. I am comfortable with using new tools and I'm a fast learner. I can adapt to whatever tools you are using provided I have some time to familiarise myself with them.