Aleyna Su Tunçol

Dynamic and innovative Game Designer and Narrative Designer with a Master’s degree in Clinical Psychology, specializing in the psychological impacts of video game character design on players' self-discrepancies and anxiety. Offers a unique blend of psychological expertise and practical experience in game development, including story crafting, character development, and level design. Proficient in Unity and experienced in leading diverse teams in high-pressure environments. Passionate about integrating psychological insights to create engaging, inclusive, and impactful gaming experiences. Committed to fostering a positive team environment and pushing the boundaries of traditional game design to enhance player interaction and satisfaction.

• Volunteer at Greenpeace
• Volunteer at Tema Foundation

• MMPI Application & Interpretation
• Beier Sentence Completion Test
• Thematic Perception Test (TAT)
• House Tree People Test
• Mini Mental Test
• Montreal Cognitive Assessment
• Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale

• Game Design and Development 1: 2D Shooter, Michigan State University, 2024, https://coursera.org/share/5c3d851d1f3a165eefe346408a5a14c2
• Story and Narrative Development for Video Games, California Institute of the Arts, 2024, https://coursera.org/share/321e3f6e25c446020a7afeeeee8f9c39
• Introduction to Game Design, California Institute of the Arts, 2023, https://coursera.org/share/3b30955535432ff2ae8e886ced561068
• Cognitive and Behavioral Therapies Training & Clinical Application, Center for Behavioral Studies & Therapies, 2023-

Game Designer and Narrative Designer

The Artful of Game Design Workshop – Bilkent University, Ankara, May 5 - May 12, 2024

• Participated in a panel and a rigorous two-day workshop focused on rapid game development based on specified genres and platforms.
• Led a team comprising artists and developers, managing and directing the collaborative efforts to align with the workshop's objectives.
• Acted as the Narrative Designer, crafting engaging story elements that integrated seamlessly with the game mechanics.
• Responsible for creating the Game Design Document (GDD), outlining the game’s structure, mechanics, and narrative flow.
• Successfully developed and presented a functioning game prototype within the two-day timeframe, demonstrating strong leadership and adaptability in a fast-paced environment.

Participant

Beyond Games – Women In Games Turkiye, ODTÜ, Ankara, January 12

• Attended an immersive conference at ODTÜ focusing on critical trends in the gaming industry, including entrepreneurship, psychological impacts, and diversity initiatives.
• Actively engaged in key sessions such as entrepreneurship in gaming, the psychological aspects of game interaction, and diverse & inclusive game design.
• Contributed to round table discussions on contemporary issues like burnout, indie game survival, and the influence of AI on future gaming landscapes.

Shared insights and engaged in dynamic exchanges during an open mic session, demonstrating a commitment to shaping the future of gaming.

Volunteer

Women In Games Turkiye, April 2024 - Present

• Actively volunteering with Women In Games Turkiye to support and promote diversity and inclusion within the gaming industry.
• Participate in monthly meetings to discuss industry trends and participate organizations aimed at fostering a supportive environment for women and other underrepresented groups in gaming.
• Engage with professionals to drive initiatives that enhance industry practices and community engagement.

Game Designer / Team Leader

Zeno Jam 8, April 28 - May 5, 2024

• Led a team in designing and developing a game based on the provided theme during this intense one-week game jam.
• Managed all aspects of game development including level design, character concept creation, and environmental design.
• Developed the game’s narrative and mechanics, ensuring they were tightly integrated with the overall theme.
• Prepared a comprehensive Game Design Document (GDD) and strategically placed assets using Unity to build engaging levels.
• Supervised and directed the team’s efforts, fostering collaboration and creativity under tight deadlines.

• Game Design and Development 1: 2D Shooter, Michigan State University, 2024

Certificate

• Story and Narrative Development for Video Games, California Institute of the Arts, 2024

Certificate

• Introduction to Game Design, California Institute of the Arts, 2023

Certificate