Sheridan Thirsk
Software Engineer, Game Developer, Entrepreneur

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Inquire about employment: threeup@gmail.com

Education

Bachelor of Science in Software Engineering in 2007
  University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada

Skills

• Experienced in programming primarily in C++, C#, LUA, ActionScript and also C, Java, PHP, Python
• Trained in engineering methodology, project management, with excellent cross-discipline communication
• Educated in matrix math, calculus, static and dynamic physics, multi-threading, and network transmissions
• Focused on physics and gameplay mechanics with flexibility for fast iterations and response from feedback
• Strong in communications and planning with coworkers of various backgrounds and disciplines

Software Development Experience

Software Engineer
Sep 2009 - Dec 2011
Flying Lab Software
Big Bang Entertainment
flyinglab.com | Seattle, WA, USA
bbegames.com | Phoenix, AZ, USA
• Developed 3D Flash render prototypes
|- Writing lighting and shadow shader code for unreleased version of Flash with 3D rendering
• Developed 2D minigames for unreleased project
|- Used physics model for realistic prize wheel, used real time input and designer XML data for rhythm game
• Developed 6 player pirate game for Free Realms MMO on PC and PS3.
|- Focused on boat-water motion and collision, client-server packets, and implementing creative gameplay.
• Developed cooperative twin-stick-style space shooter for Clone Wars Adventures MMO.
|- Complex 3D rotations, AI pathing with bezier curve smoothing, various weapons and other gameplay.
• Ported Free Realms to PS3
|- Rewrote UI elements and slow C++ algorithms for performance, priority queuing and PS3 constraints

Software Engineer
Jan. 2008 - Sep 2009
HB Studios
Halifax, NS, Canada
• Developed NBA Live 09 for Wii, primarily using Adobe Actionscript and C++
• Focused on adding Wiimote pointer input and redesigning front end to utilize this feature
• Integrated online communication into game, transmitting game setup and end of game reports
• Developed Tiger Woods 10 for PSP and PS2, primarily using C++
• Worked on all aspects of the game: FE animation, game audio, physics, game logic, database, front end
• Tasked with major feature addition to add in-game overlays to provide a richer environment
• Developed for HB's internal engine, and unreleased projects, using LUA, C++
• Rendering 3D objects, with scaling rotating culling, applied lighting, custom render methods
• Scripting AI, path logic, event triggers, creating physical entities using ODE library

Product Integration and Test Co-op
Jan. 2006 - Aug. 2006
General Dynamics Canada
Calgary, AB, Canada
• Worked with secure military communications equipment used by Canadian and British Armed Forces
• Investigated, diagnosed, and solved a major memory issues.
• Developed automation software in C++ to test and gather data for reliability improvements

Independent Development Experience

Game Programmer
2009
threeup software
software.3up.ca/zunicycle
• Designed and developed a C# game using XNA libraries for the Zune platform
• Used realistic physics calculations with vectors, trigonometry and projectile motion formulas

Facebook App Programmer
2007
threeup software
apps.facebook.com/goalscal/
• Wrote a very simple facebook app called goalscal using PHP and Facebook API
• A basic calendar with a three state box for keeping track of success and failures
Script Programmer
May 2005 - Dec. 2005
Independent ( for Crytek )
www.crytek.com
• Fulfilled a short term contract for major German retail game developer CryTek
• Added community requested features to the game Far Cry as official patch 1.4

Mod Team Founder and Leader
Mar. 2004 - Mar. 2005
Escape Key Creations 3up.ca/tacto
• Personally created a modification for the PC game Far Cry by CryTek
• Improved LUA scripts to add game play types for fresh multiplayer experiences
• Created visual graphical elements including new interface design and model skins
• Featured in PC Gamer UK October 2006 in addition to over 30000 downloads

Traditional Work Experience

Level 3 Technical Support
May 2003 - Aug. 2003
May 2004 - Aug. 2004
Computer Sciences Corporation
General Dynamics Canada, Calgary, AB
• Answered IT help desk support calls from General Dynamics Canada employees
• Solved problems and instructed proper computer usage to avoid problems
• Researched configured and implemented print queue monitor system
• Configured Windows Server 2003 with Active Directory and print server utilities
• Coordinated and completed MS Office upgrades for over a hundred employees

Warehouse Order Picker
Summer 2002
Genco Distribution Plant
Calgary, AB, Canada
• Gathered various car parts to fill orders for automobile part stores
• Prepared and loaded trucks with heavy equipment for delivery

Volunteer Experience

Gaming League Administrator
Dec. 2004 - Jun. 2005
Far Cry League
• Coordinated with 10 gaming organizations to create rules and structure
• Created complete website with fully integrated MySQL database using PHP
• Scheduled and supervised 8 weekly games
• Configured multiple game servers with a customized game modification
• Prepared documentation for rules and server configuration

Camp Counselor / Staff
Jun 2003, Jul 2006, May-Aug 2007
Pioneer Ranch Camps
Camp Chamisall
Sundre, AB
Waiporous Valley, AB
Led large groups of kids in various activities including archery, wall climbing and campfire
• Managed life from wakeup to sleeptime for boys aged 10 to 18
• Resolved many conflicts and counseled many kids at a wide range of points
Relief Worker / Missionary
Jun 1999
Youth with a Mission
Los Angeles, CA and Tijuana, MEX
• Helped construct a house for a poor Mexican family
• Performed a drama, played with children and gave out hand-outs in Mexican streets, parks, dumps and an orphanage