Shawn Hicks

Game Designer | Specializing in Combat Systems and Live Game Design

I've spent 6+ years designing combat, progression, and live systems that keep players engaged long after launch.

Flagship Case Studies

Deep dives into mechanics and systems that shaped long-running games.

Cal Kestis
Combat Systems Character Design

Jedi Knight Cal Kestis

Designed Cal's stance-switching mechanic to make turn-based combat feel kinetic and expressive while preserving Jedi power balance.

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Inquisitors Faction
Faction Systems Live Service Evolution

Inquisitors Faction

Introduced the Purge resource mechanic that unified Inquisitor kits and established a reusable faction framework.

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Supporting Work

Broader contributions in live ops, character balance, and rapid prototyping.

Live Operations
Live Service Event Design

Live Operations Portfolio

Six years of event, economy, and progression design across SWGOH and FFXV: A New Empire.

Character Collection
Character Design Balance

Character Design Collection

Eighteen character and ship kits with multiple community awards and top-tier adoption metrics.

Game Jams
Rapid Prototyping Innovation

Game Jams & Experiments

Prototyping new mechanics under 48-hour constraints to keep design instincts sharp.

Shawn Hicks

About

I build combat and progression systems that challenge players to learn, adapt, and stay curious long after release.