SANTIAGO LARA
GAMEPLAY DESIGNER
About
Greetings! I'm Santiago Lara Moreno.
I'm a game designer focused on how mechanics and systems can express emotion through movement, pacing, and the subtle decisions that shape how a game feels. I work with Unity and C#, and I enjoy turning ideas into clear, playable experiences through collaboration, iteration, and thoughtful planning.
Outside of work, I practice taekwondo and try to live by its core values—courtesy, integrity, perseverance, self-control, and indomitable spirit. These principles shape how I approach both challenges and teamwork. I also play guitar when I need to slow down, and while reading doesn’t come naturally to me, the right story can completely absorb me. I believe that the more I explore life, the more I can grow and bring those experiences to my games.
TOOLS
UNITY ENGINE
BLENDER
FIGMA
ADOBE PHOTOSHOP
PROJECT HOPE
Project Hope is a 2D metroidvania about overcoming depression. The goal was to create mechanics and environments that mirror the emotional journey of living with this condition — turning gameplay into a tool for empathy.
Design Stages
Technical Prototype
Objective: Evaluate the game feel of the basic movement (walk, jump, double jump, dash, wall jump/slide) and the Aura Shift mechanic.
Features: Platforming challenges designed as tutorials that require players to use these mechanics to progress.
What’s being tested: Fluidity of movement, sense of control, and first impressions of Aura Shift.
Core Mechanics Prototype
Objective: Test player interaction with the environment using the core mechanics and how puzzle mechanics integrate with movement.
Features: Collect 4 stars in a level using platforms, interactive objects, and aura-activated mechanisms.
What’s being tested: Puzzle comprehension, satisfaction in solving, and the relationship between platforming and ability use.
