Hi, I’m Yibran Calderón
Game Designer – Generalist
I’m a 27-year-old Mexican Game Designer Generalist based in Mexico City. With over four years of experience crafting systems, mechanics, and levels for indie games, I’m passionate about creating emotionally meaningful experiences that resonate with players. As the co-founder of Gxplorers Studio and lead designer on Sapling Wars (PvP farming, Steam demo) and Wash Out! (3D puzzle-runner), I specialize in blending genres and mechanics to create unique, engaging gameplay.
What drives me is how games create personal experiences how the same game can mean something different to every player, creating lasting memories tied to moments in their lives. My dream is to design games that inspire, surprise, and stay with people just like the games I grew up with did for me.
I studied Game Design at LaSalle College Vancouver, where I developed my skills in prototyping, creativity, and experimentation. I love pushing design boundaries, crafting gameplay systems with intention, and most of all experimenting with genres, mixing mechanics, and finding fun in making them work together. I’m always curious, always learning, and I truly enjoy meeting new people, exchanging ideas, and growing through collaboration.
But how did I get here?
Start
I fell in love with games through flash games on the Cartoon Network website, Club Penguin, Spore, Age of Mythology, Nintendo Wii games. I was fascinated by how games could make you feel something and how everyone experiences them differently.
I also grew up training in martial arts, eventually earning a black belt and even competing in the U.S.
Path
While I initially considered a path in business, my time at MST Design School ignited a passion for creativity I hadn't fully realized. Though concept art wasn't my final destination, it served as a vital compass, ultimately guiding me towards the captivating and dynamic world of game design.
College
College wasn't just about lectures and assignments; it was a melting pot of diverse minds and perspectives. Building connections with fellow aspiring creators and absorbing knowledge from every interaction became just as crucial as the formal curriculum, laying the groundwork for my collaborative spirit in game development.
Esports
Leading the Esports Club and organizing those thrilling Smash Ultimate and Mario Kart tournaments, even with Nintendo's support, was an eye-opening experience. Witnessing the passion and community built around competitive gaming deeply informed my understanding of player engagement and the social power of interactive entertainment.
Graduation
Graduating during the unique challenges of the pandemic, supported by the unwavering belief of my family, marked not just the end of a chapter but a resilient step into the professional world, eager to translate my academic dedication into tangible gaming experiences.
Gxplorers Studio
Co-founding Gxplorers Studio with my best friend was the ultimate plunge into real-world game development. Bringing together a talented, diverse team to pour our hearts into Wash Out! and later Sapling Wars provided an invaluable, hands-on education in the beautiful complexities of indie creation.
Skills & Tools
Game Design
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Systems & Economy Design
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Combat, Level, and UI/UX
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Balancing, Pacing, Retention
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Game Documentation & Flowcharts
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Prototyping & Iteration
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Kickstarter & Patreon Strategy
Technical
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Unity Engine & Unreal Engine 4 & 5
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Visual Studio, Github, Trello
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Maya, Blender
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Photoshop, Illustrator, Premiere, Aseprite
Professional
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Spanish (native), English (fluent, IELTS Grade 8)
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Leadership, Collaboration, Problem-Solving, Communication
