Game: Paragon Smash (Working Title)
Bringing Paragon back to life in a Smash style game. 40+ Officially licensed Paragon characters, levels, and assets. A smash clone with recognizable characters, moves, attacks, combos, and levels based off of the Paragon universe. Moving forward beyond the 39 Paragon characters and countless levels, I'll also be adding in other licensed assets from Unreal Engine, including the new Windwalker Echo as seen in Fortnite, and the new Metahumans taking [...]
Client: Salinas Valley Pride Celebration — IT and Online Broadcasting
Assisted with production and technical aspects of broadcasting the 2021 Connected in Pride 2.0 event. Ran and managed the machines, network, and software during the event and provided technical assistance and support throughout.
Game: The Hacker’s Toolkit (Itch.io)
You're thrust into the dark web and given a limited set of tools to get started by an underground "security" organization called the HTK Group. If you can prove you've got what it takes, you'll earn the right to become a member of the organization, taking on bigger jobs and bigger risks. Each application used in the game runs separately, but connects to the same save file. You'll get a real email [...]
Event: Panelist at eDL Virtual Summit
Topic: "What are the benefits for students and CTE programs for attaining industry certifications?"
Event: Accepted into Microsoft’s ID@Xbox Developer Program
I’m a Microsoft/Xbox Developer now. Polygone on Xbox coming soon! 🤙👾🎮
Game: Poly-gone (Itch.io)
Poly-gone is a low-poly, yet highly visual take on the classic Call of Duty "Zombie Modes". Play with up to four friends to fight off endless hordes of zombies on a massive map that you'll need to unlock areas to explore. Over 50 different types of zombies and bosses will test your skills. Weapons range from traditional rifles and launchers to futuristic lasers and plasma weapons.
Experience: Computer Science and Game Design Teacher for the Salinas Unified High School District (2019-2020)
Full time Computer Science and Game Design Teacher during the Summer of 2019 and the 2019-2020 school year.
Game Update: Tankz: You’re Welcome (New Tank Customization)
This update brings in tank customization including color, body type, drive type, weapon type for up to 3 weapon slots.
Game Update: Tankz: You’re Welcome (New Characters: Red, Blue, Green)
Red, Green, and Blue are the first characters introduced in my upcoming game, Tankz: You're Welcome.
Software: Kinect Virtual Green Screen
First release. Uses the Kinect SKD's BackgroundRemovalBasics from the Kinect Toolkit. Kinect PC/Windows drivers required. For use in OBS and similar window-capture capable applications. Click here to download! Click here to download the source code. (C#, Visual Studio)
Experience: CTE Game Design and Media Production Teacher at Millennium Charter High School (2017-2019)
I was a full-time CTE Certified Teacher for Millennium Charter High School. I worked teaching Game Design and Media Production including introductory courses and in-depth, daily, 4-hour courses.
Experience: CTE Game Design and Coding Instructor and Advisory Committee Member at The Taylor Farms Center for Learning / Future Citizens Foundation (2018-2019)
I am currently a Game Design and Coding Instructor for Elementary through High School aged students. Workshops offered include Intro to 2D Game Design, Intro to 3D Game Design, HTML/CSS Coding, Web Page Design, Python Programming, and more.
Tutorial: Using the new Terrain Tool in Unity 2019.1+
Moving Mountains The terrain tool in Unity is one of the most powerful assets available when creating an expansive game environment. It allows you to add miles of explorable land and background imagery into your game in very little time. Terrains have both aesthetic and dynamic uses. Aesthetically, they allow you to create custom, yet organic looking mountains, bridges, lakes, and rivers very quickly, yet with the capability of precision [...]
Project: YouTube Channel (MikeTheTech)
Fully independent since 2019.
Tutorial: Box2D Space Shooter Source (GMS2)
This was an experiment using physics-based objects to push, pull, and otherwise control objects in a top-down shooter style game. This game, template, and source code is available for free. Graphic assets available on Kenney.nl. Click here to download the game as a Windows Executable. Click here to download the GMS2 Source Files.
Tutorial: Text-Based DOS Game, Code Breakdown
Alright, so lets take a look at our code. I'll break it down into sections so we can discuss individual areas of code and game mechanics.
Tutorial: Text-Based DOS Game, “Guardians of Dale”
This project is the product of a game design lesson plan covering creating a text-adventure in the most powerful game engine in the world, Windows Notepad. Scroll down for the full source code, click here to download, or click here for a breakdown of the code. GuardiansofDale.bat - Full Source Code @echo off color F0 echo. echo. echo , \ / , echo / \ )\__/( / \ echo / \ (_\ /_) / [...]
Experience: Game Design and Integration Instructor and Consultant at The Media Center for Art, Education & Technology (MCOE, 2018-2019)
Developing a course around CTE curriculum pathways utilizing software such as GameSalad, GameMaker Studio 2, Unreal Engine, and Unity. Previously taught students at the MCAET Digital Media Lab and in the Mobile Digital Media Studio at the Bay School of San Francisco. Taught Computer Literacy and Excel classes in Spanish at Alba Farms in Salinas. Substitute/on-call Video Production Instructor.
Experience: Refurbishment and Workshop Instructor at Loaves, Fishes, and Computers
Taught a Chromebook refurbishment class at LFC to low-income families. Taught in English and Spanish. Opportunity allows all participants to take home a free Chromebook after the lesson.
Event: “How to get your first IT job” Seminar with Antonio (Rick) Gomez (Loaves, Fishes, and Computers, 2017)
Got to speak and answer panel questions (in-person and online audience) with an old buddy of mine. I've known Rico for over 10 years and had no idea until today it was him I'd be presenting with. Small world!
Education: Preliminary CTE Certification and Clearance from the University of California, Berkeley (Arts, Media, and Entertainment; Information and Communication Technologies; Business and Finance; and Marketing, Sales, and Services)
Got my preliminary CTE Certification and Clearance from U.C Berkeley. Was approved for Arts, Media, and Entertainment; Information and Communication Technologies; Business and Finance; and Marketing, Sales, and Services. Officially a Teacher! I currently hold my 3-year preliminary CTE Certification and am in the process of obtaining permanent CTE Certification for the following 4 subjects: Arts, Media, and Entertainment; Information and Communication Technologies; Business and Finance; and Marketing, Sales, and [...]
Client: Max Fit Sports Nutrition — Project Manager and IT Specialist
Designed their web storefront. Managed and updated their network of websites and platforms including Max Fit, Max Fit Meals, Max Fit Blends, and Forbidden Labz on Magento and Shopify. Designed marketing materials, posters, flyers, window clings, signage, logos, etc. Managed social media and search engine presence across Google, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and Twitter. Developed the Max Fit Meals Android App and iOS App. Photo and video shoots and production for [...]
Project: SalinasRadio
Created SalinasRadio.com, set up a streaming server, and gained the usage rights to showcase over 50 local bands before shutting down due to lack of funding. Live stations played online 24/7, local shows were covered and promoted, and musicians were interviewed on the site.
Client: Costa Verde Paper Supply — Web Design, eCommerce, and SEO Specialist
Worked with CVPS to make key changes to their new Magento storefront to help bring in new customers through Search Engine Optimization. Acquired backlinks, partnerships, and customers through both old and new SEO methods, bringing multiple keywords and phrases to #1 on Google and Bing. Managed and designed their Google Adwords Campaigns, bringing the store up to a quarter-million dollars in sales and earning myself 25% ownership in the company.
Experience: Computer Technician at Carmel Unified School District
Was in charge of supporting multiple school sites hardware, software, and networking. Deployed and supported student Chromebooks in a 1:1 student to laptop ratio district.
Experience: Computer Lab Technician, Webmaster, LAN and Hardware Support Technician, Reconfiguration and Logistics Specialist at Monterey Peninsula Unified School District (2010-2014)
Ran the Computer Lab at Del Rey Woods Elementary. Designed and ran after-school programs for students, staff, and even parents based on Common Core Standards. Implemented technology classes, including game design with code.org for grades K-5. Worked with tech inventory systems. Supported hardware, software, and networking components at the school site. Developed and maintained websites across multiple school sites. Trained teachers and staff. Designed and programmed electronic LED signage. Worked [...]
Client: Space Systems Integration, LLC — Server Administrator and Backend Developer
Worked remotely with SSI to help design and implement a networking solution to allow secure communications and data transfers between a server and client machines. More recently, I started working as remote Server Administrator to handle their server maintenance, upgrades, and other various tasks.
Client: Pluralsight (formerly TrainSignal, Inc.) — Contract Writer
Long-term writer for Pluralsight. Over 50 published articles on IT Certification Preparation across various certification platforms like Microsoft, CompTIA, and more.
Experience: Educational Computer Technician, II at Alisal Union School District (AUSD, 2007-2010)
Supported students and staff with hardware, software, and networking issues. Taught video production and basic computer classes to students over summer sessions and during the school year. Assisted in creating a weekly morning news show (starring students) that was broadcast over the school’s cable system so every class could watch it live. Was in charge of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Academy, Fremont Elementary School, and Creekside Elementary School. Assisted [...]
Education: Hartnell College, Salinas, CA — General Ed., Paraprofessional Certification (via MPUSD, 2007-2008)
General Education Classes. Gained Paraprofessional Certification at MPUSD.
Education: Mission Trails Regional Occupational Center, Salinas, CA (2005 – 2007)
Classes: Computer Repair CompTIA A+ Prep., CISCO CCNA (Computer Networking) Prep, Computer Business Applications, Microsoft Specialist Prep., Web Page Design.
Project: FireTabs / MyPowerTabs
Amassed over 1,000,000 guitar and bass tabs and lyrics, included a licensed online radio station, and at the time of closing had over 10,000 unique visitors per day and was featured and integrated in nearly every major tablature search engine. FireTabs contained all types of tablature including Guitar Pro, Powertab, and chord/text formats, while MyPowerTabs.net specifically acted as a mirror for the official PowerTab library.
Project: GrungeMedia (Game Modding/Design, AI Programming, Web/Media Production)
My personal design company before founding AlisalTech (and later MikeTheTech). I created websites and projects under the network title of GrungeMedia Networks. Produced a top-down shooter called Pyro’s Air Ride that was followed by two sequels. Produced a platformer called Post Warz that was released as a demo. Worked on and produced a popular mod for the commercial title Robot Arena 2, adding hundreds of assets, levels, AI, sounds, scripting, [...]
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