Days Gone is an open-world survival action game developed by Bend Studios and published by Sony Interactive Entertainment. Set in the post-apocalyptic Pacific Northwest, players take on the role of Deacon St. John as he navigates a world overrun by Freakers — fast, aggressive infected creatures that roam in massive hordes. The game combines third-person combat, motorcycle traversal, and survival resource management.
- Directed a new game mode (Horde Mode) and supporting content
- Designed and directed quality-of-life features across the game
- Designed and directed various additional modes and features, from streamer features to boosting horde enemy counts and balancing
- Led accessibility and UI/UX design efforts
- Liaised with Bend Studios on all design requirements, including UR testing and turning data into design solutions
Horde Mode Direction — Directed the creation of a new Horde Mode, shaping the game mode's design and supporting content to deliver a focused, replayable experience built around the game's signature horde encounters.
Quality-of-Life & Feature Design — Designed and directed a range of QoL improvements and additional features including streamer-oriented functionality, horde size scaling, and associated balancing work.
Accessibility & UI/UX — Led accessibility and UI/UX design, ensuring the game's interface and user experience met high standards of usability and inclusivity.
Studio Collaboration & UR Testing — Served as the key liaison with Bend Studios on all design requirements, incorporating user research testing data and translating findings into actionable design solutions.
- Horde Mode added significant replayability and was well received by the community
- PC port release expanded the audience successfully
