Toy Themed Tile-Based Matching Game Called Toy Crusades
Fun matching game designed around speed, flow, and reducing player frustration. This game reimagines mobile tile-matching with player flow at the center. Challenge comes from dynamic mechanics, not frustrating timers or purchase gates.
'Toy Crusades' Project 2014-2016
Solving the problem
To address these challenges, I began by researching existing platforms with similar mechanics or goals and found no comparable models. I then created a test environment on an existing platform to trial randomized mechanics and gauge user interest and engagement.
Acrylic painting of the boat and main character.
A Story-Driven Mobile Tile-Matching Game
This project is a mobile tile-based matching game with advancing levels, collectible characters, and story-driven progression. Each level represents a toy trapped between being remembered and forgotten, and successful play “saves” that toy, adding it to the player’s collection.
The game features a main matching mechanic supported by timed challenges and mini-games. Instead of limiting the number of moves, gameplay emphasizes speed, rhythm, and adaptability. Players are encouraged to make quick decisions as the environment dynamically changes, creating tension without relying on hard stop failure states.
Narratively, the game centers on toys that are alive because they were remembered—important enough to their owners to inherit a spark of life. The central conflict arises when forgotten toys attempt to steal that spark for themselves, driving both gameplay stakes and story progression, with a surprise narrative twist revealed later in the experience.
Personal UX/UI Game Design Project
A personal UX/UI game design project combining nostalgic storytelling with accessible, fast-paced tile-matching gameplay.
Digital Illustration Design Services Available
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Interactive Dice Powered Roleplay Experience
Universe Game is a browser-based experience that blends dice-driven mechanics with the depth and creativity of written roleplay. By combining chance with narrative choice, the project creates an immersive environment where stories evolve organically through play. Each roll shapes the direction of the experience, ensuring that every session feels dynamic, engaging, and uniquely driven by both player intent and unpredictable outcomes.
Creative Lead, UX Design, & Systems Designer
I led the creative and design direction of the project, developing the world, characters, and narrative foundation from the ground up. My role encompassed designing the user journey and wireframes, writing dialogue, and planning interactive maps, gamified systems, and rewards structures.
Power Imbalances and Safety Risks in Online Roleplay
The core challenge was designing a fair and engaging system for written roleplay that reduced power imbalances and unchecked player control (often referred to as narrative dominance, common on text-based platforms).
The project aimed to introduce structured randomization to guide outcomes and ensure balanced interactions, while remaining flexible enough to support creative storytelling. This approach also helped bridge tabletop roleplaying audiences into a written format by using familiar dice-based mechanics.
Additionally, the project addressed safety and community concerns by separating youth and adult spaces, introducing a one-time paid verification model to create a clearly defined, adult-only environment, and reducing exposure to inappropriate content.
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Get In Touch To See If I Am Available For Hire!
For over 10+ years, I have honed my abilities as a UX/UI Designer. I am highly skilled in information layout design, websites & funnel systems, proposals & presentations, digital products, and custom design that converts visitors through powerful experiences.
Download my resume below or fill out the form to get in touch regarding your project or opportunity.
Multi-skilled individual with a well-rounded understanding of the customer journey and the tools used to affect decision-making through web design and media. Professional with creative, technical, and marketing experience.
Email at lukensurge@gmail.com
Currently open to accepting offers. Get in touch through the form, or email me with more information regarding your opportunity.
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