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Dan Hertzka
Sr. Gameplay Systems Programmer at Epic Games
Dan Hertzka is a Senior Gameplay Systems Programmer at Epic Games with an extensive background in the gaming industry and a diverse educational foundation. He holds a Master of Science degree from the Florida Interactive Entertainment Academy and a Bachelor of Science in Biology and Ecology from the University of Maryland.
Throughout his career at Epic Games, Dan has held various roles, including:
- Lead Programmer
- Gameplay and User Interface Systems Programmer
- Tools Programmer for Unreal Engine
- User Interface Programmer for Paragon
Prior to his current position, Dan gained experience as a Lead Programmer at Neon Night Riders and as an Undergraduate Researcher at the University of Maryland Institute for Bioscience and Biotechnology Research.
In addition to his work at Epic Games, Dan Hertzka is also a Co-Founder and Engineering Director at Lightforge Games, demonstrating his entrepreneurial spirit and leadership in the gaming sector. Lightforge Games is known for developing a social RPG that has garnered attention in the industry.2
Dan's LinkedIn profile indicates that he is based in Durham and has over 500 connections on the platform.1 His diverse background, which includes roles outside of gaming such as being a Climbing Instructor and Congressional Intern, showcases his versatility and wide range of experiences.
Highlights
A bit late updating things here, but I am also included in the layoff at Lightforge Games. When we said "skeleton crew", we really meant it! I'm already actively involved in interviews on some great options for my next career step, so YMMV if you're a recruiter and want to get in touch.
Edit: My wife told me this post was a bit stiff, which was fair. So I'd also like to say that it was an overall pleasure and incredible learning experience to co-found, grow, and operate a game studio for 4 years!
I also want to clarify the scope of the layoff at Lightforge - there are 3 people remaining - there is truly zero connection between who was laid off and performance of any kind. So, if you're considering someone from LFG but unsure if performance had anything to do with their being laid off, it did not. Hire them!
Well, this sure feels nice! It's all too easy to focus only on all the work still to be done and lose objectivity about how much has already been accomplished. I'm just so pleased and proud that what we've done so far at Lightforge Games merits an article like this.
