FBC: Firebreak

Online PVE
Engine: NorthLight
Release: July 2025
Platforms: PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, PC
Website: Firebreak

Project Experience

• Learning about the NorthLight engine and using the level editor tool
• Working on the weapons system and fixing bugs
• Working on the logic and physics for a deployable weapon. The ‘Swivel Cannon’
• Working on the logic and physics for an air launcher tool. The ‘Electro-kinetic Charge Impactor’
• Working on a fire extinguishing tool for the support class. The ‘Crank-Operated Fluidic Ejector’
• Working on event system and in game HUD updates
• Fixing various issues with the existing game entity prefabs
• Teaching the level designers how to use the in game debug menu
• Reviewing code and providing feedback
• Participating in regular play test sessions, and providing feedback to improve the gameplay
• Presenting new development updates in the bi-weekly Show and Tell meetings

Biggest Challenge

I developed the Swivel Cannon weapon for the Repair/Defence class. This weapon is a large heavy cannon that is strapped to a small office chair. This particular weapon is deployed and automatically fires at an enemy within range. After firing, the Swivel Cannon moves backwards from the force of each shot. This means the Swivel Cannon is able to move around in the level. There were situations when the Swivel Cannon would get stuck in places, or even worst topple over and become useless. A lot of time was spent adding additional physics based logic to prevent these undesired situations. I worked closely with one of the game designers to find solutions to different edge cases. Sloped surfaces and stairs were the biggest headache.