Justin Zwack 🎮 (he/him)
@justinzwack.bsky.social
Lead Level Designer @KingArtGames | working on project 'Schießeisen' (working title) | shipped #IronHarvest + DLCs | he/him
Pinned
Seems like everybody is finally moving over to Bluesky so it's time to post my introduction.
My name is Justin 👋 I'm a Lead Level Designer with over 7 years of experience currently at KING Art Games.
Always happy to talk about #gamedev, #leveldesign and the latest shonen anime. 😁
My name is Justin 👋 I'm a Lead Level Designer with over 7 years of experience currently at KING Art Games.
Always happy to talk about #gamedev, #leveldesign and the latest shonen anime. 😁
Reposted by Justin Zwack 🎮 (he/him)
new blog post: turned my gdc 2025 level design theory talk into a blog post www.blog.radiator.debacle.us/2025/05/spac...
Space is not a wall: toward a less architectural level design
Maybe video game level design theory needs less focus on architecture? And maybe I'm part of the problem? My bad.
www.blog.radiator.debacle.us
May 10, 2025 at 8:12 PM
new blog post: turned my gdc 2025 level design theory talk into a blog post www.blog.radiator.debacle.us/2025/05/spac...
Reposted by Justin Zwack 🎮 (he/him)
Happy #Blocktober! It's been a while since I've done something so I decided to write another blog about #LevelDesign. medium.com/@arnaldo42/l...
Level Design at Naughty Dog
#Blocktober 2025
medium.com
October 1, 2025 at 3:56 PM
Happy #Blocktober! It's been a while since I've done something so I decided to write another blog about #LevelDesign. medium.com/@arnaldo42/l...
Reposted by Justin Zwack 🎮 (he/him)
What’s up Bluesky, it’s almost time for #Blocktober! Last year was the first year we saw proper activity on bsky, here’s hoping for even more this year!
September 28, 2025 at 1:05 AM
What’s up Bluesky, it’s almost time for #Blocktober! Last year was the first year we saw proper activity on bsky, here’s hoping for even more this year!
Reposted by Justin Zwack 🎮 (he/him)
Awrite Bluesky folks. Mostly reposting on here this #Blocktober but still keeping an eye on the other place. Very cool seeing people kicking it off so strongly here already. ❤️ #gamedev #leveldesign
!!
Since its #blocktober already here are some blockout screens from de_grail @blocktober.bsky.social
#leveldesign @counter-strike.net
#leveldesign @counter-strike.net
October 2, 2025 at 4:47 AM
Awrite Bluesky folks. Mostly reposting on here this #Blocktober but still keeping an eye on the other place. Very cool seeing people kicking it off so strongly here already. ❤️ #gamedev #leveldesign
Reposted by Justin Zwack 🎮 (he/him)
Hey #leveldesign it is that special time of the year it is #Blocktober I will be updating my GodofWar level & can not wait to see others awesome work.
If you are looking to get the most out of your blockout check out the Level Design Kit: bit.ly/4gYaJ9d #UE5 #games
If you are looking to get the most out of your blockout check out the Level Design Kit: bit.ly/4gYaJ9d #UE5 #games
Level Design Kit
A quintessential starter pack for all those who want to start creating incredible and professional levels in Unreal. Pack is built to metrics that match many studios standards, that help build your be...
bit.ly
October 1, 2025 at 11:03 AM
Hey #leveldesign it is that special time of the year it is #Blocktober I will be updating my GodofWar level & can not wait to see others awesome work.
If you are looking to get the most out of your blockout check out the Level Design Kit: bit.ly/4gYaJ9d #UE5 #games
If you are looking to get the most out of your blockout check out the Level Design Kit: bit.ly/4gYaJ9d #UE5 #games
Reposted by Justin Zwack 🎮 (he/him)
iunno who needs to hear this, but I was looking for a tool to make Storyboarding nice, and Storyboarder is basically ideal: wonderunit.com/storyboarder/
Totally free no ads or whatever, it's basically a movie company that got fed up with tools, wrote their own and made it free
No AI fuckery either
Totally free no ads or whatever, it's basically a movie company that got fed up with tools, wrote their own and made it free
No AI fuckery either
Storyboarder - The best and easiest way to storyboard.
Storyboarder makes it easy to visualize a story as fast you can draw stick figures. Quickly draw to test if a story idea works. Create and show animatics to others. Express your story idea without mak
wonderunit.com
September 16, 2025 at 8:54 PM
iunno who needs to hear this, but I was looking for a tool to make Storyboarding nice, and Storyboarder is basically ideal: wonderunit.com/storyboarder/
Totally free no ads or whatever, it's basically a movie company that got fed up with tools, wrote their own and made it free
No AI fuckery either
Totally free no ads or whatever, it's basically a movie company that got fed up with tools, wrote their own and made it free
No AI fuckery either
Reposted by Justin Zwack 🎮 (he/him)
The 2025 Game Devs of Color Expo Direct is LIVE NOW! 👾
The sixth annual GDoCExpo Direct is packed with new announcements from dozens of amazing games by creators of color. Tune in for exclusive reveals, the latest launches, and more 🙌🏾
Use #GDoCExpo2025 to share reactions!
gdoc.events/Direct2025
The sixth annual GDoCExpo Direct is packed with new announcements from dozens of amazing games by creators of color. Tune in for exclusive reveals, the latest launches, and more 🙌🏾
Use #GDoCExpo2025 to share reactions!
gdoc.events/Direct2025
September 16, 2025 at 8:00 PM
The 2025 Game Devs of Color Expo Direct is LIVE NOW! 👾
The sixth annual GDoCExpo Direct is packed with new announcements from dozens of amazing games by creators of color. Tune in for exclusive reveals, the latest launches, and more 🙌🏾
Use #GDoCExpo2025 to share reactions!
gdoc.events/Direct2025
The sixth annual GDoCExpo Direct is packed with new announcements from dozens of amazing games by creators of color. Tune in for exclusive reveals, the latest launches, and more 🙌🏾
Use #GDoCExpo2025 to share reactions!
gdoc.events/Direct2025
Reposted by Justin Zwack 🎮 (he/him)
The Play for Peace: Games for Palestine charity bundle is now live! Nearly 400 games from creators all around the world, with proceeds going directly to Gaza relief efforts.
Bundle link: itch.io/b/2979/play-...
We made a launch trailer to celebrate this moment👇 Please RT.
Bundle link: itch.io/b/2979/play-...
We made a launch trailer to celebrate this moment👇 Please RT.
September 2, 2025 at 4:22 PM
The Play for Peace: Games for Palestine charity bundle is now live! Nearly 400 games from creators all around the world, with proceeds going directly to Gaza relief efforts.
Bundle link: itch.io/b/2979/play-...
We made a launch trailer to celebrate this moment👇 Please RT.
Bundle link: itch.io/b/2979/play-...
We made a launch trailer to celebrate this moment👇 Please RT.
Reposted by Justin Zwack 🎮 (he/him)
I got to play Dawn of War 4! It kind of feels like if Dawn of War 2 and 3 didn't happen and Dawn of War 1 got a sequel 20 years later.
www.ign.com/articles/war...
www.ign.com/articles/war...
Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War 4 – First Impressions From a Series Veteran - IGN
I certainly wasn't expecting a new Dawn of War any time soon, much less from a studio other than Relic. But from the bit of it I've played, it seems like King Art Games understands the assignment. As ...
www.ign.com
August 20, 2025 at 4:40 PM
I got to play Dawn of War 4! It kind of feels like if Dawn of War 2 and 3 didn't happen and Dawn of War 1 got a sequel 20 years later.
www.ign.com/articles/war...
www.ign.com/articles/war...
Reposted by Justin Zwack 🎮 (he/him)
We've played Warhammer 40K: Dawn of War 4, and it feels like the sequel to the original that old-school RTS fans have always wanted.
Here's our impressions: www.eurogamer.net/ive-played-w...
Here's our impressions: www.eurogamer.net/ive-played-w...
August 20, 2025 at 8:54 AM
We've played Warhammer 40K: Dawn of War 4, and it feels like the sequel to the original that old-school RTS fans have always wanted.
Here's our impressions: www.eurogamer.net/ive-played-w...
Here's our impressions: www.eurogamer.net/ive-played-w...
It's official: KING Art Games is developing #DawnOfWarIV!
Our RTS team went back to the roots with the new installment while also delivering one of the best looking RTS games out there!
Take a look at our announcement trailer here:
youtu.be/lAPm8fIy5mg?si…#DawnOfWar4r#ONL202525
Our RTS team went back to the roots with the new installment while also delivering one of the best looking RTS games out there!
Take a look at our announcement trailer here:
youtu.be/lAPm8fIy5mg?si…#DawnOfWar4r#ONL202525
Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War IV Official Announce Trailer | Gamescom Opening Night 2025
YouTube video by Warhammer
https://youtu.be/lAPm8fIy5mg?si…
August 19, 2025 at 10:08 PM
It's official: KING Art Games is developing #DawnOfWarIV!
Our RTS team went back to the roots with the new installment while also delivering one of the best looking RTS games out there!
Take a look at our announcement trailer here:
youtu.be/lAPm8fIy5mg?si…#DawnOfWar4r#ONL202525
Our RTS team went back to the roots with the new installment while also delivering one of the best looking RTS games out there!
Take a look at our announcement trailer here:
youtu.be/lAPm8fIy5mg?si…#DawnOfWar4r#ONL202525
Reposted by Justin Zwack 🎮 (he/him)
My curated game developer resource spreadsheet that I update from time to time.
docs.google.com/spreadsheets...
Covers level design, game design, narrative, marketing, UX and a lot more.
If you have any recommendations, just let me know.
docs.google.com/spreadsheets...
Covers level design, game design, narrative, marketing, UX and a lot more.
If you have any recommendations, just let me know.
May 3, 2025 at 4:45 PM
My curated game developer resource spreadsheet that I update from time to time.
docs.google.com/spreadsheets...
Covers level design, game design, narrative, marketing, UX and a lot more.
If you have any recommendations, just let me know.
docs.google.com/spreadsheets...
Covers level design, game design, narrative, marketing, UX and a lot more.
If you have any recommendations, just let me know.
Reposted by Justin Zwack 🎮 (he/him)
The Game Developers Conference released its annual State of Games Industry survey today, which found that one in ten developers were laid off in 2024
Overall, 41% of developers were impacted by layoffs last year compared to 35% in 2023
www.gamesindustry.biz/gdc-survey-4...
Overall, 41% of developers were impacted by layoffs last year compared to 35% in 2023
www.gamesindustry.biz/gdc-survey-4...
GDC Survey: 41% of devs affected by layoffs in 2024
The Game Developers Conference released its annual State of Games Industry survey today, which found that one in ten de…
www.gamesindustry.biz
January 21, 2025 at 5:03 PM
The Game Developers Conference released its annual State of Games Industry survey today, which found that one in ten developers were laid off in 2024
Overall, 41% of developers were impacted by layoffs last year compared to 35% in 2023
www.gamesindustry.biz/gdc-survey-4...
Overall, 41% of developers were impacted by layoffs last year compared to 35% in 2023
www.gamesindustry.biz/gdc-survey-4...
Reposted by Justin Zwack 🎮 (he/him)
No one - absolutely no one on planet earth - is more frustrated by a game’s bugs than the people who made it
One of the criticisms I’ve seen lately re: bugs is that devs just shrug and go “them’s the breaks.” no. We are little balls of rage, spite, and swallowed tears
One of the criticisms I’ve seen lately re: bugs is that devs just shrug and go “them’s the breaks.” no. We are little balls of rage, spite, and swallowed tears
January 10, 2025 at 4:21 PM
No one - absolutely no one on planet earth - is more frustrated by a game’s bugs than the people who made it
One of the criticisms I’ve seen lately re: bugs is that devs just shrug and go “them’s the breaks.” no. We are little balls of rage, spite, and swallowed tears
One of the criticisms I’ve seen lately re: bugs is that devs just shrug and go “them’s the breaks.” no. We are little balls of rage, spite, and swallowed tears
Reposted by Justin Zwack 🎮 (he/him)
Again, my utmost respect for @polygon.com for reporting on Dreams on a Pillow when so many sites and influencers that claim to stand for inclusivity and diversity and equality have ducked speaking about the genocide, about Palestine, and about Palestinian stories.
www.polygon.com/gaming/50447...
www.polygon.com/gaming/50447...
Dreams on a Pillow, the Palestinian video game about the 1948 Nakba, surpassed its funding goal
It’s follow-up to the award-winning Liyla and the Shadows of War
www.polygon.com
January 7, 2025 at 4:13 AM
Again, my utmost respect for @polygon.com for reporting on Dreams on a Pillow when so many sites and influencers that claim to stand for inclusivity and diversity and equality have ducked speaking about the genocide, about Palestine, and about Palestinian stories.
www.polygon.com/gaming/50447...
www.polygon.com/gaming/50447...
Reposted by Justin Zwack 🎮 (he/him)
What we found was one of the very worst examples of workplace abuse in the history of this industry. That may sound hyperbolic. I really don't think it is.
Here's our investigation:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=RR9H...
(5/7)
Here's our investigation:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=RR9H...
(5/7)
January 7, 2025 at 2:34 PM
What we found was one of the very worst examples of workplace abuse in the history of this industry. That may sound hyperbolic. I really don't think it is.
Here's our investigation:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=RR9H...
(5/7)
Here's our investigation:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=RR9H...
(5/7)
Reposted by Justin Zwack 🎮 (he/him)
Back in 2021, PMG reported on the unseen games industry crunch taking place at outsourcing studios in SE Asia.
Since then, the companies we looked at have continued to work on some of the biggest games in the world, without any push to improve the conditions of the artists doing that work. (1/7)
Since then, the companies we looked at have continued to work on some of the biggest games in the world, without any push to improve the conditions of the artists doing that work. (1/7)
January 7, 2025 at 2:34 PM
Back in 2021, PMG reported on the unseen games industry crunch taking place at outsourcing studios in SE Asia.
Since then, the companies we looked at have continued to work on some of the biggest games in the world, without any push to improve the conditions of the artists doing that work. (1/7)
Since then, the companies we looked at have continued to work on some of the biggest games in the world, without any push to improve the conditions of the artists doing that work. (1/7)
Reposted by Justin Zwack 🎮 (he/him)
For all the game devs who had a cool year, but can't mention what you worked on, we see you, too. And 👏👏👏 to you, as well!
December 24, 2024 at 3:31 AM
For all the game devs who had a cool year, but can't mention what you worked on, we see you, too. And 👏👏👏 to you, as well!
Reposted by Justin Zwack 🎮 (he/him)
I had a thread where I complained about how "unread" pips in inventories+menus "drive me crazy". I deleted it; it was an emotional take on a complex design space.
Instead I'll talk about:
1: The problems they're trying to solve
2: Why I think they're often a bad solution
3: Why they happen anyways
Instead I'll talk about:
1: The problems they're trying to solve
2: Why I think they're often a bad solution
3: Why they happen anyways
December 14, 2024 at 11:40 PM
I had a thread where I complained about how "unread" pips in inventories+menus "drive me crazy". I deleted it; it was an emotional take on a complex design space.
Instead I'll talk about:
1: The problems they're trying to solve
2: Why I think they're often a bad solution
3: Why they happen anyways
Instead I'll talk about:
1: The problems they're trying to solve
2: Why I think they're often a bad solution
3: Why they happen anyways
Reposted by Justin Zwack 🎮 (he/him)
The reason crafting is in every game now: It's like money laundering for game designers
Let me explain.
Let me explain.
December 3, 2024 at 9:18 PM
The reason crafting is in every game now: It's like money laundering for game designers
Let me explain.
Let me explain.
Reposted by Justin Zwack 🎮 (he/him)
🚀We Have Launched!🚀
Video Game Jobs is officially live! 🎉
👉 videogamejobs.work
👀 Studios: Post your open positions and find skilled candidates who are passionate about gaming.
🔍 Job Seekers: Level up your career with top opportunities in the gaming industry
#VideoGameJobs #GameDevJobs #GamingCareers
Video Game Jobs is officially live! 🎉
👉 videogamejobs.work
👀 Studios: Post your open positions and find skilled candidates who are passionate about gaming.
🔍 Job Seekers: Level up your career with top opportunities in the gaming industry
#VideoGameJobs #GameDevJobs #GamingCareers
Video Game Jobs
Find remote video game jobs, entry-level roles, game programmer positions, and more at Video Game Jobs. Level up your career with top opportunities in gaming.
videogamejobs.work
December 5, 2024 at 1:41 AM
🚀We Have Launched!🚀
Video Game Jobs is officially live! 🎉
👉 videogamejobs.work
👀 Studios: Post your open positions and find skilled candidates who are passionate about gaming.
🔍 Job Seekers: Level up your career with top opportunities in the gaming industry
#VideoGameJobs #GameDevJobs #GamingCareers
Video Game Jobs is officially live! 🎉
👉 videogamejobs.work
👀 Studios: Post your open positions and find skilled candidates who are passionate about gaming.
🔍 Job Seekers: Level up your career with top opportunities in the gaming industry
#VideoGameJobs #GameDevJobs #GamingCareers
Reposted by Justin Zwack 🎮 (he/him)
So you want to be A GAME DEVELOPER?
Look no further, I crafted a *very* valid game career guide for newcomers & those who generally feel lost in the games industry.
#gamedev #gamedesign
#leveldesign #gamecareerguide
(Repost of my only viral post on the bird site from May 2020)
Look no further, I crafted a *very* valid game career guide for newcomers & those who generally feel lost in the games industry.
#gamedev #gamedesign
#leveldesign #gamecareerguide
(Repost of my only viral post on the bird site from May 2020)
December 4, 2024 at 5:33 PM
So you want to be A GAME DEVELOPER?
Look no further, I crafted a *very* valid game career guide for newcomers & those who generally feel lost in the games industry.
#gamedev #gamedesign
#leveldesign #gamecareerguide
(Repost of my only viral post on the bird site from May 2020)
Look no further, I crafted a *very* valid game career guide for newcomers & those who generally feel lost in the games industry.
#gamedev #gamedesign
#leveldesign #gamecareerguide
(Repost of my only viral post on the bird site from May 2020)
Unfortunately, we had layoffs at KING Art Games.
I will be reposting some folks underneath this post but a lot are not on here.
If you have any openings in Germany, Europe or remote get in touch and go hire these extremely talented and experienced developers!
#gamedev #gamejobs #gamedevjobs
I will be reposting some folks underneath this post but a lot are not on here.
If you have any openings in Germany, Europe or remote get in touch and go hire these extremely talented and experienced developers!
#gamedev #gamejobs #gamedevjobs
November 25, 2024 at 7:02 PM
Unfortunately, we had layoffs at KING Art Games.
I will be reposting some folks underneath this post but a lot are not on here.
If you have any openings in Germany, Europe or remote get in touch and go hire these extremely talented and experienced developers!
#gamedev #gamejobs #gamedevjobs
I will be reposting some folks underneath this post but a lot are not on here.
If you have any openings in Germany, Europe or remote get in touch and go hire these extremely talented and experienced developers!
#gamedev #gamejobs #gamedevjobs
Reposted by Justin Zwack 🎮 (he/him)
Since I got a couple of new followers I want to share this doc with game job search resources again that I'm maintaining.
Just in case anyone is looking rn.
Please share this around and let me know if you have any additions or feedback!
docs.google.com/document/u/0...
#GameJobs #GameDevJobs
Just in case anyone is looking rn.
Please share this around and let me know if you have any additions or feedback!
docs.google.com/document/u/0...
#GameJobs #GameDevJobs
JD’s Game Jobs Search Resources
JD’s Game Jobs Search Resources The purpose of this document is to collect useful links for video game job searchers. If you have any feedback, additions or corrections please contact me on LinkedIn o...
docs.google.com
September 14, 2024 at 4:39 PM
Since I got a couple of new followers I want to share this doc with game job search resources again that I'm maintaining.
Just in case anyone is looking rn.
Please share this around and let me know if you have any additions or feedback!
docs.google.com/document/u/0...
#GameJobs #GameDevJobs
Just in case anyone is looking rn.
Please share this around and let me know if you have any additions or feedback!
docs.google.com/document/u/0...
#GameJobs #GameDevJobs