Nathaniel Herbig

About

I’m Nathaniel Herbig, a passionate Game Designer, QA Tester, and 3D Modeler with a strong analytical mindset and a deep love for immersive game worlds. Growing up in Alaska, I was surrounded by rugged landscapes, extreme weather, and the unique challenges of frontier life. My father was a helicopter pilot, which gave me early exposure to aviation, mechanics, and the precision required in high-stakes environments. These experiences shaped my attention to detail, problem-solving skills, and ability to analyze complex systems—traits that I now apply to game design and software testing.

From a young age, I was drawn to gaming, mechanics, and design principles, constantly experimenting with game mechanics, breaking systems to understand them, and providing structured feedback on game balancing. Over the years, I became an alpha and beta tester for multiple titles, including PUBG, Lineage 2, Satisfactory, and Civilization 4, where I helped stress-test mechanics, balance game economies, and refine combat and movement systems.

My technical background includes game development, UI/UX feedback, and QA testing, as well as designing and prototyping gameplay mechanics. I’ve worked with Figma for UI/UX improvements, ensuring that games and software feel smooth and intuitive. My experience with GitHub and version control has allowed me to collaborate effectively on projects, keeping workflows efficient and structured.

My Specialties:

  • Game Design & Mechanics Development: Balancing, prototyping, and refining gameplay loops.
  • QA Software Testing & Debugging: Finding exploits, optimizing performance, and stress-testing mechanics.
  • 3D Modeling & Animation: Working in Blender, Unreal Engine, and Unity to create immersive worlds.
  • Technical Scripting & Game Logic: Implementing systems in Blueprints (Unreal), C++, and C# (Unity).
  • Web & Graphic Design: Experience with HTML, CSS, JavaScript, Photoshop, and GIMP.
  • Testing & Iteration: A structured approach to analyzing and refining game mechanics.

Currently, I’m working on game prototypes, including a multiplayer survival game with vehicle-based progression and procedurally generated world encounters. My design philosophy is rooted in player agency, rewarding progression, and deep mechanics that evolve over time. I believe games should challenge players, give them meaningful choices, and create emergent gameplay experiences.

I’m always eager to collaborate, refine mechanics, and push projects to their limits. If you’re looking for a junior game designer, QA tester, or systems analyst, let’s connect and discuss how I can contribute to your project.