Hi! I'm Alejandro Fraga Cimadevila

I love video games. Playing or making them.

I'm a Game Programmer at Gameloft Toronto. In the industry, I have also worked at Gato Salvaje Studio.

Graduated with Honors from the Master in Video Game Development by the Complutense University of Madrid. Graduated in Computer Engineering at the University of Santiago de Compostela. Currently studying a Degree in Mathematics from the National University of Distance Education.

View my Resume or my Cover letter

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MY JOURNEY

My interest in video games was born from a very young age

I always saw video games as more than just a hobby, as a way of telling stories and awakening emotions, in which the decisions are taken by the player.

Before I chose my degree, I attended an Information event with a lot of stands of different careers. I spent hours talking to the representative of the video game’s degree. I realized that my passion could be my profession.

By that time, the video game degree offer in Spain was limited and taking its first steps, so I decided to study the Degree in Computer Engineering at the University of Santiago de Compostela. That would help me set the basis for a later focus on the video game’s world. While studying, I did my training as a Full-Stack developer in Bahía Software, after that, the company offered me a job as an Intern developer.

SPECIALIZING

Completed my studies in video games

I then moved to Madrid to study the Master in Video Game Development at the Complutense University of Madrid, whose main goal is to specialize IT Engineers in Professional video games programming. During that time, I worked at Expleo Group as a Software Engineer in charge of the maintenance of an application for Siemens.

The Final Master Project consisted in developing a complete PC video game as part of a team of 20+ people, divided into 5 specialized departments, using Unreal Engine 4 and C++. Since I enjoy taking responsibilities as well as proving myself in new different areas, aside from my programming tasks in the team, I was chosen as a co-lead programmer and worked as the Perforce, Discord, and build manager. This allows me to learn about new roles and tools that can come in useful later on. This great experience allowed me to perform within a multidisciplinary group as well as improve my team working skills. The final product is Voidout.

After graduating, I took time to improve my portfolio with new projects, participate in a game jam, learn new coding languages, take proficient conversation English lessons, and widen my knowledge about the most important languages and tools for my career.

FIRSTS STEPS

Started working in the video games industry

I started working at Gato Salvaje Studio, a small Indie Studio, polishing The Waylanders, which had been in development for almost 4 years. I implemented the Steam achievements, quests, UI improvements, bug fixing, optimization… At the same time, I coursed and completed the English C1 level at the Official School of Languages (EOI), improving my communication skills.

I was invited to lead a seminar at the University of A Coruña on the subject of Advanced Programming of the Master of Video Games. I didn’t hesitate to take the chance to lead it: I talked about lectures about Unreal Engine 4, C++, my experience developing The Waylanders, and my Master's and post-Master's experiences. Considering what would have been helpful for me when I was in their position, not only did I give the students useful advice to prepare their CVs and portfolio, but I also helped them with their Final Master Projects and technical doubts about them.

After the release of The Waylanders in March of 2022, we worked for a few months on unannounced projects. Sadly, with an uncertain future for the Studio, it was my time to look for the next step in my career.

LEVELING UP

Moving to Toronto

I then started working at Gameloft Toronto as a Game Programmer. They gave me the option to work remotely indefinitely, but I saw this as an excellent opportunity to further improve my English, learn as much as possible from my coworkers in person and travel around the globe. Consequently, I applied for a Canadian work permit and went ahead to live abroad on my own.

I worked in Disney Magic Kingdoms as a content integrator for upcoming updates, but my responsibilities grew fast. Soon I started to modify and improve some of the StateTrees that control the Character’s Quests. I’ve also created automatized importers and in-engine visual tools for other departments.

At the same time, I started studying remotely a Degree in Mathematics at the National University of Distance Education. Mathematics is a subject I had always enjoyed and considered studying, so I knew it was the time for me to go for it.

WHY ME?

So, now that you know me... Why should we work together?

I’m always eager to face new challenges, learning and improving in the process. I have great teamwork skills, and I immediately integrate myself into the team, as I am very social and extroverted. I am used to self-learning, fight against the odds, and keep calm when problems occur. I use agile methodology on a daily basis, as I love the production process and organizing in order to optimize productivity.

As I have proven multiple times, with motivation and the right tools, I will always make the best out of my opportunities If you decide to give me that chance, I will show all that I’m capable of.