Maxfield Friedman
Software Engineer- AR/VR, games, and more!
I should tell you a bit about myself… My lifelong passion for puzzles and building led me to computer science and game development in college. Initially, my goal was simply to build cool stuff. I later realized the greater potential: creating meaningful learning and storytelling platforms. This motivated me to build projects in the XR space and take on new gaming designs via contracting. I thrive on hard challenges that result in unique, meaningful experiences. Currently seeking work, I’m ready to dive headfirst into new challenges and learn what’s needed to find a solution. If interested in my work or if you have an opportunity, please reach out! I look forward to hearing from you.
Experience
4+ Years
Engines
Unity | Unreal | UEFN
Specialty
Gameplay & AR/VR Systems
Skills
Programming
Tools
General
Projects
Experience
Gameplay Software Engineer
Jul. 2025 - Present
At Force Multiplier Studios, I work as a Gameplay Software Engineer building and shipping experiences on Fortnite. I design and implement gameplay mechanics from the ground up — from overhauling core systems like destructible materials to creating new features like drones and score streaks that keep players engaged. I've also taken on building standalone experiences using UEFN and Verse, adding entirely new modes to our content lineup. On the live-service side, I own the release process end to end — deploying updates, writing patch notes, and running weekly playtests to keep quality high. Some of my proudest moments have been shipping holiday content drops that grew our daily impressions from around 100 to over 10,000.
XR Software Engineer
Jan. 2024 - Jun. 2025
At Launchvox, I helped develop high-fidelity, bespoke enterprise and medical XR experiences. Utilizing both the Unity and Unreal engine we tackled a range of problems from multiplayer, cross-engine VR to custom UI design with video playback. Through these challenges and more I furthered my knowledge of mobile development, debugging, project deployment, and coding. Tackling tasks with C#, C++, and blueprinting. We covered any combination of engine and headset that a client could throw at us. My time at Launchvox helped me grow immensely as a developer and problem solver. I was able to take more ownership of project components and dabbled with client interactions. Being a small studio we took pride in teamwork and communication. All these things above will be pillars to build on as I continue to grow in my career (More details in resume).
XR Software Engineer
Jan. 2022 - Mar. 2023
Collaborated with a cross-functional team to design and develop interactive XR experiences using Unity or Unreal Engine, tailored to the chosen XR medium. Maintain high-quality standards through version control, consistent formatting practices, and regular progress reporting to the project manager. Actively participate in agile workflows, including code sprints, to ensure timely delivery of enterprise-focused solutions (More details in resume).
Education
University of California: Santa Cruz
Bachelor of Science — Computer Science: Game Design with Honors
2017 - 2021
Awards
- Technical Innovation and Social Impact awards for Senior Capstone Project
Capstone Project
Bound 2 YouHobbies
Endurance Sports
A new hobby to the list in 2025. My goal was to complete a marathon. A literal couch to marathon journey. When I started I couldn't even get a mile in. The ups and downs (there's a lot of hills out there) have helped me grow both mentally and physically stronger. I've seen so much crossover into other aspects of my life that this has become less of a hobby and more of a routine. I'm looking forward to continuing to push myself in the world of endurance to see truly what the body and more importantly, my mind, is capable of! Currently adding biking and swimming to the schedule and training for a triathlon!
SF Marathon 2025
Berkeley Half Marathon 2025
Baking and Cooking
Ever since I was young I've loved being in a kitchen. Yes, the activities themselves are great. I've spent many years combined working in restaurants as well, from dishwasher to server and most positions in the front and back of the house. Both cooking and baking are creative outlets that thrive off experimentation and iteration. They're hard to master and when you get it right, immensely rewarding in flavor. What really keeps this hobby going is what it does for those around me. Food breeds community. People love a good meal. I love making things for others. It really is a win-win. Everyone should do it and everyone can 100% learn to do it!
Banana Bread
Tiramisu
