Exo: Breakpoint

  • Improve my knowledge of Unreal Engine

  • Improve my knowledge of Blueprints

  • Improve my level design skillset

  • Create a game with advanced gameplay systems

  • Include physics-based interactions

Overview

I created this project for my ITCS 4232 Game Design & Development Studio course at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. This game is undergoing final tweaks and enhancements and will be fully released very soon.

Goals

  • Platforms: Windows PC

  • Finish Date: May 8, 2025

  • Team Size: 1

  • Duration: 90+ days

  • Engine: Unreal Engine 5

  • Languages: Blueprints, C++

  • Role: Creator

Early footage (not final)

Examples of what I worked on:

  • Created a wave manager system in C++ to dynamically schedule, trigger, and balance enemy waves based on gameplay progression

  • Developed the core Breakpoint mechanic that slows the world around the player, complete with synchronized VFX and cooldown management

  • Designed an open combat arena with strategically placed cover and spawn points to support wave-based encounters and showcase gameplay mechanics

  • Created a flexible spawner that adapts spawn locations and enemy types

  • Enhanced the enemy AI so enemies intelligently pursue the player

  • Implemented a day‑night cycle with volumetric clouds and time‑of‑day lighting shifts using the
    So Stylized
    sky solution

  • Refined character locomotion for responsiveness and added a dynamic field‑of‑view effect tied to speed

  • Created on‑screen indicators for wave progress, score, and Breakpoint ability status with real‑time updates

  • Designed the end‑of‑run screens that display performance metrics and the ability to restart

Example Blueprint I worked on

More info coming soon!

​Copyright © Jacob Jarrett 2025

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