Pedro Bessa

Software Engineer

Porto, Portugal

Software Engineer with 5+ years of experience developing cross-platform applications, with a strong focus on game development using C# and Unity. Worked on a total of 8 projects in a professional capacity, 5 of which with involvement from the very early concept stages all the way to completion and release. Passionate about learning new technologies and determined to grow as a programmer. Eager to tackle increasingly ambitious and challenging projects. Willing to relocate on a global scale.

Experience

Programmer / Unity Developer

Virtual Campus Lda.

virtual-campus.eu

  • Developed cross-platform games for PC, Mac, Linux, Android, iOS, WebGL and Meta Quest (VR) in an Agile environment.
    • Coded gameplay mechanics and functionality of Unity games as part of larger projects co-funded by the European Union.
  • Collaborated with the art team to import, configure, and integrate assets such as 3D models, animations, textures, and materials into the Unity engine.
  • Assisted with development of a game for the University of Thessaly’s Creative Technologies Learning Lab, optimising performance resulting in a near 100% increase in frame rate.
  • Mentored a newly hired programming intern, leading them through their first steps into game development.
  • Guided a graphic design intern, introducing them to Unity's workflow and assisting with integrating visual assets into functional game scenes.
April 2021 - Present

Programmer / Unity Developer

GILT - Games, Interaction and Learning Technologies

gilt.isep.ipp.pt

  • Developed cross-platform games for PC, Mac, Linux, Android and iOS.
    • Coded gameplay mechanics and functionality of video games developed using Unity.
  • Realised proposed abstract concepts and ideas into concrete, implementable game design.
  • Performed long term updates to older published projects, guaranteeing they continue to function on modern hardware and comply with Google Play Store/Apple App Store guidelines.
May 2017 – April 2021

Skills

Professional Experience

C#, Unity, Git, PlasticSCM, Visual Studio, Vuforia, Virtual Reality (VR), Augmented Reality (AR)

Academic and/or Hobbyist Experience

C, C++, Java, Objective-C, HLSL, Pascal, Javascript, HTML5, CSS, Android Studio, Xcode, Unreal Engine, MonoGame, libGDX, raylib, MySQL

Projects

GaGEN

A serious game designed to promote environmental education through intergenerational learning.

Tools: Unity, C# | Platforms: PC, Android, iOS, Web Browser

virtual-campus.eu/gagen

Snappy Witch

Side-scrolling game based on Flappy Bird.

Tools: C++, raylib | Platforms: PC, Web Browser

tamanegicode.itch.io/snappy-witch

FLER

Virtual escape room with the purpose of enhancing financial literacy among adults.

Tools: Unity, C# | Platforms: PC, Web Browser

flerproject.eu/game

NATURE

City builder aimed at teaching higher education students about management of natural resources and environmental sustainability.

Tools: Unity, C# | Platform: PC

ctll.e-ce.uth.gr/index.php/nature

XR Skills

Virtual Reality game designed for teachers and educators to improve stress management skills.

Tools: Unity, C# | Platforms: PC, Meta Quest

xrskill.infoproject.eu

270 Seconds

Augmented Reality app developed for an art presentation that explores the theme of brain death.

Tools: Unity, Vuforia, C# | Platform: Android

github.com/ShenanigansInc/270-seconds

DeStress

3D dialogue-based game about coping with stress at the workplace.

Tools: Unity, C# | Platforms: PC, macOS

destress.eu/en/outcome-2

LOEL - League of Emotions Learners

Game for children and young teenagers that focuses on developing emotional intelligence through varied minigames and gamified activities.

Tools: Unity, C# | Platforms: Android, iOS

virtual-campus.eu/vc_product/loel

Transform@

Board game centered around entrepreneurship in rural areas.

Tools: Unity, C# | Platforms: PC, Web Browser

virtual-campus.eu/vc_product/transform

LearnIt

Collection of brain-training minigames created for Instituto Superior de Engenharia do Porto students.

Tools: Unity, C# | Platforms: PC, Android, iOS

Project Snatcher

2D stealth game for Android devices.

Tools: Java, libGDX, Android Studio | Platform: Android

tamanegicode.itch.io/project-snatcher

Tanks!

3D tank battle game prototype.

Tools: C#, MonoGame | Platform: PC

github.com/tamanegicode/tanks

Education

Master's Degree in Computer Engineering - Graphics Systems And Multimedia

Instituto Superior de Engenharia do Porto
isep.ipp.pt

Bachelor's Degree in Digital Games Development Engineering

Instituto Politécnico do Cávado e do Ave
ipca.pt

Publications

Developing Emotional Intelligence with a Game: The League of Emotions Learners Approach

Santos, J.; Jesmin, T.; Martis, A.; Maunder, M.; Cruz, S.; Novo, C.; Schiff, H.; Bessa, P.; Costa, R.; Carvalho, C.V.d.

doi.org/10.3390/computers10080097
August 2021

Creating Competitive Opponents for Serious Games through Dynamic Difficulty Adjustment

Kristan, D.; Bessa, P.; Costa, R.; Vaz de Carvalho, C.

doi.org/10.3390/info11030156
March 2020

Developing Entrepreneurship Skills with a Serious Game

Vaz de Carvalho, C., Costa, R., Bessa, P., Monterrubio, L., Santos, J.

doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-22602-2_26
June 2019

LearnIt: A Serious Game to Support Study Methods in Engineering Education

C. V. de Carvalho, P. Bessa, R. Costa, A. Barata and A. Costa

doi.org/10.1109/EDUCON.2019.8725109
May 2019

Certifications

Certificate of Proficiency in English

Cambridge Assessment English

CEFR level: C2 – Grade A (Score 225/230)

cambridgeenglish.org
December 2022

Others

Delivered introductory lectures on Unity game development for a master’s program at Instituto Superior de Engenharia do Porto, by faculty invitation.