Title: Mark the Headless Chicken
Position: Game Director and Lead Designer
As the director and lead developer of Mark the Headless Chicken, I assembled and led a small remote team to bring a high-concept stealth platformer to life. The project pushed scope, style, and systems beyond my previous solo work, blending physics-driven gameplay with strong narrative and visual identity.
Directed all aspects of development, from concept and gameplay systems to narrative design, team structure, production pipeline, and polish. Maintained creative vision while coordinating cross-discipline workflows across animation, programming, technical art, and level design.
Hired, managed, and collaborated with a multi-role team, including programmers, 3D artists, technical artists, and interns. Oversaw milestone planning, task breakdowns, and sprint reviews to keep production efficient and focused.
Designed and tuned core gameplay systems, including a unique physics-based movement model, stealth AI behaviors, aerial chaining mechanics, and boss encounters that emphasize slapstick improvisation and physical comedy.
Developed narrative and world design, building a bizarre haunted farm setting with low-tech horror elements and absurd humor. Wrote in-game dialogue, character barks, and cinematic beats that elevate the tone without interrupting gameplay.
Led marketing and community outreach efforts, launching the Steam page, preparing devlogs, and creating social media content. Designed the game’s public-facing voice and strategy, balancing humor with professionalism to attract players and press.
Managed budget, software tools, version control, and production infrastructure, ensuring smooth communication, backup, and delivery across a fully remote team. Tracked spending and resource allocation to stay on target within a constrained indie budget.
Experience Mark the Headless Chicken
Run like a chicken with its head cut off—because you are.
After narrowly escaping the chopping block, Mark is on a mission to get his head back. Sneak past deranged farmers, survive deadly traps, and fumble through barns and backwoods in a physics-driven platformer where movement is erratic and nothing goes as planned.
Mark the Headless Chicken is a chaotic stealth platformer about staying just barely in control. Mark doesn’t move like other characters—he veers, flails, and stumbles through slapstick escape attempts with reactive physics and zero combat skills. You’ll need to get creative to stay alive... and on your feet.
