Jan De La Cruz
I’m a Computer Science graduate with a passion for game development, front-end development, software quality, and performance optimization. With hands-on experience in C++, JavaScript, and real-time systems, I enjoy building immersive, stable, and technically sound experiences.My work reflects a strong foundation in programming, problem-solving, and collaborative development, shaped by academic projects, internships, and self-driven learning. I’m motivated by innovation, creative engineering, and pushing technology to its limits.
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Experiences
Recent game experiences that I've worked on and showcase my best work.
SnowdriftDate: January - May 2025
Game Engine: Unreal Engine 5.3
Language: C++ & BlueprintsAbout:
Snowdrift is a fast-paced, arcade-style endless runner that challenges players to survive and adapt in an ever-changing, snow-covered landscape. Featuring procedurally generated terrain, the game dynamically increases difficulty over time—introducing more complex obstacles and harsher traversal paths the longer you play. Powered by Unreal Engine 5, Snowdrift blends gameplay logic with Blueprint-driven design, delivering a smooth and reactive gameplay experience. Collect snowflakes, dodge hazards, and push your reflexes to the limit as you compete to beat your high score and set new records.
LARC Research & Development ProjectsDate: August - December 2024
Game Engine: LARC Engine
Language: C++About:
The LARC Engine is a game engine from the Laboratory for Recreational Computing (LARC) at the University of North Texas using Microsoft DirectX 12 for graphics, DirectXTK 12 for graphics helpers and audio support, and TinyXML2 for reading XML files. The engine was used to code 3D, 2.5D, and 2D experiences using Visual C++ under 64-bit Windows 10. Projects includes multiplayer and XInput controller support!
Campus ExplorerDate: June - July 2024
Game Engine: Unity (LTS)
Language: C#About:
Take on a virtual tour of the University of North Texas campus. Learn unique facts about certain points of interest, and use your virtual map for quick ease of access to different locations!Using Google maps as the basis for the campus, this project was worked in a group of 4 where Slack was used for communication, Trello for planning, and Gitlab for version control.
The InterviewDate: July-August 2023
Game Engine: Godot 3
Language: GDScriptAbout:
A choose your own story where players must take on a job interview, appease the employer, and get an offer at the end of it! It's a short game that ultized the Dialogic plugin in Godot. This enables for a versitile dialouge system with a huge documentation supporting both the engine and plugin.
Career
Looking into the past, present, and future!
Role: Inventory Associate (Dec 2022-Present)
Since the beginning of my adventure over at WIS International, it became clear to me that the results I produced with my team mattered and affected not only us, but our clients as well. As an Inventory Associate, I am responsible for providing an accurate inventory count, collaborating with my team to ensure everything is done on time, and cultivating strong relationships with various retail managers to enhance company partnerships. I am fortunate enough to have been placed in the best WIS inventory team in the DFW/Fort Worth area. A team with a inspiring reputation with it's retail clients, and one that pushes me to be above 100% all the time.
Role: Web Developer Trainee (May-July 2023)
During my time in the Global Tech Experience program, I built a strong foundation in front-end web development using HTML, CSS, Bootstrap, and JavaScript. The program featured expert-led instruction from Google's Dr. Matthew Small, where I gained valuable insights into industry terminology, best coding practices, and real-world application through hands-on projects. This experience has equipped me with the skills and confidence to take on front-end development challenges effectively!
Role: Computer Science Research Internship (June-August 2021)
During my computer science internship, I investigated trending cybersecurity issues such as ransomware, IoT, edge computing, and pre-configured operating systems. I collaborated with a research team to design and develop a web application that responded to cyber-attack concerns by allowing users to generate strong passwords or test the strength of their own against industry standards. Using HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, I built the application with a focus on industry best practices for security. Throughout the internship, I worked in a remote team environment where we planned tasks and applied industry methodologies to achieve our project goals.