Hayvin Poker is a captivating fantasy poker app that blends the strategic gameplay of Texas Hold’em with powerful hero characters, each possessing unique abilities to tip the odds in your favor. This was the second major title I worked on during my time at Workinman Interactive. Our team consisted of two developers, two artists, and a project manager, and we supported the game from development through post-launch LiveOps.
My Role and Contributions
When I joined the Hayvin Poker team, the core elements of the PvP poker mechanics were established, but key features like adventure mode, map systems, social systems, and various quality-of-life improvements were missing. My role involved creating new content, prototyping new features and gameplay adjustments, implementing bug fixes, and enhancing the overall user experience. Post-launch, we focused on continuous LiveOps support, delivering bug fixes and performance improvements to support the player base.Key Contributions:
- New Progression System: Collaborated with team members on building the Adventure Mode, adding in new account-based match progression systems, integrating them with fantasy maps and unlocking new playable champions.
- Matchmaking and Rating System: Implemented competitive matchmaking and rating systems based on the Glicko model to complement Adventure Mode progression.
- Map Development: Worked with artists to create captivating game maps for Adventure Mode, incorporating dynamic map elements to enhance visual effects.
- UI Animations and Visual Effects: Continued development on tools from prior projects, building around a flexible plug-and-play design while adding in new functionality to suit project needs.
- New Social Systems: Implemented new social systems using the PlayFab platform, including real-time social requests, PvP challenges, and systems for sending and redeeming social and promotional referral codes.
- Rated Tournaments: Finalized the game’s Rated PvP Tournament systems, developing various screens, implementing Leaderboards, and improving tournament matchmaking.
- QA Testing and Bugfixes: Developed and tested a wide array of bugfixes for various gameplay elements, ranging from PvP poker matches to account creation and data storage, in collaboration with internal QA team members.