CHILDHOOD AS CORE GAMEPLAY
Childhood isn’t just an aesthetic or an age category!
Hi, I’m Varvara!Game Designer · Technical Artist · Creative GeneralistI design systems, construct scenes in Unity and Unreal Engine, build shaders and lighting, and craft expressive 2D/3D visual identities. Currently in my 4th year studying Game Design at HSE University, my creative compass is guided by one core passion: childhood.Whether I’m developing tactile educational puzzles for children in museum galleries, exploring the surreal panic of kindergarten memories, or crafting physical plush controllers, I believe games are the ultimate medium to capture what it feels like to be young. Alongside indie projects, I work on commercial balance design, deliver interactive museum installations, and mentor junior students as an HSE Teaching Assistant.Open to Game Design, Technical Art, and Level Art roles (Kids' Games, Indie, Studio & Interactive Installations)
Why Me?
I build games that explore the warmth, chaos, and unfiltered wonder of childhood — creating playful worlds for kids to discover and experiences that let adults reconnect with their younger selves
CHILDHOOD AS CORE GAMEPLAY
From schoolyard nightmares and lost-in-kindergarten puzzles to games about baby turtles and dogs with infinite tails, I specialize in translating childhood experiences, memories, and emotions into meaningful game mechanics that resonate with both kids and grown-ups.
PHYSICAL & TACTILE INTERACTION
Kids don’t just watch; they touch, squeeze, and fiddle. I love pushing game design beyond standard keyboards and gamepads — building custom physical plush controllers, intuitive touch interactions, and tactile interfaces that make gameplay feel tangible and immediately inviting.
THE TECH-ART BRIDGE
Behind whimsical, warm visuals lies solid technical execution. I work comfortably between programming and art: setting up cinematic Sequencer shots, tweaking custom shaders and lighting, optimizing 3D assets in Blender, and scripting gameplay logic in Blueprints and Unity C#.
PROVEN WITH YOUNG AUDIENCES & MUSEUMS
I know how to design for real kids. From commercial museum exhibits that hold a child’s attention in crowded public halls to accessible UI and readable visual cues, my games are built to delight without frustrating.
Featured Projects
NOT YOUR TOY!!
Rhythm Arcade · Custom Physical Plush Controller · Unity
The TaskExplore the emotional reality of childhood play: what happens when a doll gets tired of being squeezed, dressed up, and dragged around? Translate boundaries and child play into a rhythm-defense arcade.
My ApproachI built an alternative physical controller using an actual handmade plush doll embedded with touch sensors in its limbs. Players interact with the doll to dodge unwanted «affection» and hit rhythm cues, supported by a colorful storybook visual palette and dynamic audio feedback.
The OutcomeAn interactive installation celebrated for its tactile, subversive approach to childhood play and immediate pick-up-and-play appeal.
Little Turtles
Top-Down Puzzle Adventure · Team Project · Unreal Engine 5
The TaskCreate a wholesome, kid-friendly puzzle game where players guide vulnerable newborn baby sea turtles across a dangerous beach to safely reach the ocean.
My ApproachDesigned the core obstacle and puzzle loop around natural beach threats (crabs, hungry seagulls). Built vibrant environment set-dressings and lighting in Unreal Engine, cut the dynamic trailer, and pitched the project to festival judges.
The OutcomeA heartwarming, family-oriented slice with lovable character art, selected for festival showcases.
Dog’s Business
2D Arcade · Solo Full-Cycle Development · Unity · PC
The TaskBring childhood daydream logic to life: What if your dog chased its tail, and the tail simply grew infinitely longer?
