Designer Background

My name is Joelle Jahns, and I'm a video game designer specializing in Level Design, UI Design, and Playtesting. I earned my Bachelor's degree in Game Design from Full Sail University in May 2025, and I graduate with my Master's degree in Game Design in November 2026. I want to build a career helping shape the meaningful and immersive experiences that inspired me to pursue game design.

My love for video games started at a young age with titles like Kingdom Hearts, Final Fantasy, and World of Warcraft. Those worlds grabbed my imagination in a way nothing else did, and that excitement never faded. Those games are the reason I fell in love with storytelling, worldbuilding, and interactive experiences. Today, I'm passionate about creating memorable moments for players through game design, including level design, UI design, and playtesting. I enjoy the challenge of blending creativity with problem-solving, and I'm constantly looking for ways to grow and improve my craft.

My graduate work focuses on player-centered design and research-informed choices. Through my Applied Thesis, I am exploring how negative and liminal spaces can contribute to cognitive and emotional regulation through pacing, attention, and environmental transitions. My portfolio will document my design contributions, tools, and research influences while respecting the confidentiality of collaborative studio and capstone work.