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Full name

Clay Williamson

Title

Lead Game Designer

Location

Woodinville, WA

Biography

I am a Lead Game Designer with 14+ years of experience building and evolving games played by millions. I specialize in intentional systems design—aligning creative vision with measurable product outcomes while elevating the teams around me.

My work spans some of the industry’s most recognized titles. I played a key role in bringing the Microsoft Casual Games portfolio to mobile, including Microsoft Solitaire, the most played video game in the world. At Cat Daddy Games, I designed the Tourney feature in NBA 2K Mobile, doubling retention within six months of launch, and led the Endorsements system, which became the title’s highest-converting feature.

Beyond feature ownership, I build design cultures rooted in clarity, accountability, and constructive critique. I push teams past “good enough,” aligning craft with data to ship work we’re proud of—and that performs.

Outside of shipped titles, I continue to prototype and experiment, exploring mechanics and player psychology through independent projects and community involvement, including service as a board member of the St. Louis chapter of the IGDA.

I design with intent. I align teams around clear vision. I build systems that create lasting player value and measurable impact.

Experience

Game Designer / Founder

Wedgy Games

Woodinville, WA · Dec 2016 – Present

• Lead design and development of various titles

Lead Game Designer

Cat Daddy Games

Kirkland, WA · Nov 2021 – Nov 2025

• Translated high-level goals into clear pillars and actionable documentation for NBA 2K Mobile
• Mentored, guided, and supported junior and mid-level designers
• Ensured systems were cohesive, fun, scalable, and technically feasible
• Facilitated cross-discipline collaboration between design, engineering, art, and production

Senior Game Designer

Microsoft

Redmond, WA · Nov 2017 – Nov 2021

• Design new gameplay features and guide the transition of native PC titles to a unified codebase in Unity for release on mobile and other popular casual gaming platforms
• Conceptualize and balance data-driven game content such as gameplay variants, leveling/reward systems, retention mechanics, and in-game economies
• Direct external designers, artists, animators, and sound engineers through development, ensuring brand consistency across our portfolio
• Present design concepts to leadership; collect and implement feedback

Game Designer / Creative Director

Lumate

St. Louis, MO · Sep 2012 – Nov 2016

• Hired and directed mobile development teams of up to seven direct reports
• Led development from inception through post-launch of multiple casual titles
• Created all designs and design documentation for new and existing titles
• Optimized the ad mediation waterfall, increasing daily revenue by 138%

Quality Assurance Intern

Simutronics

Maryland Heights, MO · Apr 2012 – Sep 2012

• Scheduled and administered game testing sessions
• Maintained and organized testing data and hardware
• Diagnosed, confirmed and documented visual and performance shortcomings

Advance Video Scout

St. Louis Cardinals

St. Louis, MO · May 2006 – Feb 2012

• Analyzed and documented statistical trends for Manager Tony LaRussa and Assistant General Manager John Abbamondi
• Captured and complied video playlists for players and coaches

Education

MS in Kinesiology Sports Management

Southern Illinois University Edwardsville

Edwardsville, IL · Jan 2004 – May 2006

BFA in Digital Media

University of Georgia

Athens, GA · Aug 2000 – May 2003

Elsewhere