Zachary Francks
About Zachary Francks
Zachary Francks is a game designer with extensive experience in both video game and tabletop game design, focusing on system and gameplay design. He has worked at Wizards of the Coast since 2017 and has held positions at various notable companies, including Disney Interactive and PopCap Games.
Work at Wizards of the Coast
Zachary Francks has been employed as a Game Designer at Wizards of the Coast since 2017. His role involves contributing to the design of games, where he applies his extensive experience in both video game and tabletop game design. Located in Renton, Washington, he focuses on system and gameplay design, ensuring that projects align with the company's vision and objectives.
Previous Experience in Game Design
Prior to his current position, Zachary Francks worked at several notable companies in the gaming industry. He served as a Senior Game Designer on a contract basis at PopCap Games for three months in 2017. From 2011 to 2016, he held the role of Senior Game Designer at Disney Interactive for five years. Earlier in his career, he worked as a Designer at 5TH Cell Media from 2007 to 2009, gaining valuable experience in game development.
Education and Qualifications
Zachary Francks holds a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science from the University of Oklahoma, where he studied from 2000 to 2005. He also pursued Digital Game Development at Southern Methodist University from 2006 to 2007. Additionally, he participated in a study abroad program in Japanese Studies at Ritsumeikan University from 2003 to 2004, enhancing his language skills and cultural understanding.
Skills and Expertise in Game Development
Zachary Francks possesses a diverse skill set that encompasses various aspects of game development. His expertise includes system and gameplay design, technical writing, and 2D art. He is known for his ability to work independently across different areas of game development, from programming to production. This multifaceted skill set enables him to contribute effectively to the design and execution of game projects.
Design Philosophy and Approach
Zachary Francks emphasizes the importance of creating a strong vision that integrates the best ideas from team members into a cohesive product. He advocates for making smart sacrifices to ensure that project scopes are feasible and deliverable within set timelines. His approach reflects a commitment to collaboration and effective project management in the game design process.