Ross Cockburn
About Ross Cockburn
Ross Cockburn is a Senior Designer at Relic Entertainment, specializing in mission design for Age of Empires 4. He has a background in software engineering and education, having previously worked at Jobber and DiscoverE, and holds dual Bachelor of Science degrees in Computer Science and Biology from the University of Alberta.
Work at Relic Entertainment
Ross Cockburn currently serves as a Senior Designer at Relic Entertainment, a position he has held since 2021. In this role, he focuses on mission design for the game Age of Empires 4. He acts as a liaison between the campaign team and the AI, gameplay, and balance teams, facilitating discussions and building consensus to establish long-term strategies. His unique approach to game design integrates both design and engineering disciplines, contributing to the overall development process.
Previous Experience in Game Design
Before his current role, Ross Cockburn worked at Relic Entertainment as a Designer from 2018 to 2021. During this time, he contributed to various projects and gained valuable experience in the gaming industry. His background also includes a position at DiscoverE as a Senior Instructor from 2012 to 2014, where he likely developed skills in teaching and mentoring, further enhancing his collaborative abilities in game design.
Background in Software Engineering
Ross Cockburn has a background in software engineering, having worked at Jobber - Field Service Software as a Software Engineer from 2016 to 2018. This experience provided him with technical skills that complement his design work, allowing him to bridge the gap between design and programming effectively. His early career also included a role at DiscoverE as an Instructor in 2010, where he taught for three months.
Education and Expertise
Ross Cockburn studied at the University of Alberta, where he earned two Bachelor of Science (BSc) degrees. He studied Biology/Biological Sciences from 2007 to 2013 and Computer Science from 2013 to 2016. This educational background equips him with a diverse skill set that supports his work in game design and development, particularly in understanding complex systems and problem-solving.
Contributions to Workplace Culture
In addition to his technical skills, Ross Cockburn is known for bringing positivity to the workplace. He supports and teaches his coworkers, fostering a collaborative environment. His ability to facilitate discussions and build consensus among team members enhances team dynamics and contributes to a productive work atmosphere.