At Nexon, I was a Game Session Designer / Product Manager on Warhaven, a large-scale medieval fantasy PvP title — owning the full design and delivery of maps, modes, and in-session systems from grey-box to ship.
Warhaven is a large-scale, third-person, 16v16 multiplayer PvP action game set on a medieval-fantasy battlefield.
Players choose from 10 distinct warriors and heroes — each with unique abilities — and engage in fast-paced, objective-based matches lasting 10–15 minutes.
While the game stands out for its cinematic chaos — 32 players clashing in intense melee combat across destructible environments — it often lacked tactical depth and nuanced combat, resulting in a frantic free-for-all experience. To extend the game's longevity and replayability, we explored and implemented a variety of game design solutions aimed at enriching strategic layers and combat dynamics.
• Led session design end-to-end for a 16v16 multiplayer PvP title — owning all maps, modes, and in-session systems.
• Drove 4 maps and 5 game modes from grey-box to live, shaping encounters, layout, and readability through playtest iteration.
• Defined session pillars and translated them into specs across UI/UX, mechanics, and encounters — prototyping and tuning in Blueprint(UE4).
• Worked across pre-launch, soft-launch, and live service phases — drove balance tuning, mode iteration, and post-launch updates based on player data and feedback.
Warhaven's maps & modes (collectively referred to as a “session”) were developed in conjunction as part of session-design. It was the session designer’s responsibility to shape player experience comprehensively from player interaction to the surrounding environment. A small team of 5 session designers worked closely together to build all maps & modes, and design in-session systems such as vehicles, heavy-artillery, and relics(items).
To create a session with strategic depth and narrative flow, various ruleset and smaller objectives were tested in different environments/conditions (i.e. narrow valley with short sight-line, smaller squads), which were analyzed and adjusted in detail for a multiplayer experience that feels right and aligns with the core design pillar.
As of Fall 2023, total 4 maps & 5 game modes have been announced.
