01 / About

Who I Am

I'm a game programmer and software engineer pursuing my MFA in Game Programming at the University of the Incarnate Word, where I also serve as a Teaching Assistant for advanced C++ and Unreal Engine 5 courses.

I specialize in gameplay programming, AI systems, and software engineering , from complex gameplay frameworks and behavior trees to REST APIs and production-ready C++ systems.

5+

Years Programming

10+

Projects Built

MFA

Graduate Degree

2024

Top Programmer Award

GameProgrammer.cpp
1// GameProgrammer.cpp
2 
3class GameProgrammer {
4public:
5 string name = "Jacob Fernandez";
6 string location = "San Antonio, TX";
7 
8 vector<string> engines = {
9 "Unreal Engine 5", "Unity"
10 };
11 
12 vector<string> focus = {
13 "Gameplay Systems",
14 "AI Programming", "API Dev"
15 };
16 
17 void build() {
18 while (passionate) {
19 learn(); create(); ship();
20 }
21 }
22};

02 / Skills

Technical Arsenal

//Programming Languages

C++
Python
C#
JavaScript
HTML5
CSS3

//Game Engines & Frameworks

Unreal Engine 5
Unity
OpenGL
UE5 Blueprint
PyQt6

//Development Tools

Git
Visual Studio
VS Code
Rider
Perforce
FFmpeg

//Technical Expertise

Systems ProgrammingObject-Oriented ProgrammingPerformance OptimizationMultithreadingFile I/OUI DevelopmentGameplay ProgrammingAI SystemsMemory ManagementDesign PatternsRendering PipelineShader SystemsBehavior TreesGameplay Ability SystemEnhanced InputNiagara VFXData TablesData AssetsBlackboardPerforce / Version Control

03 / Projects

What I've Built

From graphics engines to production games, selected projects from my MFA program and personal development.

Completed

Graphics / Systems Programming

OpenGL Graphics Engine

Custom graphics engine developed in a collaborative team environment, implementing a complete rendering pipeline with vertex and fragment shader systems. Demonstrates low-level GPU architecture, buffer management, and real-time rendering techniques.

C++OpenGLGLSLShadersRendering PipelineVBOs
In ProgressSummer 2026

Game Development · UE5

Turn-Based Horror Game

Currently in production for the Summer 2026 semester. A atmospheric turn-based horror title with complex AI decision trees, procedural tension systems, and scalable gameplay architecture. Focus on technical design and system-level programming.

C++Unreal Engine 5BlueprintAI SystemsGameplay
Completed

Game Development · Full Cycle

Hero-Based Prototype

End-to-end development from initial concept to a fully playable build. Features hero mechanics, an ability system, responsive controls, and polished gameplay, demonstrating a complete production pipeline and strong software engineering fundamentals.

C++UE5Gameplay Ability SystemBlueprintAnimation

04 / GitHub

Open Source & Work

Jacob Fernandez GitHub avatar

Jacob Fernandez

@JakeeUp

UIW MGD Programmer · C++ systems programmer who does it for the love of the game.

70+

Repositories

San Antonio

Texas

View Profile
TopDown_Mechanics

Unity 6 third/first-person hybrid shooter inspired by Rainbow Six Vegas perspective system.

C#
OpenGL-Engine

Rendering pipeline from scratch: shaders, 3D model loading, ImGui integration.

C++
CS_Skin_API

C++ REST API serving live CS2 market data with a knapsack budget optimizer. Uses Crow, libcurl, nlohmann/json.

C++
HandTracking-TileGame

Tile game using Python and the MediaPipe hand tracking library.

Python
1

05 / Experience

Experience & Roles

University of the Incarnate Word

Game Programming Teaching Assistant

TeachingCurrentSep 2025 – Jul 2026
  • ▸Teach advanced C++ and Unreal Engine 5 to students transitioning from C#/Unity, with a focus on systems programming, memory management, and design patterns.
  • ▸Develop comprehensive curriculum: PowerPoint presentations, coding labs, and project specifications covering pointers, file I/O, and gameplay systems.
  • ▸Mentor students on debugging techniques, code review practices, and professional software development workflows.
  • ▸Guide students through complex implementations including AI behavior trees, movement systems, and Gameplay Ability System architecture.

UIW · MFA Graduate Prototyping Program

Graduate Game Developer

DevelopmentCurrent2024 – 2026
  • ▸Collaborate in a team-based environment completing multiple prototypes and production projects across the full development lifecycle.
  • ▸Developed a custom OpenGL graphics engine implementing a complete rendering pipeline and shader systems.
  • ▸Currently developing a turn-based horror game for the Summer 2026 semester, focusing on gameplay systems and technical design.
  • ▸Completed a hero-based prototype demonstrating the full development cycle from concept to playable build.

University of the Incarnate Word

UPGRADE Program Representative

Outreach2022 – 2025
  • ▸Showcased personal projects and the programming curriculum to high school students to promote UIW's game programming track.
  • ▸Demonstrated real-world applications of C++, C#, Unreal Engine, and Unity workflows to prospective students.
  • ▸Represented the program at recruitment events, communicating technical concepts effectively to diverse audiences.

06 / Reel & Media

Gameplay Reel

A showcase of gameplay systems, mechanics, and engine work. Updated directly on Vimeo, always reflecting the latest version.

Gameplay Programming Reel

vimeo.com

Full gameplay programming reel featuring systems built in UE5, Unity, and custom engines. Hosted on Vimeo, always current.

JacobF_GameplayProgrammingReel

Class Project Showcase

linkedin.com

Featured class project video posted to LinkedIn. Demonstrates gameplay systems and technical implementation in a production context.

Watch on LinkedIn →

Videos link directly to their sources, content stays current when updated on Vimeo or LinkedIn.

07 / Education

Academic Background

Accelerated Concurrent Program: B.F.A. & M.F.A. simultaneously · 2021 – 2026

2024 – 2026

Accelerated

Master of Fine Arts

Game Programming

Expected 2026

University of the Incarnate Word

San Antonio, Texas

Triple A Programmer Award · 2024

Relevant Coursework

Advanced C++ ProgrammingC# ProgrammingUnityUnreal Engine 5Systems ArchitectureGameplay ProgrammingAI SystemsPerformance OptimizationObject-Oriented ProgrammingWeb Development

2021 – 2026

Concurrent

Bachelor of Fine Arts

Game Programming

Minor: Computer Interactive Systems (CIS)

In Progress

University of the Incarnate Word

San Antonio, Texas

Core Coursework

Data Structures & AlgorithmsComputer GraphicsGame Engine ArchitectureSoftware EngineeringDatabase Systems

// CIS Minor Coursework

Web DevelopmentObject-Oriented ProgrammingDatabase SystemsPython Programming

08 / Contact

Let's Build Something

Whether you're looking for a game programmer, a systems engineer, or just want to talk C++, I'd love to connect.

Email

Jacobfernandez0607@yahoo.com

Phone

(210) 995-1068

LinkedIn

JacobFernandezProgrammer

Location

San Antonio, Texas

Send Me an Email