Jonathan Ascaño

Game Designer
Game Developer

Hi!I’m Jonathan, a game designer and developer from De La Salle - College of Saint Benilde. I graduated with a BS in Interactive Entertainment and Multimedia Computing, Major in Game Development.I mainly do game design, level design, and narrative design, but with my technical background, I also do a mix of creative and technical work. I love finding ways to bridge art and code and make things feel as immersive as possible.Check out some of the projects I’ve worked on!

Missing Alice (2024) is a narrative-driven detective adventure game developed by Senshi Labs - Dramatic Interactive Entertainment.

• PLAY FOR FREE

High school student and outcast Alice Luna vanished without a trace.As student council president and Alice's childhood friend, you must find her before the police close the case for good.Four Chapters
Step into Selina's shoes as you unravel the mystery of Alice's disappearance across four story-driven chapters.Search for Evidence
Use Detective Mode to find hidden clues in the hallways and classrooms of Hidalgo Academy.Interrogate
Confront classmates and teachers using the right evidence to gather information.Scroll through Burble
Explore the school's social media feed and find relevant posts related to the case.

LEAD DESIGNER

LEAD WRITER

PROGRAMMER

As the Lead Designer, I was in charge of the game's creative direction.I conceptualized the mechanics and how the story of Missing Alice weaves into the gameplay, ensuring the best narrative experience.My responsibilities included designing levels, detective puzzles, and UI, as well as implementing lighting and cutscenes, and managing the dialogue system's flow.I also co-wrote the game documentation as one of the core team members.

As the Lead Writer, I wrote the four-chapter story of Missing Alice.It was originally written in novel form, so the story followed a linear structure. However, as the designer, I ensured that while players had agency, the investigation unfolds naturally as it does in the story.I also wrote in-game dialogue and additional content.You can check out the full story here:
Missing Alice by Jonathan Ascaño

As a Programmer, I implemented mechanics, gameplay systems, and UI, as well as integrated various assets, including sprites, animations, SFX, and particle effects. I also handled bug fixes and managed game builds.In addition to my broader programming work, I developed key systems such as the hint system and save system.

Young Creatives Challenge 2025
Top 21 in Game Development

GameOn Awards 2024
Nominated for Best Narrative
Nominated for Best Original Sound Design

PGDX 2024
Indie Game Stars

Incendium 2T AY22-23
Best Capstone (Mixed Category)

We Were Here First (2023) is a 3D stealth adventure game about indigenous peoples developed by Exotic Pencil Entertainment.

• PLAY FOR FREE

An uncharted island in the Philippines, home to an indigenous tribe, is being invaded by a corporation.Unable to drive them out or break through the island’s magic, the corporation discovers the source of its power: the two deities protecting the land. By destroying their shrines and stealing sacred relics, the tribe is weakened, allowing the corporation to set up a base in the island’s forests and mountains.You play as a young tribal girl on a quest to retrieve the stolen relics and investigate the corporation's true intentions before they completely take over your home.

PROJECT LEAD

LEAD DESIGNER

PROGRAMMER

WRITER

As the Project Lead, I managed the game's production, created and maintained our production timeline, and delegated tasks across the team.As the Lead Designer, I conceptualized the core mechanics, designed levels, puzzles, and UI. I also wrote the game documentation.As a Programmer, I implemented mechanics, fixed bugs, and managed game builds.And as a Writer, I wrote We Were Here First's story, in-game dialogue, and additional content.

PGDX 2024
Indie Game Stars

Young Creatives Challenge 2024
Top 22 in Game Development

Incendium 3T AY22-23
First Runner-Up for Best Capstone

Journey through the desolate streets and treacherous alleys of Manila as you guide Luna, a stray aspin on a search for her owner. Interact and take on various challenges, quests, and puzzles as you make your way through the city in this 2D side-scrolling adventure game.

LEAD DESIGNER

LEAD PROGRAMMER

LEAD WRITER

As the Lead Designer, I conceptualized the mechanics, designed levels, platformer puzzles, and mini-games. I also co-wrote the game documentation.As the Lead Programmer, I developed the core mechanics, gameplay systems, and UI, integrated various assets, including sprites, animations, cutscenes, and sound effects, fixed bugs, and managed game builds.Lastly, as the Lead Writer, I wrote the game's story, in-game dialogue, and additional content.