Kurt M. Kuhlmann

Game Publications Experience Education


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2007 Fighter's Stronghold, Bethesda Softworks

2006 Knights of the Nine, Bethesda Softworks

2006 Oblivion, Bethesda Softworks

2006 Epic of the Peloponnesian War, Clash of Arms Games

2002 (unreleased) Lost Continents, VR1 Entertainment

2002 Morrowind, Bethesda Softworks

2000 (unreleased) Axis & Allies Online, VR1 Entertainment

2000 (unreleased) Maximum Risk, VR1 Entertainment

2000 Empire, Warhorse Simulations

1998 Redguard, Bethesda Softworks

1996 Daggerfall, Bethesda Softworks

 
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2003-present Bethesda Softworks, Rockville, MD
Senior Designer

Responsible for all facets of game design and development on single-player role-playing game. Also developed tools and game systems using C++.

Projects:

The Elder Scrolls, Chapter IV: Oblivion (2003-2006)
Role-playing

  • Developed and implemented main storyline, including dialogue, scripting, and level design.
  • Wrote dialogue for major voice actors: Sean Bean, Terrence Stamp, Patrick Stewart.
  • Designed and implemented scripting system.
  • Designed and implemented quest and dialogue systems, as well as the tools used by designers to create content.

2002-2003 Wall Street On Demand, Boulder, CO
Software Engineer

As a member of the Document Management team, developed applications to process, store and distribute all incoming data for the company.

Projects:

  • Designed and implemented dynamic querying service for the Document Management index.
  • Designed and implemented user entitlements system for index queries.
  • Built application to compress stored files.
  • Built application to perform XSL transformations on incoming files.

1999-2002 VR1 Entertainment, Boulder, CO
Software Engineer

Developed computer games in a team-based environment. Experience in both web-based games (using ASP, Javascript, and SQL Server database) and client-based games (using C++).

Projects:

Lost Continents (2000-2002)
Massively multiplayer role-playing

Member of game functionality team on massively multiplayer online role-playing game, using C++ and Microsoft's SQL Server database. Duties included:

  • Developed connection layer between content database and server.
  • Created data entry tool for manipulating content data on the server using MFC.
  • Designed and implemented server-side game functionality classes (e.g., Player, Creature, Spawner) using COM protocol.
  • Designed and implemented player persistence database and server code.

Axis & Allies Online and Maximum Risk (1999-2000)
Web-based multiplayer strategy

Developed online database-driven strategy games using Active Server Pages, Javascript, and Microsoft's SQL Server database for Hasbro Interactive.

  • Single-handedly completed map code for Axis & Allies
  • Individually revamped the combat system, created administrative back-end, and implemented the automated tournament system for Max Risk.
1998-1999 Qwest Communications, Denver, CO
Object-Oriented Developer

Designed and developed distributed work-flow applications for Qwest's internal customers using Java. Experience with Swing, Weblogic's Tengah server, and Toplink.

Web Developer

Designed and developed web applications for Qwest's intranet, using Javascript, ASP, VBScript, SQL, and dynamic HTML.

Projects included:

  • Designed and coded store to sell Qwest merchandise to employees and business units.
  • Created project tracking system for Information Technology department.
  • Developed Network Events reporting and tracking database.
  • Developed International Service Desk website for KPNQwest joint venture.

2001 Bethesda Softworks, Rockville, MD
Freelance Writer

Wrote 10 in-game books for The Elder Scrolls, Chapter III: Morrowind

1996-1998 Bethesda Softworks, Rockville, MD
Junior Designer

Responsible for all facets of game design and development on a variety of projects. Hired as Apprentice Designer, promoted to Junior Designer after 6 months. Final project was Redguard (design, writing, art credits).

Projects Click here for more information about Redguard Redguard (1998) - (click here for more detailed information)
Third-person 3D adventure/action

The Elder Scrolls, Chapter III: Morrowind (1996-97)
Role-playing

Co-writer of initial design documents.

  • Designed all essential game systems -- interfaces, character classes, skills, combat, magic, economy, items
  • Developed story and game flow
The Elder Scrolls, Chapter II: Daggerfall (1996)
Role-playing

  • Designed and built dungeon levels, using proprietary level editor
  • Wrote and scripted quests, using proprietary quest scripting language
1991-present Warhorse Simulations
Designer, Webmaster, Partner

Design and prepare all elements of strategy board games for publication. Create maps, markers, graphics, and rulebook layout using Freehand, Quark Express, Microsoft Word, and Photoshop. Manage playtesting groups during development process. Write rulebooks and edit them based on feedback from playtesters. Create and maintain Warhorse Simulations website.

Current Project: Automated Card Tracking System (ACTS), an ASP application running off a SQL Server database, for assisting play of card-based PBEM games.

 
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Duke University
Durham, NC
Master of Arts in History, May 1993. Fields in Military History, European Diplomatic History, Colonial American History, and Ancient History.

Michigan State University
East Lansing, MI

Graduated with B.S. in Physics, with high honor, June 1990 (GPA 3.8). Majors in Physics and History.

Honors
  • James B. Duke Fellowship, Duke University, 1991-94
  • National Science Foundation Fellow, 1990-91
  • National Merit Scholar, 1986-90
  • Michigan State University Alumni Distinguished Scholar, 1986-90
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