Göksu Uğur, Lead AI and Progression Systems Programmer, Santa Monica Studios

Taking Gameplay to a New Level

If you’ve played a recent video game from Santa Monica Studios, you’ve probably cursed or praised Göksu Uğur’s (CMU 2015) work.

She’s the lead AI and progression systems programmer working primarily on the “God of War” series, which features stories based on Norse mythology. Göksu and her team populate games with the bad guys you fight as well as the partners who aid in your quests.

“Game designers create the enemies, allies and all sorts of creatures,” Göksu says. “I take what’s in their minds and implement the systems to bring them to life.”

The studio’s most recent title, “God of War: Ragnarok,” was widely recognized for its blend of storytelling and creative aspects with exceptional game mechanics. Göksu’s team propelled its gameplay forward with sophisticated AI. Their influence powered more responsive and human-like behaviors as well as enhanced movement for non-player characters.

A native of Turkey, she went to college in Istanbul and discovered a love of programming and art, which led her to CMU’s Entertainment Technology Center to study game development. She found that gameplay programming combined her interests, and she bundled them in a position harnessing AI.

"As my leadership role expands, I get new responsibilities and more ownership over the games we build," she says. “I have been enjoying learning new things as I grow and helping my team along the way."

Göksu has focused on lifting others up by mentoring students, supporting junior developers and organizing events in and outside of the studio to help younger people and underrepresented groups grow their interest in game development.

“I am a strong believer that representation matters, and an overall more inclusive industry will lead to better games,” she says. “I try to use my platform for that as much as I can, and it’s been some of the most rewarding work I have done.”

Story by Elizabeth Speed