Assistant Professor of Game & Interactive Media Design

Matthew J. DiMatteo

matt.dimatteo@gmail.com
908-797-3386

I am frequently found at the center of several devices

Working on a project at Carnegie Mellon University's Entertainment Technology Center

Me at the Dust or Magic 2014 conference, organized by Children's Technology Review

Creative and enthusiastic instructor with a versatile background

I’m a self-taught programmer, an avid gamer, and a passionate writer. I currently teach full-time as an Assistant Professor I in the Game & Interactive Media Design program at Rider University. I also serve as a consultant for Children’s Technology Review and developed their online review database from 2014-2019. In my spare time, I am working on a series of fantasy novels, with two completed manuscripts and a third in progress.

From 2014-2022, I taught as an Adjunct Assistant Professor in the Department of Design and Creative Technology at The College of New Jersey, and in 2022 I taught as an Adjunct Faculty member in the Digital Media Arts Department at Mercer County Community College.

I have a Master’s degree in Entertainment Technology from Carnegie Mellon University (2012) and a Bachelor of Arts in Interactive Multimedia from The College of New Jersey (2010). This background includes a focus on game design and development and also encompasses areas such as social sciences and philosophy, project management, electronic music composition, video production, graphic design, and creative, analytical, and technical writing.

My Teaching

Assistant Professor I, Game & Interactive Media Design, Rider University (Aug. 2022-Present)

I currently teach as a full-time faculty member in the Game & Interactive Media Design program at Rider University. My courses focus on game design and development, the history and culture of games, foundational instruction on programming and digital media, and interactive storytelling. My teaching duties include leading classes, development of course syllabi, production of course materials, evaluation of student work, responding to student questions and concerns, advising students on course registration, and providing regular office hours. In addition to teaching, my current scholarly projects include a series of fantasy novels and a student-powered game review database (view an early proof of concept). To provide further value to the university, I help coordinate events such as student game jams and recruit at open house events and accepted student days. I am also a member of Rider's Athletic Council, co-chair for the university's faculty writing retreat, and advisor to the Esports Club.

ART-150: Digital Foundations (Spring 2023, Spring 2024-Present)

Digital Foundations provides an introduction in the use of industry standard tools and methods employed in the field of digital art and design. Basic concepts of composition, form, texture, value, and color in two-dimensional design are explored. A focus will be placed on 2D rendering with contemporary tools, as well as underlying theory and critique.

ART-352: Motion Graphics (Spring 2024)

The Motion Graphics course provides an introduction in the use of industry standard tools and methods employed in motion and animation design. Concepts of composition, form, style and continuity of motion are key. A focus is placed on 2D rendering with contemporary tools, as well as underlying theory and critique. Consideration of cross-media techniques utilized in game design, streaming media, film, and television will be highlighted.

GAM-120: Introduction to Game Logic (Present)

Intro to Game Logic introduces students to strategies for technical implementation of digital games. Students will learn design patterns for popular genres and formats through small game development projects and work toward a final project in the format of their choice. Weekly lessons will include a mix of technical demos, level design strategies, and lab time for troubleshooting and playtesting.

GAM-150: Introduction to Game Studies (Fall 2022-Fall 2023, Present)

Introduction to Game Studies explores the history, technology, and culture of digital games. Students analyze games from each period in game history, identifying structural elements and discussing cultural ramifications. Through writing, discussion, and oral presentation, students examine issues such as race, gender, and representation in games, the impact of violence and graphic content, game preservation and digital rights management, crunch culture and equality in the game industry, and modern trends such as micro-transactions, livestreaming, speedrunning, and esports.

GAM-200: Game Design (Fall 2022-Present)

Game Design explores the theory and practice of creating games, with an emphasis on prototyping and playtesting. Students learn the fundamentals of design and experience the iterative process firsthand through small, themed prototyping projects and in-class playtesting. Students reflect in writing on their findings from playtesting and revision, compile a journal of their own meaningful gaming experiences, and analyze games as rule-based systems through hands-on workshops, discussions, and assignments.

GAM-310: Special Topics in Game Design – Historical Case Studies (Fall 2023)

This course examines historically successful video game franchises such as The Legend of Zelda, Pokémon, and others to distill what makes them great. Students will analyze and critique design strategies used in these games and construct an original game concept informed by their findings.

GAM-310: Special Topics in Game Design – Interactive Narrative Design (Fall 2022)

Interactive Narrative Design explores processes and technologies related to the development of non-linear and interactive storytelling, as used in game design and experimental media. Students individually create interactive stories through digital media applications and work in teams to produce an alternate reality game.

GAM-402: Game Workshop II (Spring 2024)

The Game Workshop courses are designed to give participants a “real world” understanding of the digital game production process from a product’s inception to its public release. While learning the methods, tools, and techniques used by game development teams, students will work in teams to create a digital game, test it, market it, and release it to the public. Aspects of design, aesthetic, interface, monetization, and social and cultural context will all be considered.

Adjunct Assistant Professor, Department of Design and Creative Technology, The College of New Jersey (Aug. 2014-May 2022)

During my time at The College of New Jersey, I taught courses related to digital media, web development, and game design and development. My duties included the development of course syllabi, evaluation of student work, regular correspondence with students regarding any questions or concerns, and maintenance of online course materials through Canvas.

AAV 255: Web I (Spring 2022)

Web I introduces students to the front-end technologies for creating web pages: HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. Students complete targeted exercises each week reinforcing the programming concepts covered in class, working toward the end goal of creating a personal portfolio page. Students also explore UI/UX design principles and concepts related to hosting websites online. My duties for this class included performing demonstrations, preparing coding examples, and helping students with debugging.

IMM 110: Introduction to Digital Media (Fall 2015-2021)

Introduction to Digital Media introduces students to an array of digital media tools and techniques, including Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator, Adobe XD, Adobe Premiere Pro, Adobe After Effects, Adobe Audition, Audacity, GarageBand, and Logic Pro, through in-class demonstrations, discussions, and exercises.

IMM 270: Game Studies and Design (Fall 2020-2021)

Game Studies and Design explores games as an interactive medium. I facilitated students’ development and playtesting of physical and digital game prototypes, and led discussions regarding game design principles and strategies, students’ evaluation of games, and the potential for games to convey meaning. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, I adapted this course to a remote format through Zoom during the Fall 2020 semester.

IMM 271: The Legend of Zelda as a Case Study in Game Design (Self-Proposed Mini Course, Spring 2020)

I proposed and developed the curriculum for a four-session mini course exploring strong game design practices using the Legend of Zelda series as a focal point. My duties included leading weekly discussions and facilitating students’ development of original game concepts. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, I adapted this course to a remote format through Zoom.

IMM 360/CSC 365: Games 1: Design and Architecture (Fall 2014)

Utilized a process-oriented approach to game design and development in which students explored their concepts in a hands-on manner, through physical and digital prototyping, playtesting, and iteration. Led and facilitated class discussions about the broader cultural impact of games to provide a meaningful context for student endeavors.

IMM 460/CSC 465: Games 2: Implementation (Spring 2015)

Cultivated a project-management-centric environment for students to more fully develop game concepts from Games 1. Encouraged a focus on team dynamics and interpersonal skills as well as iterative development and testing from week to week.

IMM 460: Games II – Implementation (Spring 2022)

Games II treats the semester as a condensed game development cycle, placing students on small interdisciplinary teams to create a complete digital game. Programmers, artists, musicians, and writers all work together to execute an original game concept, with an emphasis on iterative playtesting, interpersonal dynamics, project management, and creative problem solving. In this class, my role was comparable to that of the producer or project manager – I met with each team regularly to discuss progress, facilitate discussions between team members, resolve conflicts, prioritize the most essential tasks, offer suggestions, playtest, and debug. I also met with students individually at four times during the semester to ensure they are progressing according to their personal learning goals and the team's goals for the project.

Adjunct Faculty, Digital Media Arts, Mercer County Community College (Jan. 2022-Aug. 2022)

I taught a remote course during the Spring 2022 Semester and taught the same course in person during the Summer 2022 Term. My duties included an increased emphasis on correspondence with students through Blackboard and MS Teams.

DMA 144: Internet Tools and Techniques (Spring 2022-Summer 2022)

Internet Tools and Techniques introduces students to concepts related to web design and development. Students use digital media tools such as Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator, and Adobe XD to create design deliverables such as logos, style tiles, wireframes, and mockups before coding a web page using HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. Students also learn about the history of the Internet and concepts related to networking.

My Work

Consultant, Children's Technology Review (Aug. 2022-Present)

After starting as a full-time faculty member at Rider University, I moved into an advisory role with CTR, where I perform occasional website maintenance. I am currently working on a project to migrate the website while transforming it into a free service running on more stable technology. View a working prototype here.

Chief Technology Officer, Children's Technology Review (Sep. 2019-Aug. 2022)

Led development and maintenance of an online review database for children's interactive media products. Core responsibilities included utilizing HTML, PHP, CSS, and JavaScript for the front-end, while managing the back-end schema of our FileMaker Pro databases to build a forum for parents, teachers, librarians, and curators of children’s media. Took on a variety of additional duties spanning across all areas of the business, including regular correspondence with the Chief Editor regarding the website UI/UX, automating business processes through FileMaker Pro scripting and layout design, performance of regular server maintenance, creation of visual assets for website UI using Adobe Photoshop and Adobe Illustrator, management of the business' blog content through WordPress, and integration of registration forms for annual conferences held by the organization.

Promoted from Director of Web Publishing (Sep. 2013-Aug. 2019).

Director of Web Publishing, Children’s Technology Review (Sep. 2013-Aug. 2019)

Managed company web presence through the integration of web services such as MailChimp, WordPress, and social media with FileMaker Pro databases. Created eBooks using iBooks Author and iTunes Producer and managed sales in iTunes Connect. Worked with tools such as EZregister, Eventbrite, and PayPal in order to facilitate registration for annual conferences hosted by our organization. Managed company finances through QuickBooks. Created an online review database for children's interactive media products, utilizing the FileMaker PHP API, along with HTML, CSS, and JavaScript.

Promoted to Chief Technology Officer (Sep. 2019-Present).

Editorial Assistant, Children’s Technology Review (Feb. 2013-Sep. 2013)

Scouted and tested new iOS app releases, produced video reviews using iMovie, managed company YouTube channel and WordPress site, wrote analysis pieces featured in company’s publication.

Promoted to Director of Web Publishing (Sep. 2013-Aug. 2019).

Interaction Designer, Connected Sports Ventures (Summer 2012)

Worked on the visual design of the interface for an iPad application in Adobe Photoshop and Adobe Illustrator, contributed to experience design in team discussions, and performed quality assurance tasks such as testing and bug filing.

Lead Experience Designer, kindworks (Entertainment Technology Center, Spring 2012)

Designed the game mechanics and Web features for a mixed-reality experience geared towards encouraging generosity in correspondence with the Linden Foundation of Quakertown, PA. Managed project goals and organized tasks and schedule on a development team of six. View the design document here.

Level Designer and Sound Designer, seAker (Entertainment Technology Center, Fall 2011)

Designed game levels, produced game music and sound effects, and maintained the project’s promotional Web site as part of a three-person team to design and develop a physics-based exploration game on the iPad.

Sound Designer, The Alice Project (Carnegie Mellon University, Summer 2011)

Composed five one to two-minute musical tracks and created approximately 400 sound effects to be used as stock media for Alice, a program developed by Carnegie Mellon University to teach programming principles to high-school students.

Game Designer and Composer, Aero's Quest (Entertainment Technology Center, Spring 2011)

Led the overall game and level design as part of a six-person team working to develop an adventure game for the Android aimed at utilizing child exercise data for client Bodymedia, Inc. in Pittsburgh, PA. Held requirements gathering meetings with client, drafted a design document, pitched design prototype, and composed game music. View the design document here.

Skills