Danny Tran

Game Developer | Technical Animator

  • Tug of War

    Engine: Unity (C#)

    Web Controller: Typscript React

    Frameworks & Tools: Custom gameplay framework, RESTful API integration, real-time synchronization layer

    Core Features Built:

    • Multiplayer gameplay framework connected to backend APIs for real-time data updates
    • Synchronized UI and projection visuals across jumbotron, rink projection, and mobile web controller
    • Responsive and scalable UI system for multiple display resolutions
    • Optimized rendering and event-driven UI performance for large-scale stadium environments
    • Cross-platform communication between Unity visuals and web-based controllers

  • Overview

    Tug of War, presented by PlayStation, redefines live fan engagement at Toronto Maple Leafs games through an interactive, arena-wide experience. The game transforms the ice rink into a massive, multiplayer playground using large-scale projection systems. Designed for quick 2–3 minute sessions during intermissions, fans compete in real time to pull their team to victory fostering community spirit, brand visibility, and unforgettable in-game energy.

    This activation was built to elevate PlayStation’s fan engagement strategy and increase sign-ups while showcasing the power of large-scale, real-time digital experiences in a live sports environment.

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    My Role

    As a Unity Developer and UI Technical Artist, I worked closely with the design and backend teams to bridge the gap between creative vision and technical implementation.

    Key Contributions:

    • Collaborated with the UI/UX designer to design and refine the user flow and visual experience across all display systems.
    • Implemented the UI visuals for the jumbotron, rink projection system, and web controller interface, ensuring brand consistency and visual clarity at any scale.
    • Developed the core gameplay framework in Unity, integrating with backend API endpoints to handle real-time game state, scoring, and player interactions.
    • Created a synchronized visual system to maintain consistency across multiple devices and large-scale outputs.
    • Optimized rendering performance for projection hardware and high-resolution stadium displays.
    • Ensured all visual transitions, animations, and feedback loops reinforced energy, competition, and PlayStation brand identity.

  • Design & User Experience

    The Tug of War experience was designed to feel bold, energetic, and unmistakably PlayStation. Working closely with the design team, I helped translate the brand’s identity into dynamic, real-time visuals across multiple platforms from the arena’s jumbotron and ice projection to fans’ mobile web controllers.

    Each touchpoint was crafted to enhance excitement and participation:

    • The mobile interface guided fans effortlessly from joining the game to viewing live results, with intuitive gestures and clear feedback loops.
    • Projection and jumbotron visuals mirrored real-time game progress with synchronized animations, making every tap from the crowd feel impactful.
    • I focused on maintaining visual clarity at scale ensuring legibility, motion, and timing felt seamless across screens ranging from handheld devices to 100-foot displays.

  • Challenges & Solutions

    Developing a synchronized, large-scale multiplayer experience presented unique technical and design challenges.

    Challenges:

    • Synchronizing visuals and gameplay states across projection, jumbotron, and web clients.
    • Maintaining high performance under rapid real-time input from thousands of participants.
    • Ensuring the UI remained readable and responsive across diverse devices and display resolutions.

    Solutions:

    • Implemented a Unity-based core framework that connected to backend API endpoints for real-time data flow and gameplay synchronization.
    • Built a lightweight, event-driven UI system optimized for instant feedback and network responsiveness.
    • Designed modular UI components adaptable to multiple display scales, preserving readability and visual consistency.
    • Collaborated closely with backend engineers and designers to fine-tune performance, timing, and user flow through iterative live testing inside Scotiabank Arena.

    Outcome

    The Tug of War activation debuted to enthusiastic reception during Toronto Maple Leafs home games, uniting thousands of fans in real-time gameplay. The project delivered a seamless multi-screen experience, blending technology, competition, and brand engagement into one interactive moment.

    • Successfully integrated gameplay, UI, and backend systems across all displays.
    • Elevated in-arena energy with real-time crowd participation.
    • Became one of MLSE’s most popular projection-based games, averaging over 10,000 active participants per night.
    • Strengthened PlayStation’s visibility and fan connection through an engaging, high-impact digital activation.
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