
Michael McDonald
CCO at Magic Matter | Creative Director at Walker Labs
- Previously at Ubisoft, WētāFX, Wētā Workshop/Magic Leap, and EA
• Metaverse world building • AR/VR creative services • real-time 3D content • art direction • art outsourcing • marketing art • pipeline optimisation • look-development • art leadership/mentorship
• “Chorus” (PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One, Stadia, PC) – Sr. Lighting Artist
• “The Christmas Chronicles: Part Two” (Netflix) – Matte Artist
• “Dr. Grordbort’s: Boosters” (Magic Leap One) – Senior Artist
• “Dr. Grordbort’s: Invaders” (Magic Leap One) – Senior Artist
• “Need For Speed™ No Limits VR” (Google Daydream) – Lead Environment Artist
• “Need For Speed™ No Limits” (iOS/Android) – Lead Environment Artist
• “Real Racing 3” (iOS/Android) – Mid-Level Artist
• “Need For Speed™ Most Wanted” (iOS/Android) – Mid-Level Artist
• “Mass Effect™ Infiltrator” (iOS/Android) – Mid-Level Artist
• “The Sims™ FreePlay” (iOS/Android) – Mid-Level Artist
• “Dead Space” (iOS/Android) – Mid-Level Artist
• “Need For Speed™ Hot Pursuit” (iOS/Android) – Mid-Level Artist
• “Need For Speed™ Nitro” (DS) – Outsourced Artist
• “The Sims 3™ World Adventures” (iOS) – Outsourced Artist
• “Path of Exile” (PC) – Environment Artist
• “Petanque Pro” (Wii) – 3D Artist
• “World Sports Party” (Wii) – 3D Artist
Creative Director and co-founder
Senior Lighting Artist
Senior Lighting Artist
Senior Environment Artist / Art Lead (Part-time contract)
Senior Lighting Artist
Senior Lighting Artist
3D Matte Painter (Short term contract)
Senior Artist
Wellington, New Zealand · December 2016 – July 2020
Melbourne, Australia · June 2013 – December 2016
Melbourne, Australia · April 2010 – June 2013
Melbourne, Australia · October 2009 – March 2010
Auckland, New Zealand · August 2009 – September 2009
Auckland, New Zealand · July 2008 – July 2009
New Plymouth, New Zealand · February 2008 – July 2008
Auckland, New Zealand · April 2007 – April 2008
2019🏆 The Slice of Heaven Grand Prize – Winner , NZ Games Festival – The Pavs
Dr. Grordborts: Invaders
2019🥈 Immersive Reality Technical Achievement – Nominee , D.I.C.E
Dr. Grordborts: Invaders
2019🥈 Outstanding Visual Effects in a Real-Time Project – Nominee , VES Awards
Dr. Grordborts: Invaders
2014🥈 Game, Original Role Playing – Nominee , NAVGTR
Path of Exile
2013🥇 Gold Rating , PocketGamer
Real Racing 3
2012🏆 Best Aussie / NZ-Made Game – Winner , IGN AU Black Beta Select Awards
Mass Effect™ Infiltrator
2012🏆 Best Mobile Graphics – Winner , IGN
Need For Speed™ Most Wanted (iOS/Android)
2012🥇 APP STORE BEST OF , Apple Inc.
Need For Speed™ Most Wanted (iOS/Android)
2012🥈 Mobile & Handheld – Nominee , BAFTA
Dead Space™ (iOS)
2011🏆 iPad Game of the Year Award – Winner (U.S. and Canada) , Apple Inc.
Dead Space™ (iOS)
2008🏆 Best Animation, 48Hour Film Festival , 48Hours
2006🎓 Sidhe Interactive Annual Scholarship – Recipient , Sidhe Interactive
• Worlds first mobile Vulkan API demo at the 2016 Google Keynote
• NVIDIA and Apple promotional videos