About Me
Benedicto Villanueva III
Game Developer & XR Specialist
I am a game developer specializing in immersive VR/AR experiences with expertise spanning multiple disciplines in game development, interactive media, and XR technologies. I have experience leading teams and managing projects in both professional and academic environments.
With a background in both technical and creative aspects of game development, I focus on creating engaging and accessible experiences, particularly in virtual and augmented reality. My experience in the United States Air Force has provided me with strong leadership skills and attention to detail that I apply to my development work.
Education
Bachelor of Science in Games, Interactive Media, and Mobile Technology
May 2025
Boise State University, Boise, ID
Comprehensive program covering all aspects of interactive media development, with specialized coursework in:
- Game Development: From foundational design theory to multiplayer game implementation and advanced development techniques
- XR Technologies: Virtual and augmented reality development, including 3D modeling, animation, and specialized audio for immersive environments
- Mobile & Web Development: Creating cross-platform applications and services with focus on IoT integration
- Interactive Storytelling: Visual narrative techniques and interactive storytelling methodologies for games and other media
- Physical Computing: Integration of software with physical interfaces and components
Associate of Applied Science in Criminal Justice
July 2019
Community College of the Air Force, Maxwell Air Force Base, AL
Professional Experience
NASA SUITS UI Team Lead
2022 - 2023
Boise State University
Led the UI team in developing augmented reality interfaces for astronaut spacesuits using MRTK, Meta Quest 2, and HoloLens 2. Managed project coordination to meet NASA's requirements and improved documentation practices for AR development.
Skills Used:
Facilities Manager
2019 - 2020
United States Air Force, Cheyenne, WY
Utilized complex technical systems for facility monitoring and security management. Analyzed system data to identify operational improvements and implemented streamlined workflows that enhanced facility management efficiency.
Skills Used:
Physical Security Manager (Anti-Terrorism NCOIC)
Oct 2017 - May 2018
United States Air Force, Mountain Home AFB, ID
Operated and managed advanced security monitoring systems for critical infrastructure protection. Configured security assessment tools and utilized data visualization dashboards to analyze security vulnerabilities and implement risk-mitigation measures.
Skills Used:
Criminal Investigator
May 2018 - November 2018
United States Air Force
Utilized specialized investigation software for evidence tracking and case management. Created detailed visualization maps for crime scene analysis and applied analytical techniques to establish relationships between evidence similar to systems thinking in game development environments.
Skills Used:
Public Safety Telecommunicator
Jan 2014 - Feb 2019
United States Air Force
Operated complex emergency response systems and computer-aided dispatch tools, requiring quick adaptation to technical interfaces. Mastered multiple computer applications for incident management and developed efficient workflows to handle critical information during emergency situations.
Skills Used:
Stage Manager
Feb 2009 - Sep 2015
San Mateo Union High School District, San Mateo, California
- Operated digital lighting and sound control boards requiring technical proficiency
- Managed technical show sequences with precise timing and cue execution
- Coordinated technical integration between audio, visual, and lighting systems
Skills Used:
NASA SUITS UI Team Lead
2022 - 2023
Boise State University
Designed user interface and experience for AR applications targeting astronaut spacesuits, focusing on intuitive controls and efficient information presentation in extreme environments.
Skills Used:
Response Force Leader
Feb 2019 - Dec 2020
United States Air Force
Created immersive simulation experiences with branching narrative scenarios and decision points similar to game design methodologies. Developed interactive training simulations with progression systems, engagement mechanics, and scenario balancing to ensure optimal learning and engagement.
Skills Used:
Physical Security Manager
Oct 2017 - May 2018
United States Air Force, Mountain Home AFB, ID
Designed intuitive security monitoring interfaces with information hierarchy and visual feedback systems. Created interactive simulation scenarios for security testing with balanced difficulty progression and feedback mechanics to enhance learning outcomes.
Skills Used:
Criminal Investigator
May 2018 - November 2018
United States Air Force
Designed interactive data visualization systems with principles directly applicable to game UI design. Created investigative workflow models featuring intuitive information architecture, progressive disclosure techniques, and visual storytelling that mirrored game narrative systems.
Skills Used:
Public Safety Telecommunicator
Jan 2014 - Feb 2019
United States Air Force
Redesigned emergency management interfaces using critical UX principles applicable to high-pressure game scenarios. Created color-coded information hierarchy systems and intuitive status indicators that minimized cognitive load while maximizing information clarity - techniques directly transferable to game UI design.
Skills Used:
Stage Manager
Feb 2009 - Sep 2015
San Mateo Union High School District, San Mateo, California
- Designed atmospheric storytelling experiences through synchronized lighting, sound, and stage effects
- Created unified visual design systems with color theory and emotional pacing similar to game level design
- Developed environmental storytelling techniques to enhance narrative immersion
Skills Used:
NASA SUITS UI Team Lead
2022 - 2023
Boise State University
Led a team of developers and designers in creating AR interfaces for NASA's spacesuit technology. Coordinated project timelines, delegated tasks, and managed the integration of different components to meet competition requirements.
Skills Used:
Facility Manager
2019 - 2020
United States Air Force, Cheyenne, WY
Managed a $30K budget and oversaw custodial contracts for National Historic Facilities. Led a team of 20+ personnel, ensuring efficient daily operations and facility upkeep. Represented work priorities and future projects at facility management boards for 1,500 employees.
Skills Used:
First-Line Supervisor (Response Force Leader)
Feb 2019 - Dec 2020
United States Air Force, F.E. Warren AFB, Wyoming
- Led cross-functional teams with agile methodologies to optimize investigation workflows
- Managed resource allocation and timeline planning for multiple concurrent projects
- Implemented continuous improvement processes with regular retrospectives
- Conducted structured training programs with skills assessment and development plans
Skills Used:
Criminal Investigator
May 2018 - November 2018
United States Air Force
- Managed complex projects from initiation to completion with defined milestones and deliverables
- Developed and implemented standardized workflow processes to improve efficiency
- Led stakeholder management across multiple organizations ensuring alignment of objectives
- Implemented critical path management techniques to optimize resource utilization
Skills Used:
Physical Security Manager (Anti-Terrorism NCOIC)
Oct 2017 - May 2018
United States Air Force, Mountain Home AFB, Idaho
- Managed comprehensive security program for assets valued at $655M with detailed risk management
- Led strategic planning initiatives and created development roadmaps with clear milestones
- Organized and facilitated cross-functional working groups with defined objectives and deliverables
- Developed and implemented training programs with curriculum design and effectiveness metrics
Skills Used:
Public Safety Telecommunicator
Jan 2014 - Feb 2019
United States Air Force
- Implemented resource management systems with real-time allocation and tracking methodologies
- Coordinated multi-stakeholder operations requiring precise communication protocols
- Managed crisis response with rapid decision-making frameworks and escalation procedures
- Developed priority matrix systems for resource allocation in time-sensitive scenarios
Skills Used:
Patrol Officer (Response Force Member)
Dec 2011 - Aug 2015
United States Air Force
- Managed end-to-end incident response projects with defined workflows and success metrics
- Led multi-agency collaborations requiring alignment of objectives and procedures
- Implemented structured methodologies for scene management and evidence documentation
- Developed reporting systems with quality control processes and documentation standards
Skills Used:
NASA SUITS UI Team Lead
2022 - 2023
Boise State University
Led the UI team in developing augmented reality interfaces for astronaut spacesuits using MRTK, Meta Quest 2, and HoloLens 2. Managed project coordination to meet NASA's requirements and improved documentation practices for AR development.
Key Responsibilities:
Facilities Manager
2019 - 2020
United States Air Force, Cheyenne, WY
Managed a $30K budget and oversaw custodial contracts for National Historic Facilities. Led a team of 20+ personnel, ensuring efficient daily operations and facility upkeep. Represented work priorities and future projects at facility management boards for 1,500 employees.
- Monitor the facility to ensure that it remains safe, secure, and well-maintained
- Oversee the maintenance and repair of machinery, equipment, and electrical and mechanical systems
- Oversee construction and renovation projects to improve efficiency and to ensure that facilities meet environmental, health, and security standards, and comply with government regulations
- Plan, administer, and control budgets for contracts, equipment, and supplies
Work Activities:
First-Line Supervisor (Response Force Leader)
Feb 2019 - Dec 2020
United States Air Force, F.E. Warren AFB, Wyoming
Supervised and coordinated the investigation of criminal cases, offering guidance and expertise to investigators, and ensuring that procedures were conducted in accordance with laws and regulations.
- Directed collection, preparation, and handling of evidence and personal property of prisoners
- Investigated and resolved personnel problems within organization and charges of misconduct against staff
- Explained police operations to subordinates to assist them in performing their job duties
- Maintained logs, prepared reports, and directed the preparation, handling, and maintenance of departmental records
Work Activities:
Criminal Investigator
May 2018 - November 2018
United States Air Force
Obtained facts and statements from complainants, witnesses, and accused persons and recorded interviews. Prepared reports detailing investigation findings and preserved evidence.
- Recorded progress of investigation, maintained informational files on suspects, and submitted reports to commanding officer or magistrate to authorize warrants
- Prepared reports that detail investigation findings
- Prepared charges or responses to charges, or information for court cases, according to formalized procedures
- Preserved, processed, and analyzed items of evidence obtained from crime scenes and suspects
Work Activities:
Physical Security Manager (Anti-Terrorism NCOIC)
Oct 2017 - May 2018
United States Air Force, Mountain Home AFB, ID
Assessed physical security threats, conducted security audits, and designed security policies to ensure staff safety. Performed risk analyses and developed countermeasures for vulnerabilities.
- Assessed the nature and level of physical security threats to determine the scope of problems
- Conducted security audits to identify potential vulnerabilities related to physical security or staff safety
- Designed security policies, programs, or practices to ensure adequate security
- Outlined system security criteria for pre-bid meetings with clients and companies
Key Responsibilities:
Public Safety Telecommunicator
Jan 2014 - Feb 2019
United States Air Force
Questioned callers to determine their locations and the nature of problems to determine type of response needed. Determined response requirements and relative priorities of situations.
- Received incoming telephone or alarm system calls regarding emergency and non-emergency police and fire service
- Relayed information and messages to and from emergency sites, to law enforcement agencies, and to other individuals requiring notification
- Recorded details of calls, dispatches, and messages
- Maintained access to, and security of, highly sensitive materials
Work Activities:
Patrol Officer (Response Force Member)
Dec 2011 - Aug 2015
United States Air Force
Provided public safety by maintaining order, responding to emergencies, protecting people and property, enforcing laws, and promoting good community relations.
- Identified, pursued, and arrested suspects and perpetrators of criminal acts
- Recorded facts to prepare reports that document incidents and activities
- Rendered aid to accident survivors and other persons requiring first aid for physical injuries
- Investigated illegal or suspicious activities
Work Activities:
Stage Manager
Feb 2009 - Sep 2015
San Mateo Union High School District, San Mateo, California
Created interactive lighting and sound control programs and designed automated stage technical systems. Managed live productions and technical teams.
- Designed interactive experiences for live performances
- Created lighting designs that enhanced storytelling
- Programmed and implemented control systems for theatrical equipment
- Managed technical teams during productions