Strategic AI Integrator & Generative Design Researcher

Bridging creative vision and technical implementation to forge synergies between human ingenuity and AI

About Me

Naz Akgül Profile Image

I create intelligent, adaptive game systems where generative AI and player choices fuel unique experiences. Combining game-design expertise with prompt engineering, I craft responsive mechanics, conversational AI, and gamified solutions that evolve with users.

My expertise includes:

  • Prompt engineering for LLMs and generative AI agents
  • Unity/C# development focused on gameplay systems
  • Rapid prototyping and iterative testing
  • User modeling for personalized experiences
  • Designing self-sustaining game ecosystems
  • Engagement-focused gamification strategies
  • Player agency and meaningful choice design
  • XR development for immersive experiences

I begin by understanding desired outcomes, then craft AI prompting strategies and game mechanics to bring that vision to life—whether in games, enterprise solutions, or XR products.

Currently completing my MA in Game Design & Programming, my research explores multi-agent AI ecosystems where NPCs and players dynamically interact in emergent gameplay loops.

My mission is to foster a symbiotic relationship between human ingenuity and AI, creating experiences that captivate, educate, and empower.

Featured Projects

Dans Drauganna VR Dance Game

Dans Drauganna

Served as VR Game Design Consultant on this innovative dance-skiing adventure that secured €100K funding from FilmFernsehFonds Bayern. The game invites players to experience immersive landscapes where movement tells a story about biology, nature, and reincarnation.

Survivor Mercs Game

Survivor Mercs

Designed core gameplay systems including procedural level generation, combat mechanics, and unique mercenary trait combinations that create surprising synergies. Created a roguelite squad-based game where players build killer teams to tackle challenging missions.

Hammam VR Experience

Hammam VR Experience

Created and curated this immersive cultural VR experience exploring traditional Turkish bath houses. Featured at GoEast Film Festival's "TALES FROM THE BATHHOUSE" program and exhibited at DFF - Deutsches Filminstitut & Filmmuseum with over 1000 visitors.

Education

TH Köln - Cologne Game Lab (CGL)

Digital Games MA - Game Design & Programming

2023 - 2026

Thesis: Designing Multi Gen-AI Agentic Systems for Emergent Gameplay

TH Köln - Cologne Game Lab (CGL)

Digital Games BA - Game Design

2020 - 2023

Graduation Grade: 1.7

Thesis: How can VR games keep the attention of ADHD players by using special modes?

The Julius Maximilians University of Würzburg

Human Computer Interaction

2021

Designed VR experiments investigating temporal navigation and mental time travel in Alzheimer's patients at Neuroscience Upper Rhine Network Virtual Times Winter School.

Experience

March 2024 - Present

Creative AI Integration Advisor at Inter(mediate) Spaces

AI Integration & XR Development

Designing the architecture of AI databases, transforming user dialogues into dynamic VR landscapes. Consulting on the development of adaptive VR systems that enhance user engagement through real-time evolution. Recommending strategies for integrating AI to create responsive, immersive VR content that evolves with user interaction. Guiding ethical practices for sensitive data management and inclusive AI training approaches, prioritizing inclusivity and bias reduction for trustworthy AI deployment.

Aug 2023 - April 2025

AI Prompt Engineer - Gamified Learning Experience Designer at IU International University of Applied Sciences

Conversational AI Development

Creating scalable, adaptive conversational AI systems for interactive learning experiences, leveraging advanced NLP techniques to enhance user engagement through natural dialogue flows. Designing gamified conversational interfaces that facilitate personalized learning pathways and dynamic content delivery. Prototyping AI assistants using user-centered design principles while ensuring accessibility through proactive bias mitigation and ethical design approaches.

May - Aug 2023

Consultant VR Game Designer at Reynard Films

VR game design consultation

Collaborated with the team to define and refine game mechanics, including player movement, scoring, and progression. Balanced difficulty levels for an enjoyable experience across different skill levels and accessibility. Created interactive and intuitive user interfaces for VR games. Collaborated with artists and sound designers for visually appealing assets and high-quality audio. Analyzed user feedback to enhance game quality and design. Documented and maintained design documentation, including game design documents and guidelines.

March 2022 - May 2023

Game Designer at Wolpertinger Games

Game design and development

Prototyped & integrated weapon mechanics, in-game upgrade systems (Gears), game modifiers (Commander Traits), and NPC AIs in TopDown Engine. Designed and iterated enemy waves to enhance gameplay excitement, balanced gameplay elements to ensure an engaging and challenging experience, and designed the meta-game and economy to create a cohesive and rewarding player progression system. For VR projects: Prototyped environments and interactions for various VR projects, bringing immersive experiences to life. Refined concepts for VR experiences and PC games, ensuring a seamless and enjoyable gameplay flow.

March 2022 - May 2023

Physical Exhibition Curator for VR Programme & Exhibiting VR Artist at DFF - Deutsches Filminstitut & Filmmuseum

VR exhibition curation

Successfully served as both exhibiting artist and physical exhibition curator for all VR exhibitions, including "Hammam" at Go East Film Festival's VR program "TALES FROM THE BATHHOUSE" in 2022. Managed the physical exhibition space, coordinated with artists and festival organizers, and ensured a seamless visitor experience for VR installations.

Nov 2020 - Nov 2022

Team Lead at ArchLabs VR

VR Development & Team Leadership

Founded the team, recruited members, and created the project concept. Secured TH Köln StartUpLab's KickStart grant to develop our vision into a prototype. Supervised production framework, managed team communication and assignments. Designed VR level, mechanics, quests and sound elements for TH Köln's Südstadt Campus's digital twin.

Jun 2020 - Oct 2020

Student VR Developer at GRUNDFOS

VR Development & User Experience

Optimized 3D assets for VR using KeyShot, Pixyz, Unity and 3DS Max. Created framework pipeline from 3D assets to optimized VR deliverables for different platforms and headsets. Developed in-house VR experiences, conducted user testing, and ran VR introductory sessions. Created VR newsletters and produced 360° media for company events.

Publications & Awards

Oct 2024

Reimagining the Collective Experience: AI-Enhanced Gamified Narrative Maps

THE FIFTEENTH INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON THE IMAGE - Interamerican Open University

Academic paper on ergosemiotic narratives and AI-enhanced gamified narrative maps for navigating complex narratives. Keywords: Narratology, Semiotics, Gamification, Ergosemiotic Narratives, Interactive Narrative Mapping, Generative AI.

Oct 2024

Emergent Scholar Award

THE FIFTEENTH INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON THE IMAGE - Interamerican Open University

Recognized for outstanding academic contribution in the field of AI-enhanced interactive narrative design and gamification.

Aug 2023

How can VR games keep the attention of ADHD players by using special modes?

BACHELOR THESIS - TH Köln - Cologne Game Lab (CGL)

Research exploring innovative approaches to designing VR experiences that maintain engagement for neurodivergent players, specifically those with ADHD. The thesis investigates specialized gameplay modes and design patterns that can enhance focus, reduce distractions, and create more accessible and enjoyable VR experiences.

2022-2023

Hammam VR Exhibition

GOEAST FILM FESTIVAL - DFF

Featured VR experience exploring cultural themes through immersive virtual reality. The exhibition has received over 1000 visits at ChatVR since its debut.

Get In Touch

Interested in collaborating or learning more about my work? If you're seeking a visionary collaborator to bring ambitious creative ideas to life through the power of AI, XR, and immersive technologies, let's connect and explore how we can shape the future of interactive experiences and human-AI synergy together.

sayhi@nazakgul.games
Cologne, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany