Daniel Tavares

Founder & Principal Software Engineer Dan in the Cloud | Unreal & Unity | Available for Contract

Greater Orlando

About

With nearly a year of experience as Founder and Principal Software Engineer at Dan in the Cloud, I focus on creating interactive games and simulations powered by Unreal Engine. My work includes developing an FPV drone simulator for Cole Engineering Services, enhancing gameplay experiences for Statera Studio’s Pocket Bravery, and advising on engineering best practices and efficient release cadences. Leveraging expertise in Unreal Engine, Unity, and software project management, I am committed to delivering high-quality, immersive 3D experiences. With a demonstrated ability to optimize engineering processes and foster team collaboration, I aim to contribute to innovative projects that push the boundaries of interactive entertainment. Currently available for contract opportunities.

Experience

  • Founder, Principal Software Engineer at Dan in the Cloud, LLC
    May 2025 - Present · 1 yr 2 mos

    Making independent games. Available for Contract. • Developed an FPV drone simulator using Unreal Engine for Cole Engineering Services, enhancing user experience. • Fixed bugs and improved stability on Pocket Bravery for Statera Studio, ensuring a smoother gameplay experience. • Provided engineering guidance on best practices and release cadence, fostering efficient development processes, as a freelancer for Statera Studio.

  • Senior Software Engineer at Electronic Arts (EA)
    Oct 2024 - Apr 2025 · 7 mos

  • Principal Software Engineer at Playabit
    Mar 2023 - Jun 2023 · 4 mos

    * Integrated A/B testing and login services into Time Blast: Puzzle Game, developed in Unity. * Coached engineers to help them achieve technical excellence in the project. * Identified engineering and project management inefficiencies and proposed solutions to solve them. * Improved engineering culture by getting the team to do code reviews.

  • Principal Software Engineer at Squid Games
    Apr 2022 - Sep 2022 · 6 mos

    * Worked on the initial stages of development of Jellyvale: A Match Tale using Unity.

  • Zynga (9 yrs 8 mos)
    • Principal Software Engineer
      Jul 2018 - Dec 2021 · 3 yrs 6 mos

      * Revamped the Words With Friends inventory part of the Rewards Pass feature which helped increase IAP revenue by 45%. * Ported Words With Friends achievements to React Native * Developed and maintained a backend service on AWS * Ported Mountain Goat Mountain to Oculus VR (https://www.oculus.com/experiences/rift/1250080495017274) * Worked on various other projects using Unity, cocos2d-x and proprietary tech * Worked on central tech * Mentored junior engineers and collaborated with other teams across the organization

    • Senior Software Engineer
      Jul 2014 - Jun 2018 · 4 yrs

      Helped develop Words on Tour Web using Emscripten. Worked on PlayScript.

    • Software Engineer
      May 2012 - Jun 2014 · 2 yrs 2 mos

      Worked on an unreleased iOS game. Worked on Battlestone.