Xbox and Microsoft games

Art Director and Web Design Engineer

As Xbox.com's first Art Director, I helped launch Xbox by creating key systems and processes. I led UX design and built a framework for the platform's content. Earlier, as a Web Designer at Microsoft Game Studios, I developed over 50 game websites, including for titles like Halo and Age of Empires.

NOTABLE ACHIEVEMENTS

  • First Art Director for Xbox.com, creating a unified online brand look

  • Built flexible design system for game websites that fit Xbox branding

  • Designed 50+ game websites for Microsoft Game Studios, including Halo and Age of Empires

  • Created unique microsites and trailers for Xbox games

  • Led team efforts to blend design with marketing and tech needs

ROLES
Art Direction, Design System Development, Digital Design, Concept Sketching, User Journey Mapping, Stakeholder Alignment Facilitation

RECOMMENDATIONS

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“Nate is, hands down, one of the most talented people I've ever worked with. He is equal parts creative artist and technical guru. He has an amazing knack for understanding the end goal of a project even before you verbalize it, and then moving that project from start to completion in the most efficient manner possible. He is able to accommodate multiple inputs from managers and peers while still maintaining the integrity of the project/site and his creative vision. And he is always on the lookout for how the company or his team can improve existing process or work. Best of all, he does amazing work with a smile on his face and sense of humor. If I can ever work with Nate again, I would jump at the chance.”

Eddie Ranchigoda
Group Product Manager (Online Games/Xbox)

“Nate William's working style is a perfect combination of creativity, pragmatism and determination. Nate is that rare breed of creative that can also crank out the goods, collaborate well with others and manage a project to completion. I can say this because I have seen it first hand.

At Microsoft he led projects from collaborative whiteboard sketching sessions all the way through to production launch and maintenance. I worked with Nate to deliver new web sites for Microsoft.com and a complete redesign and relaunch of Xbox.com. As with every creative production some portions of the process were as smooth as silk. Other portions were as rough as a badger's behind. During the difficult times while many of his co-workers would become demoralized, I witnessed Nate maintain high spirits. His positive attitude was contagious and helped to keep the team focused on making progress towards their goals.

Nate's track record makes it obvious that he has what it takes. I look forward to seeing what Nate delivers for years to come.”

Eric Knudtson
Web Designer - Xbox.com