The most important part of a new game feature is prooving that it is fun and deserves to be in the game. So as long as your implementation was easy to implement, simple to iterate on, and runs at a playable framerate in game, then the feature can be tested and properly evaluated for inclusion into the game. Then and only then should you worry about focusing on how to make the feature perform better and only if it is the current bottlekneck stopping your game from performing at a playable state. Premature optimization and micro optimizations tend to do more harm than good over the course of a 3-5 year development cycle. They waste development time, make the code less user friendly, block fast iteration, wasted if the feature gets cut, etc.

1. Optimize Code and Algorithms Profiling and Analysis: Use profiling tools to identify bottlenecks in CPU, GPU, or memory usage. Efficient Algorithms: Replace inefficient algorithms with optimized ones that deliver similar outcomes. Garbage Collection: Minimize memory leaks and manage garbage collection effectively. 2. Optimize Assets LOD (Level of Detail): Use LOD models for assets to reduce polygon counts at a distance. Texture Compression: Apply appropriate compression formats for textures. Asset Streaming: Stream assets dynamically to reduce memory usage.

As an Unreal Engine technical Artist I address performance issues by profiling early, optimizing assets (LODs, textures, shaders), leveraging Unreal Engine tools (Nanite, HLOD, Virtual Textures), and iterating through testing. Collaboration ensures innovative features remain efficient and impactful.

Treat performance like a puzzle, not a wall. Break the feature into smaller parts and optimize the heaviest elements first. Collaborate with your tech team to explore creative solutions like dynamic loading or simplified assets. Keep the core innovative idea intact—sometimes less flash delivers more impact. Innovation doesn’t have to mean overloading the system.

I prioritize innovation by developing and testing features in isolated builds, ensuring their core functionality. Using performance analyzers, I iteratively optimize critical elements while preserving creativity and system efficiency.