MATEO CAYO
PROJECT MANAGER AND GAME DESIGNER
ASTROWAIFU
Astrowaifu is a relaxing space game where players complete minigames to collect resources and decorate a space station, combining fun with learning about life in zero gravity.
Project info
My contribution
As project manager, I led the team by creating detailed schedules, assigning tasks strategically, and conducting weekly meetings to ensure consistent progress. I also took charge of crafting persuasive sales pitches and the pitch deck, while developing forward-looking projections to guide the project’s growth and success.
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As game designer, I defined the overall player experience, including the educational elements and their integration with the mini-games. I also designed the resource system and conceptualized the game’s monetization model, which, although not implemented, served to validate and test the proposed approach.​​​




Experience and lessons learned
Monetization Strategies
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I gained experience with monetization strategies and player engagement techniques, implementing two types of in-game currency and an energy system to regulate player progression. I also designed premium paid content (microtransactions) to explore potential revenue streams while ensuring a balanced and engaging player experience.
Fostering Creativity
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During the Game Jam stage, I learned that a flexible approach, rather than rigid organization, is key to fostering creativity. For the first time, we used a Kanban tool to manage tasks, which the team appreciated for its simplicity. This adaptable mindset was intentionally maintained for long-term development to balance structure with creativity.
Building a Compelling Pitch
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I strengthened my skills by creating a pitch deck that presented the data behind the idea, projections, market opportunities, and benchmarking insights. This experience reinforced the importance of building a clear and well-structured document that shows the concept and its potential to stakeholders, while also helping me learn how to communicate ideas effectively.