About
Yoann & Goldanniyatech

About Me
Profession
Expertise
Education
Company

Yoann AMAR ASSOULINE

3D Game Developer

With over 20 years of practice in computer science, including 15 years of professional experience in Software Development and Semiotics, I started learning programming and computer graphics as a self-taught developer at 14, back in 2004.

In 2021, I founded my company Goldanniyatech in order to develop alone and from scratch (without AI for content generation) my first game Goldanniyatech, and to share my expertise as a computer science instructor.

Computer Science Instructor

Independent Higher Education Instructor since 2022, I provide teaching services to multiple institutions for a wide range of audiences (Associate’s, Bachelor’s, Master’s, and adult career changers)

I primarily teach on the following topics: 3D game development, programming, 3D graphics, web development, and fundamentals of computer science.

PhD in Semiotics

Specialized in Semiotics applied to 3D software development, I have been studying Semiotics since 2013, starting with a Bachelor’s (French Licence) and Master’s degree at Paris Cité University, before pursuing a Ph.D. research at Sorbonne University in 2018.

In 2024, I successfully defended and published my doctoral thesis, which provides a semiotics and technical analysis of the evolution of 3D game development since the 1990s.

Resume in English

Resume in French

My Professional Activities &
Career Background

3D Game Developer & Founder

Goldanniyatech, Paris (Since 2021)

Goldanniyatech 1

I'm developing alone and from scratch (without external assets or plugins) my game Goldanniyatech since 2018 (made official in 2021) with the following tools:

Unreal Engine 5 for gameplay programming (Blueprints & C++) and world creation
Blender for modeling, sculpting, and animation for every single asset
Substance Painter for creating every PBR texture
FL Studio for creating lightweight sounds and music (not a specialist of FL, though)

I don’t use generative AI to automate modeling or programming tasks. While I do use this tool for brainstorming, learning, and skill improvement, I believe that hand-crafted models and code is the only way for me to maintain full control over my game's quality and creativity.

Goldanniyatech Website

I am continuously developing this website using the Astro framework (HTML, MDX, CSS, and the TypeScript programming language).

Benchmark Demo on Epic

Goldanniyatech website version in February 2025

Computer Science Instructor

Computer Science Instructor since 2022, I provide teaching services to multiple institutions (Paris Cité University, ICAN, INSECC, etc.) for a wide range of audiences (Associate’s, Bachelor’s, Master’s, and adult career changers).

My courses focus on hard skills and real-world projects based on technologies I’ve worked with extensively over the years.

Courses Taught

I offer courses on the following topics, preferably on-site:

3D Game Development from scratch with Unreal Engine 5 (UnrealEd, Blueprints, C++, assets importing, etc.)
Programming in C++ 20 and Python 3 with a focus on fundamentals (data types, programming paradigms, software architecture, etc.)
3D Computer Graphics involving the creation of 3D models in Blender for offline rendering (Eevee, Cycles) or real-time 3D rendering in Unreal Engine. PBR texture creation in Substance Painter
Web Development using the Astro framework, with HTML, CSS, and TypeScript
Fundamentals of computer science, including history, hardware, office tools (Microsoft 365), and more

Services

I offer on-site workshops, training sessions, and semester-long courses under service contracts, exclusively in direct collaboration with higher education institutions.

I hold an official French activity declaration number as an independent instructor.

Contact Me

Computer Science Instructor Experience

ICAN, Paris (June - July 2026)
- 3D Game Development courses on Unreal Engine for Bachelor’s and Master’s students in Game Programming
- Modules dedicated to advanced Unreal C++ optimization for rendering, physics engine (Chaos), and Open Worlds (World Partition)
INSECC, Paris (2023 - July 2026)
- Business English courses for accounting students (French DCG and DSCG diplomas)
Paris Cité University (2025 - February 2026)
- Programming courses (Python) for University Diploma students
Collège de Paris Education Group (2023 - 2025)
- Taught across three affiliated schools: Digital College, Metaverse College, and École Conte
- 3D Game Development courses (Unreal Engine) for Bachelor’s and Master’s students
- Programming courses (C++, Python) for Bachelor’s and Master’s students
- 3D Graphics workshops (Blender) for Bachelor’s and Master’s students
Kedge Business School, Paris (2025)
- Microsoft Office (Excel) and databases (SQL) courses for Accounting students (French DCG)
SupVeto, Paris (2024 - 2025)
- Microsoft Office courses (Word, Excel) for Bachelor’s students
AFORP, Issy-les-Moulineaux (2023 - 2024)
- Programming workshops (C++, Python) for Master’s students
H3 Hitema, Paris (2023 - 2024)
- Web Development courses (HTML, SCSS, TypeScript, Astro, PHP) for Associate students
- Programming courses (C, C++, Python) for Associate and Bachelor’s students
Aurlom, Paris (2023)
- Web Development (PHP) and programming (Python) workshops for Associate students
PEAJ, Paris (2023)
- 3D Graphics courses (Blender) focused on offline architectural rendering
Golden Collar, Paris (2023)
- Web Development courses (HTML, SCSS, TypeScript, Next.js) for Bachelor’s and Master’s students
- Programming courses (C, C++, Python) for Bachelor’s and Master’s students
Konexio, Paris (2022)
- Web Development courses (HTML, SCSS, JavaScript) for adults in career transition
Progress, Paris (2022)
- Programming workshops (Python) for high school students
CFA FORMAP, Paris (2022)
- 3D Graphics workshops (Blender) for Associate students

Previous Experience

ELP Microsoft Partner, Paris (2019): Development of financial software in VBA and C# for the AMF
Sofrat, Levallois (2018): Developed VBA scripts to automate linguistic data validation for TechnipFMC
Bolloré, Vaucresson (2016 - 2018): Bilingual English/French communication with VIP clients (France, the UK, and the US);
Semiotic analysis of linguistic data (Python, Praat, Audacity) conducted during my Master’s program (Years 1 & 2)
Digitas, Levallois (2015): Prototype website development (HTML, CSS, JS) and CMS management
Newrest, Paris (2014): Managed computerized inventory systems and authored technical doc for SNCF
Guy Charles Gaudefroy, Saint-Ouen (2011 - 2012): Computerized Inventory Management
Zénith Paris (2011): Bilingual English reception services for clients and staff

My Computer Science Expertise

Skills Overview

Programming
- C++ 20: OOP principles, data types, memory management (raw & smart pointers), templates/metaprogramming, concurrency, Standard Library, RAII, design patterns, performance optimizations
- Python 3: Advanced scripting, data structures, paradigms (OOP, procedural), Python Standard Library
Game Engine
- Unreal Engine 5: Unreal C++ programming, Blueprints scripting, UnrealEd, Niagara particles, World Partition, performance optimization.
3D Graphics
- Blender: modeling, UV Unwrapping, Rigging & Skinning (custom rigs), animation (keyframes, bone-based, Shape Keys), game engine exporting (FBX, USD, glTF)
- Substance Painter: PBR texturing workflow (baking, smart materials, generators, filters)
Web Development
- Languages: HTML, CSS
- Programming Language: TypeScript
- Modern JamStack framework: Astro
Computer Fundamentals
- Hardware, Windows OS, Office (Microsoft & Google)
Natural Languages
- American English (Bilingual) and French (Native)

UnrealEd interface showing my Goldanniyatech project

Game Engine: Unreal Engine 5

I have deep expertise in Unreal Engine 5 as a solo developer, with a focus on gameplay systems, open-world environments, animation scripting, visual effects (Niagara), and NPC artificial intelligence (behavior-driven, not generative AI).

I have deep knowledge of engine architecture and best practices (smart pointers, UBT, UHT/reflection, GC, UObject lifecycle, CDOs) and extensively use Unreal Gameplay Framework (GameInstance, GameState, PlayerState, SaveGame). I tend to follow Unreal’s opinionated architecture.

I program in Unreal C++ low-level base classes with several Blueprint-exposed member variables (properties) and member functions (methods).

I use Blueprints for prototyping (Construction Scripts, Timelines, delegates, interfaces) and instantiating my custom C++ classes. I mostly rely on C++ as Blueprints will be deprecated in a future UE 6.X release in favor of Verse.

As an open-world specialist, I mostly work with World Partition (HLODs, Data Layers), optimize meshes rendering & reduce draw calls (ISM, HISM, Packed Level Actors, custom C++ culling, master materials & instances), and use a modular workflow (Level Instances, Blueprints' Construction Scripts).

I also work with materials (Master Materials with parameters, Material Instances), Enhanced Input, Animation Blueprints, Niagara systems with complex emitters, rudimentary Artificial Intelligence behaviors (Behavior Trees, Tasks)

Wanderer tramway Blueprint in Unreal Engine

Niagara particle effects in Unreal Engine

Magical horse from the game Goldanniyatech

3D Graphics: Blender & Substance Painter

I have extensive expertise in Blender and Substance Painter as a 3D generalist, creating both hard‑surface and organic models of all kinds.

I create all my stylized assets entirely from scratch in Blender, starting from primitive geometric shapes (cube, sphere, torus, etc.). I never rely on 2D blueprint references or concept art; instead, I block out forms directly in the viewport.

My modeling approach is based on traditional polygonal modeling techniques using basic operations (edge loops, extrusions) and non-destructive modifiers (mirror, array, subsurface). I rarely use sculpting unless I need to reshape the overall structure of the mesh. I also do quick UV unwrapping while ensuring it's optimized for the engine (no overlapping UV islands, optimized texel density)

For animation, I use keyframe animation to test basic models before exporting, and I handle rigging and skinning for my organic meshes for armature or bone-based animation (with custom rigs only). I no longer use Shape Keys to avoid custom vertex deformation and use reusable bone-based animations for Unreal.

I export all my models in the FBX format and solve issues when needed (normal orientation, scene scale for animated rigs, exporting deformation bones). Although I'm still with FBX, I'm also knowledgeable in USD and glTF exporting to prepare for Unreal Engine 6.

For texturing, I work in Substance Painter with a semi‑stylized PBR art style. I bake directly from my low‑poly meshes (without HPM) and use generators, smart materials, and filters.

Giga Padlock render in Substance Painter IRay

3D model of an Amber car for Goldanniyatech

Azure SUV modeled in 3D for Goldanniyatech

Raptor truck, stylized 3D asset for Goldanniyatech

UV Unwrapping for a Gate Light from a Goldanniyatech game asset

Visual Studio Code editor displaying the Goldanniyatech website

Web Development

I design and maintain my Goldanniyatech website entirely from scratch, using HTML, CSS, and the TypeScript programming language (superset of JavaScript). I’ve chosen to avoid using UI libraries or frameworks like Tailwind or Bootstrap to maintain full control over my site’s design.

Since my website is purely static, I chose the Astro framework, with an SSG build (Static Site Generation). This approach helps me achieve better performance, which I regularly measure using tools like Lighthouse (PageSpeed Insights), while also providing a modern, scalable architecture for my content.

My Education

Presentation of my PhD Thesis

PhD Thesis Manuscript (PDF)

PhD of Language Sciences

Sorbonne University (November 2018 - July 2024)

Thesis defended on July 1^st 2024 (Theses.fr • SUDOC.fr)
Research on Semiotics applied to Computer Science, exploring the evolution of 3D game development since the 1990s.
Doctoral School V Concepts and Languages (ED 433) | STIH Laboratory (EA 4509)
Title : Semiotics and Computer Science Methodology for Three-Dimensional Software Development: Programming, Intertheoreticity, and Gaming Interactivity

Master of Language Sciences

Paris Cité University (2016 - 2018), With Highest Honors

Specialization : Expertise in Semiology and Communication (ESC)

License of Language Sciences

Paris Cité University (2013 - 2016), With High Honors

First Year of Medical School

Paris Cité University (2012 - 2013)

Baccalaureate in Literature

Academy of Paris (2012)

Obtained as an independent candidate

About
Yoann & Goldanniyatech

Yoann AMAR ASSOULINE

3D Game Developer

Computer Science Instructor

PhD in Semiotics

My Professional Activities &
Career Background

3D Game Developer & Founder

Goldanniyatech 1

Goldanniyatech Website

Computer Science Instructor

Courses Taught

Services

Computer Science Instructor Experience

Previous Experience

My Computer Science Expertise

Skills Overview

Game Engine: Unreal Engine 5

3D Graphics: Blender & Substance Painter

Web Development

My Education

PhD of Language Sciences

Master of Language Sciences

License of Language Sciences

First Year of Medical School

Baccalaureate in Literature

Company Information

Stay Connected

About Yoann & Goldanniyatech

Yoann AMAR ASSOULINE

3D Game Developer

Computer Science Instructor

PhD in Semiotics

My Professional Activities & Career Background

3D Game Developer & Founder

Goldanniyatech 1

Goldanniyatech Website

Computer Science Instructor

Courses Taught

Services

Computer Science Instructor Experience

Previous Experience

My Computer Science Expertise

Skills Overview

Game Engine: Unreal Engine 5

3D Graphics: Blender & Substance Painter

Web Development

My Education

PhD of Language Sciences

Master of Language Sciences

License of Language Sciences

First Year of Medical School

Baccalaureate in Literature

Company Information

Stay Connected

About
Yoann & Goldanniyatech

My Professional Activities &
Career Background