One developer.
Entire worlds.
Gargoyle Studios is the independent studio of Andy Nicholas - a multidisciplinary designer, developer, and technical creative with experience spanning instructional design, 3D modeling, architectural visualization, software development, game development, and interactive storytelling.
That range is one of my greatest strengths. Each discipline has taught me a different way to solve problems: instructional design keeps the experience clear, technical work keeps it grounded, visual design gives it character, and development turns the idea into something people can actually use. Together, those perspectives help me see both the details and the larger system - and build thoughtful projects from end to end.
Gargoyle Studios is where all of that experience comes together: games, creative tools, physical models, and the occasional impossible side project, built with curiosity and a willingness to learn whatever the work requires.
You just stepped out of the game - everything on this site is also reachable on foot. Browse it like a normal website, or hit Back to Game and keep exploring the forest.
Hi, I’m Andy.
A multidisciplinary digital creator with a background in 3D modeling, visualization, and technical design - and a growing focus on game development and interactive storytelling.
My work blends engineering-driven thinking with cinematic, science-fiction-inspired worlds: architectural visualization, product design, real-time environments, and interactive prototypes. I’m deeply fascinated by advanced propulsion - especially the Project ROVER nuclear thermal rocket program - along with 3D printing, real-time rendering, and procedural world building. Those interests shape both my visual style and the projects I chase.
Gargoyle Studios began as a personal creative lab: a place to experiment, learn, and push the limits of what a solo creator can build. Today it’s the foundation of a future independent game studio focused on atmospheric science fiction, simulation-inspired mechanics, and player-driven storytelling. Every project here is part of a larger journey - learning fast, prototyping early, and improving from each pain point along the way.
What I do
Instructional Design & Multimedia
~19 years designing accessible, multimedia-rich training used by worldwide audiences. Clarity, intuitive interaction, and meaningful UX - built in Articulate Storyline with video, motion graphics, and WCAG-compliant learning design.
3D Modeling & Visualization
Technical 3D for illustration and real-time engines, architectural visualization, and concept development - precision married to storytelling. Primarily Maya and Unreal Engine, with clean topology, optimized assets, and production-ready pipelines.
Game Development & Interactive Systems
Where art, engineering, storytelling, and systems design converge. Building interactive prototypes and gameplay systems in Unreal Engine 5 - grounded sci-fi worlds inspired by real technology and speculative futures.
Currently in development
Delta Code
An Unreal Engine 5 editor plugin that embeds a ChatGPT-based assistant directly in the editor - turning plain-language requests into usable C++ scaffolding and a working Actor. AI as a capability multiplier, not a shortcut around understanding.
Untitled Game Project
An original game set on a tidally-locked moon orbiting a red dwarf star - one hemisphere in permanent daylight, one in permanent night, and everything interesting on the terminator line between them.
Fable
A local-first desktop studio for developing stories from the first beat through the finished animatic. Fable combines structured screenwriting, beat and sequence planning, character management, connected storyboards, 3D reference, character and narrator voices, and timed animatic rendering in one focused workspace. Screenshots are available in the portfolio, with release details in the store.
Background
- Instructional design
- Unreal Engine 5
- Maya & 3D modeling
- Architectural visualization
- AI-assisted tooling (C++)
- Vector illustration
- Video & motion graphics
- WCAG / accessible design
Game industry contact or prospective employer - either way, the door’s open.
Selected work
Interactive tools and prototypes, three galleries of visual work, and interactive e-learning built in Articulate Storyline.
Tools & interactive prototypes
Explore interactive tools and product previews. Live tools open in a new tab.
Galleries
Interactive - Articulate Storyline
Each project opens in a new tab (Storyline runs its own navigation and doesn’t tolerate being boxed in).
The Workshop Shelf
Independent creative software and meticulously made physical artifacts, designed and built at Gargoyle Studios.
Specifications
Have questions?
Custom sizes, finishes, or bulk orders - happy to help before you buy.
Get in touch
Email - Andy@GargoyleStudios.com
GitHub - github.com/aanicholas
LinkedIn - linkedin.com/in/andrew-nicholas