David Vonderhaar | |
---|---|
Born | Arizona, U.S. | September 8, 1972
Occupation | Video game designer |
Employer | Treyarch (2005–2023) |
Known for | Call of Duty series |
Title | Studio design director, online manager, multiplayer designer |
David Vonderhaar (born September 8, 1972) is an American video game developer and game designer. He is best known for his work on the Call of Duty Black Ops franchise.[1]
Vonderhaar began his career at Activision as a quality assurance tester, web designer and online manager for several titles. In 2006, Vonderhaar lead the design of Call of Duty 3 and several other Call of Duty titles developed by Treyarch. He designed the multiplayer systems for Call of Duty: Black Ops and Call of Duty: Black Ops II, along with the campaign, multiplayer and free run modes for Call of Duty: Black Ops III.[2]
Vonderhaar led the design systems for the career and multiplayer experiences of Call of Duty: Black Ops 4, before transitioning to full-time development on blackout after career's cancellation.[3][4][5] He also worked on the multiplayer of Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War and its Fireteam modes.[6]
On August 18, 2023, Vonderhaar announced his departure from Treyarch, revealing he is working on an unannounced project.[7][8][9]
Vonderhaar has a competitive-focused agenda and is inspired by Esports gameplay design. Vonderhaar has spoken on the development of League Play, a competitive mode introduced in Call of Duty: Black Ops II, and their goal to make Treyarch games "fun to play, and fun to watch".[10] Starting with Call of Duty: Black Ops, Vonderhaar worked closely with competitive players and Esports professionals to improve the spectating and gameplay experience of Call of Duty.[11]