I’m Thorsten Leimann, Assistant Design Director at Cloud Imperium Games, currently working on Star Citizen and Squadron 42. I’m based in Manchester, where I help guide the systemic vision of the Persistent Universe and support multiple design teams across studios.

My path into game development started more than a decade ago at Ubisoft Germany, where I spent 11 years as a Game Designer focused on VR, R&D, balancing, comfort, and accessibility. I worked on four released VR titles, two console titles, and one mobile title — including the award‑winning location‑based VR escape experiences Escape the Lost Pyramid, Beyond Medusa’s Gate, and Prince of Persia: The Dagger of Time. Much of my work centered on solving hard problems in VR: motion sickness, comfort systems, and intuitive cooperative mechanics.

In 2021, I joined Cloud Imperium Games as a Senior System Designer and later became Lead Systems Designer, leading the Core Gameplay Pillar System Design team across Frankfurt and Manchester. I contributed to major gameplay systems such as Mining, Salvage, Resource Management (Engineering), Crafting, and several industrial professions that shape the backbone of the Star Citizen universe.

In 2026, I stepped into the role of Assistant Design Director, where I now mentor designers, oversee multiple design disciplines, and help ensure that Star Citizen’s long‑term gameplay vision is cohesive, scalable, and player‑focused.

Outside of work, I continue exploring VR comfort solutions and build small prototypes in engines like Godot, Unity, and Unreal. I also enjoy sharing knowledge through talks at universities and conferences.

“Solving problems is the most motivating part of my job. Getting creative and pushing the limits of what is possible fullfills me.“