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Hello, World.

I'm Daniel DiLallo.

technical CREATIVE DIRECTOR

More About Me
About

Let me introduce myself.

Profile Picture

Passionately Driven to create ground-breaking cinematic experiences utilizing emerging technologies. I specialize in interactive AI system driven Virtual and Augmented Reality development. With 10 + years experience in game development and film productions. I Lead and conceptulized the orignal reaction based cinematic Guitar Hero AI driven crowds. Well known throughout the game industry and VR and AR communities as a leading pioneer combining AI with volumetric Holograms using dynamic filming techniques. Recognized as an early adopter of new technologies and mixed reality subject matter expert and was positioned as a futurist by GQ Magazine.

GQ Magazine - "Dilallo thinks the near future will be based in augmented reality, where images are superimposed onto your surroundings (i.e. Pokémon Go). It’ll be as easy as slipping on a pair of goggles."

Profile

Immersed inside Activision's Innovation's lab in Albany New York at Vicarious Vision's studio where I help lead development on several prototypes combining live crowd Cinematics with built in AI using reaction based filming techniques for Guitar hero which earned critical acclaim and winning many awards from major video game publications, and is considered one of the most influential games of the first decade of the 21st century and has earned more than $2 billion in sales.

  • Fullname: Daniel DiLallo
  • Job: Creative Director, Game Designer, Virtual and Augmented reality Developer, AI specialist, Hologram,ui,ux,audio designer and developer, Executive Producer ,QA
  • Website: www.danieldilallo.com
  • Email: danieldilallo1@gmail.com
  • Awards: Director’s Award - Public Speaking Director’s Award - Programming 2 Director’s Award - Final Project Recipient of the *Advanced Achievement Award*

Skills

My career in the game industry began before college as a Lead QA tester for Acclaim Entertainment. Over a decade after and hyper focused on becoming one of the most well rounded creative directors I can become with a strong foundation in design and computer engineering. I became a Leading designer for Activison in several disciplines; mission, game, tech and audio moving into a Creative Director role for several VR companies and for high profile clients, brands and celebrities leading several Virtual and augmented reality teams on high profile experiences.

  • 98%
    Game Design
  • 95%
    Interactive Film Development
  • 90%
    Virtual Reality
  • 95%
    Augmented Reality
  • 95%
    AI
  • 75%
    Volumetric capture
  • 95%
    Leadership
  • 95%
    Tech Marketing
  • 75%
    Volumetric Captures
  • 80%
    User interface(UI)dev
  • 85%
    Audio Design
  • 96%
    digital twins
Hire Me Download CV
Resume

More of my credentials.

"Design is in everything, it's the core of creation; to know design fundamentals, principals, systems, the design process itself; one's achievements are only bound by their determination to see a design through fruition" - Daniel DiLallo

Work Experience

Technical Creative Director

September 2023 - 2025

Start Left Security

At Start Left Security, I served as Head of Design, leading the charge in transforming a complex cybersecurity platform into a powerful, user-friendly experience. I reimagined the product’s interface and architecture through a human-centered design approach, making security workflows more intuitive, efficient, and engaging. By implementing gamification systems and AI-driven feedback loops, I introduced dynamic rewards and achievement mechanics that motivated secure behavior and boosted user adoption. Under my direction, the platform evolved into a robust, developer-first environment that not only protected organizations but also inspired teams to actively participate in their own cybersecurity maturity.

Design Director

July 2016 - 2023

Mode Meta

Lead design and development of advanced AI-driven XR and VR content for global enterprise and entertainment brands. Architect and optimize interactive simulations for combat training, product demonstrations, and narrative-driven content. Direct creative teams in producing haptics-integrated MR experiences, spatial computing, and cinematic storytelling in Unreal Engine 5.

Game Director

July 2012 - 2016

3x Studios

Oversaw creative and technical development of multimedia applications across emerging platforms including Gear VR, Oculus Go, and AR devices. Delivered bespoke interactive experiences for top-tier clients through cross-functional team leadership. Developed user interfaces and design systems for immersive environments and branded content.

Board of Directors

May 2012 - June 2017

The Rendezvous Film Festival

RFF is the only Film and Music Festival in North Florida and Southeast Georgia. RFF is all about Entertainment: bringing the artists and community together for a 3 day celebration. Serving on the Board of Directors for the Rendezvous Film Festival was a transformative experience that deepened my understanding of the storytelling craft from both sides of the lens. I worked hands-on with filmmakers, producers, and audiences—curating selections, guiding panels, and engaging directly with the creative process behind independent and emerging cinema. This immersive involvement sharpened my narrative instincts, broadened my creative perspective, and reinforced the power of emotional resonance in visual storytelling. It was an invaluable chapter that helped shape me into a more versatile and empathetic director—both in film and in the world of games.

Lead Designer

May 2006 - June 2011

Activison

Led multidisciplinary design teams across several AAA franchises—including Guitar Hero and multiple Marvel titles—delivering gameplay systems, mechanics, and content at global production scale. Played a key role in Activision’s Innovations Lab, pioneering experimental gameplay concepts, tools, and prototypes for flagship IPs, pushing the boundaries of player immersion and interactivity. Designed and implemented mission structures, core gameplay loops, and level scripting systems, wearing multiple hats from Lead Designer to Tools Programmer to ensure seamless creative-technical execution. Recognized internally as a top-tier designer for creative versatility, technical fluency, and consistent delivery of forward-thinking features that influenced long-term franchise direction.

Course Instructor

May 2010 - June 2011

Mildred Elley College

provide quality career education and technical training to allow students of diverse educational, cultural and personal backgrounds to become successful in an ever-changing global economy. Mildred Elley strives to afford students quality placement opportunities and instill in all of our graduates a desire for lifelong education and learning.

Game Designer

May 2006 - June 2011

Vicarious Visions

Began as a mission designer on Spiderman 3 for the Nintendo wii and Playstation. Focused on Level and mission design. Lead the development on several tutorial missions including the user interface on those tutorial missions. First being the Black suit tutorial. The objective was to teach users the new player mechanics that comes with this game feature. Next I focused on trick races a mini game inside Spiderman 3. This mini game development had me focus on the replayabilty and comfortable controls including a fluent user experience with easy flow and navigability. strong focus on UI and hud displays that conveyed user information quickly and effectivly.

QA Lead

Feb 2002 - Sept 2004

Acclaim Entertainment

Managed QA teams through multiple project lifecycles, identifying bugs, improving gameplay stability, and increasing efficiency of test coverage. Facilitated user testing and gameplay reviews across console titles, working closely with design teams to deliver polished releases. Starting my career in Quality Assurance at Acclaim Entertainment—one of the industry’s powerhouse game studios during its prime—was the foundation that shaped me into the game director I am today. Immersed in the rigorous process of testing, troubleshooting, and dissecting gameplay at the ground level, I developed a deep respect for every layer of game development. It taught me to think critically, identify what makes a game truly engaging, and collaborate closely across departments to elevate player experience. That hands-on exposure to both creative ambition and technical precision gave me a unique 360-degree perspective—one that continues to inform my leadership, design decisions, and commitment to excellence in every title I help bring to life.

Education

Bachelor's Degree

Computer Engineering

2004 - 2006

Full Sail University

I’m a proud graduate of Full Sail University, recognized globally as one of the top institutions for game design and interactive media. During my time there, I immersed myself in the fast-paced, industry-focused curriculum and earned three Course Director Awards in Programming, Public Speaking, and Final Project. I was honored to receive the prestigious Advanced Achievement Award—given to top-performing students who demonstrate exceptional creativity, leadership, and technical excellence. As a capstone to my journey, I was selected to speak on behalf of my graduating class, a moment that underscored my dedication to storytelling, innovation, and inspiring the next generation of creators.

Portfolio

- seen here -

Polygon - "With the popularity of Guitar Hero games waning, Dilallo decided to flip the game from its standard third-person view of a musician playing, to a first-person view of a live rock concert, as seen by the lead guitarist / vocalist. His demo — which he called "Guitar Hero Live" — included a video live audience."

Check Out Some of My Works.

Over the past Decade I've strived for excellence on every project I've worked on trying to set the quality bar higher each time.

Liberty

SPIDER-MAN 3

Mission Design
Shutterbug

Marvel UA 2

Lead Designer
Clouds

Guitar Hero Live - POC

Lead Design
Beetle

Guitar Hero 3

Tech Design
Lighthouse

Spyro Skylander

Level / Mission Design
Salad

COD Roman Wars -POC

Creative Director
Salad

Ford Bronco Configurator

Creative Director
Salad

Gun configurator

Creative Director
Active Duty

Active Duty

VR Simulator Director
Active Duty

DOD Digital twins

DOD Digital twin Developer
Services

What Can I Do For You?

I'm here to lead and or support your teams and help maintain focus and drive to bring the highest quality, immersive and interative cinematic experiences to your consumers globally.

23

Projects Completed

23

Happy Clients

12

Awards Received

1000

Crazy Ideas

1500

Coffee Cups

15200

Hours
Contact

I'd Love To Hear From You.

Please don't hesitate to contact me

Where to find me

FL, USA

Email Me At

danieldilallo1@gmail.com
dan@emrse.com

Call Me At

Phone: (516) 729 1822