[ OPEN FOR WORK ]

TJ THE PROGRAMMER

Tyler Johnson

GAME DEV · TUTOR · SOFTWARE

TJ The Programmer pixel art avatar

// WHO AM I?

I'm Tyler Johnson — I'm a software engineer with a passion for game dev, programming education, and custom software. I've been writing code professionally for about 10 years, building everything from indie games in Unity to automation tools, full-stack web applications, and end-to-end solutions with networked microcontrollers. Born in raised in New Mexico, I enjoy learning all I can about new ways of approaching challenging problems and finding solutions! When I'm not sitting at the battlestation, I'm with my family (and our 6 animals), working on house projects and cars, or collecting/playing Magic the Gathering and Pokemon!

For contract work: I work directly with clients — no middlemen, no agencies. When you hire me, you get me. I communicate clearly, ship on schedule, and write code that's documented and maintainable. Right now I'm only working with US clients, and if you're in Albuquerque, NM that's a bigger plus.

[ 15+ PROJECTS ]
[ 5+ STUDENTS ]
[ 10+ YRS EXP ]

// TECH STACK

[BASH] [C#] [C++] [GIT] [HTML/CSS] [JS] [LINUX] [NODE] [PHP] [PYTHON] [RUST] [SPACETIMEDB] [SQL] [UNITY]

// MY SETUP

MACHINE

Jupiter

  • CPU: AMD 5950x
  • GPU: PowerColor Radeon 6900xt
  • RAM: 64GB
  • Cooling: Custom loop
  • OS: POP!_OS

MACHINE

Carbon - 2018 Dell XPS 15

  • CPU: Intel i7
  • GPU: Nvidia GTX 1050
  • RAM: 32GB
  • OS: Ubuntu

DISPLAYS

2x Samsung G7

  • Size: 28"
  • Resolution: 4k
  • Refresh: 144 Hz

DISPLAYS

Samsung UJ59

  • Size: 32"
  • Resolution: 4k
  • Refresh: 60 Hz

INPUT

Cherry MX Board 3.0 S Wired

  • Switches: Cherry Brown
  • Mouse: Logitech G502

AUDIO

Headset / Speakers

  • Headset: Logitech Pro X Wireless
  • Mic: Blue Yeti
  • Speakers: Edirol MA-10A

// SERVICES & PRICING

GAME DEV

Full game builds in Unity with C#. Mechanics design, physics, AI, and optimization.

TUTORING

1-on-1 sessions for beginners through advanced developers. CS fundamentals, algorithms, multiple languages.

SOFTWARE

Custom web apps, automation, Linux systems, databases, networking, full-stack. Built to spec, documented, yours to own.

[ TUTORING ]

$35/hr

5-session pack: $250

  • 1-on-1 live sessions
  • Recordings available
  • Beginner to advanced
  • Flexible scheduling
  • Session notes provided
  • Multiple languages
[ BOOK A SESSION ]

[ PROJECT ]

Custom software development

STANDARD FROM $1,500
PLATINUM FROM $3,000
  • Web apps & automation
  • Clear written scope
  • Source code ownership
  • Documentation included
  • Follow-up support
[ GET A QUOTE ]

[ GAME DEV ]

Unity game development

STANDARD FROM $2,000
PLATINUM FROM $4,000
  • Full game builds in Unity
  • Mechanics, AI, optimization
  • Clear written scope
  • Source code ownership
  • Art/Sound assets extra
[ GET A QUOTE ]

[ RETAINER ]

MONTHLY

Contact for details

  • Ongoing dev support
  • Priority response time
  • Bug fixes & updates
  • Monthly review call
  • Dedicated availability
  • Time-based with rollovers
[ LET'S TALK ]

// rates are starting points — contact for exact quote

// HOW IT WORKS

[ 01 ]

DISCOVERY

Free 30-minute call to scope your project, understand your goals, and figure out exactly what you need built.

[ 02 ]

PROPOSAL

Clear scope and price — no surprises. You get a written proposal. Work starts only after you approve.

[ 03 ]

DELIVERY

Shipped with full documentation and follow-up support. You own everything delivered.

// PORTFOLIO

Periodic

Periodic

Inspired by a post on Reddit, this game uses the Periodic Table of elements for theme and bosses. It was originally a MegaMan style game, but it’s evolving into something much more. Stay tuned!

Subby

Subby

A 2D adventure on Europa!

// WHY WORK WITH ME

// FAQ

Easy — just reach out via the contact form or social links below. We'll schedule a free 30-minute discovery call to talk through your project or tutoring goals. No commitment required.
Tutoring is priced per hour with session packs available at a discount. Project work is scoped and quoted individually — the price depends on complexity and timeline. Rates listed on this page are starting points; contact for an exact quote.
Absolutely. I've worked with students who had zero programming experience and helped them reach job-ready skills. Tutoring sessions are tailored to your current level — there's no minimum experience required.
For game dev: Unity3D. For software: C#, C++, JavaScript/Node.js, Python, SQL, and Linux. For tutoring: almost any language — If I need to I'll learn with you!
It depends on scope. Small automation scripts or prototypes can be done in days to a week. Full game or app builds typically take weeks to months or longer. Every project gets a written timeline in the proposal so you know exactly what to expect.
I stand behind my work. If delivered software doesn't match the agreed scope, I'll fix it. For tutoring, I offer a free replacement session if you feel you didn't get value from a session — just let me know.
Yes. I'm happy to sign a standard NDA before discussing sensitive project details. I treat all client information as confidential regardless.
I'm US-based, specifically Mountain time. I can accommodate early morning or evening sessions for most US time zones. Not accepting International/non-US citizens for the time being.

// FROM THE BLOG

So long 2021! A Year in Review

Hey everyone! What a year 2021 has been. There’s been a lot that’s happened this year, and I think now is the perfect time to do a recap! So, the first thing I’m going to touch on is Periodic. This year I managed to get quite a bit of the framework done, from revamping the […]

Read More →

November Update && Burnout

Hey everyone! Almost missed this one, so better late than never, as I have a new years goal that I’m not gonna miss out on. In short, it’s been a hectic month. I haven’t spent much time if any doing anything game dev related, and as I’m writing this finishing off a sinus infection that […]

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Tips on Refactoring Large Pieces of Code

Hey everyone, Happy Halloween! I was planning on having a post sooner than this but having been working on a huge refactor project at work, my brain has been a little fried and time limited. I’ve developed a few useful skills, especially after reading Clean Code by Uncle Bob Martin. The project at work was […]

Read More →

// CONTACT

// OR REACH OUT DIRECTLY

> Ready to start? Let's build something.