Description

I’m a freelancer with a background in physics, data science, applied math, and game design. My path has taken me from scientific research and data engineering to board game design and game development, and I’ve discovered I enjoy combining problem-solving, systems thinking, and creativity in different ways.

I don’t lock myself into one label, I’m open to exploring projects where I can add value. Sometimes that means designing game for/with a client, other times building a simulation model, or helping make complex ideas understandable through data and visuals.

What I bring is versatility: I’m at home with both analytical tools (Python, mathematical modeling) and creative tools (Figma, game engines, board game prototyping).

I shine in roles where I can design, explore, and connect ideas rather than just execute routine tasks.

If you’re looking for someone who can jump into diverse challenges, from education and sustainability to games and innovation, I’d be glad to explore how I can contribute.

Languages

English
Native or bilingual
Italian
Native or bilingual
Dutch
Basic

Workplace preferences

Can work on-site

Groningen (up to 50km)

Michele Piccolini
Freelance Game Designer
February 2022 - Today (4 years and 4 months)
Netherlands
Self-employed,
• Published games: Wonder Book (the first interactive pop-up board game, winner of Spiel der Spiele 2022 Game of the Year, winner of Ephesto Award 2022/2023, and nominated for the innoSPIEL 2022), Ryozen (worker placement with rotating board), and Rumblebots (physical auto-batler).
• In development: hybrid digital/physical auto-batler with Hintersight Studios.
• In development: city-builder card game with Chilifox Games.
Board game design Creative writing Unity 3D Playtesting Project Management
Math for Game Designers
Co-founder and Game Math Specialist
December 2022 - Today (3 years and 6 months)
Netherlands
• Co-founder of Math for Game Designers, educational project focused on mathematics in game design. Manage outreach on social platforms (primarily
Instagram) and provide board game analysis services alongside other initiatives.
• Soon to be published (October 2025): popular science book on mathematics and board games, part of the InGioco series (publisher Unicopli).
Mathematics Programming Content creation Instagram Writing
[ui!] (B2M Software GmbH)
Data Scientist
May 2019 - August 2021 (2 years and 3 months)
Germany
• Built big data and real-time streaming solutions for smart city applications.
• Lead developer of Traffic Light Prediction: built Python deep learning pipeline library and deployed real-time system for hundreds of German intersections.
• Invented a ray-casting method for automated parking classification.
Data science Programming Big Data Data analysis Python