| David Vonderhaar | |
| Birth Date: | 8 September 1972 |
| Birth Place: | Arizona, U.S. |
| Occupation: | Video game designer |
| Employer: | Treyarch (2005–2023) |
| Known For: | Call of Duty series |
| 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 and , along with the campaign, multiplayer and free run modes for .[2]
Vonderhaar led the design systems for the campaign and multiplayer experiences of , before transitioning to full-time development on blackout after the campaign mode was cancelled.[3] [4] [5] He also worked on the multiplayer of 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 , and their goal to make Treyarch games "fun to play, and fun to watch".[10] Starting with , Vonderhaar worked closely with competitive players and Esports professionals to improve the spectating and gameplay experience of Call of Duty.[11]