Jenova Chen Quotes

Game designer
China
1981

Jenova Chen is a Chinese-American video game designer and co-founder of Thatgamecompany. He is best known for his work on the critically acclaimed video games Journey, Flower, and flOw. His games are known for their unique art style, emotional storytelling, and innovative gameplay. Chen has won numerous awards for his work, including the BAFTA Award for Best Game and the Game Developers Choice Awards for Best Game Design. He has also been recognized by the Academy of Interactive Arts & Sciences with the Pioneer Award.Read Less

I think free-to-play is both exciting and also really dangerous. Feraz Zeid, January 18, 2024, Jenova Chen, Exciting, 0

- Jenova Chen

Game designer

· China

Exciting

The girl has to be, you know, “the man,” who is going to take care of everybody. Feraz Zeid, January 18, 2024, Jenova Chen, Care, Girl, 0

- Jenova Chen

Game designer

· China

Care
Girl

Entertainment, in the end, is a food industry for feeling. Feraz Zeid, June 15, 2023, Jenova Chen, End, Entertainment, Feelings, 0

- Jenova Chen

Game designer

· China

Career Highlights

Chen’s interest in game design began at a young age, when he would spend hours playing video games and creating his own board games.
He studied computer science and art at the Shanghai Jiao Tong University, where he developed his skills in game design and programming.
In 2006, Chen moved to the United States to attend the University of Southern California’s Interactive Media Division, where he met his future business partner, Kellee Santiago.
In 2006, Chen and Santiago co-founded Thatgamecompany, with the goal of creating games that evoke emotional responses and connect players on a deeper level.
In 2009, Chen’s first game as creative director, “Flower,” was released for the PlayStation 3. The game received critical acclaim for its unique gameplay and emotional impact, and won several awards, including the BAFTA Games Award for Artistic Achievement.
In 2012, Chen’s second game, “Journey,” was released for the PlayStation 3. The game was a commercial and critical success, winning numerous awards, including the BAFTA Games Award for Game Design and the Game Developers Choice Award for Best Game.
In 2017, Chen’s third game, “Sky: Children of the Light,” was released for iOS devices. The game was praised for its stunning visuals and emotional storytelling, and won the Apple Design Award for Innovation in Gameplay.
Chen has also been recognized for his contributions to the game industry, receiving the Game Developers Choice Ambassador Award in 2014 and being named one of the “Top 100 Most Influential People in the World” by Time Magazine in 2013.

Key Contributions

Chen’s games are known for their unique and innovative gameplay mechanics, as well as their emotional impact on players.
He has pushed the boundaries of traditional game design, focusing on creating experiences that are more than just entertainment, but also evoke a sense of wonder and emotional connection.
Chen’s games often explore themes of loneliness, connection, and the human experience, resonating with players on a deeper level.
He has also been a vocal advocate for diversity and inclusivity in the game industry, actively promoting the importance of representation and diverse perspectives in game development.

What Sets Them Apart

Chen’s approach to game design is deeply rooted in his personal experiences and cultural background, making his games stand out from the mainstream.
He has a unique ability to blend art, technology, and storytelling to create immersive and emotionally impactful experiences.
Chen’s games have a universal appeal, transcending language and cultural barriers, and have been praised for their ability to connect players from all walks of life.

Takeaways

Jenova Chen’s career highlights and key contributions have solidified his position as a leading figure in the game industry.
His innovative and emotionally impactful games have set a new standard for game design, inspiring other developers to push the boundaries and create meaningful experiences.
Chen’s dedication to diversity and inclusivity serves as a reminder of the importance of representation in the game industry and the impact it can have on players.
His unique approach to game design and storytelling serves as a source of inspiration for aspiring game developers, showcasing the power of games to evoke emotions and connect people.

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