about

Welcome to my game design blog!

While it might say “game design” in the title, I write about all kinds of design for interactive experiences, touching on topics such as psychology, human nature, educational games, new technology, user interfaces, theme parks, museum exhibits, experience design, storytelling, entertainment events… and the list goes on.

I am constantly curious about how we design fun and immersive experiences, and that drives much of my writing here.

Some of my favourite posts

wingspan game review: the best cards match strategy mechanics to real birds

batman’s helping hand: indirect control in arkham asylum

storytelling of disney’s pirates of the caribbean ride… and the redhead (part 2)

 

Or, if you’re feeling adventurous, click the menu bar icon at the top left for a random post!

Image from: Roblox press kit.

In real life, I’m a software engineer who has worked at Roblox, building the imagination platform for kids around the world.

I’m a graduate of the Masters of Entertainment Technology program at Carnegie Mellon University, where I worked on various experimental, mobile/VR/AR, transformational, educational, large-scale, analog, quirky and wonderful games and interactive experiences.  At the end of my time at the Entertainment Technology Center, I received the Tornado Award.

The Tornado Award is given in honor of ETC Co-founder Don Marinelli. The award is given in recognition to the student who goes up against the status quo, the existing parameters and limitations of the entertainment technology industry and makes an impact.

I studied game design under Jesse Schell, who encouraged me to start this game design blog, and whose words and work continue to be an inspiration today.

Thank you for reading! 🙂