National Video Game Day: Celebrating Innovation and Creativity
Did you know that tomorrow is National Video Game Day? At Shadow’s Edge, video games are more than just entertainment—they're a way to experience different stories, make mistakes without judgment, and grow through our interactions. The “games for change” revolution is gaining momentum as more people recognize the potential of video games beyond mere amusement.
In our commitment to fostering emotional resilience, we created a game designed to help teens and young adults navigate challenges. Earlier this year, we hosted our own game jam to engage emerging creatives in shaping the future of Shadow’s Edge. For those unfamiliar, a game jam is a contest where creators develop a video game from scratch within a limited timeframe. These events, often held in colleges and universities, offer a platform for new ideas and talents in the gaming industry.
The Healing Hearts Game Jam
In March and April, we held the Healing Hearts Jam to involve new talent amid the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic. We reached out to our community to brainstorm ways to continue engaging players and support those affected by isolation during the pandemic. The winner of the jam, Michelle Chen, impressed us with her innovative vision for potential extensions of Shadow’s Edge. I had the pleasure of interviewing Michelle about her win, her journey in game development, and her passion for mental health.
Interview with Michelle Chen
Introduction
Hi Michelle. Thank you for joining us and congratulations on your recent game jam win! To start, could you tell us a bit about yourself? Your age, hobbies, professional background, and any pets that have been your companions during these times?
Hi, I’m Michelle. I’ve been a game developer for the past 10 years. At 32, I still manage to pass for someone in university! I grew up in the Philippines, studied Computer Science, and started my career as a programmer in video game development. I’ve since lived in Taiwan, the UK, and now Australia. I enjoy traveling, brunching, and exploring cities, though currently, I’m limited to food deliveries and virtual museum visits.
The Spark of Passion
Looking at your website, it’s clear you’re passionate about game creation. Can you recall how old you were when you first realized this was your calling? Was there a particular game that inspired you?
Growing up, I was a big fan of Barbie, and the first video games I played were Barbie-themed. Ironically, I later worked at Mattel on Barbie games, which was a childhood dream come true. I was drawn to game development after graduating in Computer Science because it allowed me to blend creativity with technical skills. It’s been a fulfilling journey of exploring both art and game design.
Favorite and Least Favorite Aspects
What’s your absolute favorite part of game development, and what’s your least favorite?
I love coming up with game ideas and seeing them evolve during game jams. They offer a unique chance to experience the full development cycle in a short period. My least favorite part is bug fixing, though stepping away from the problem and returning with fresh eyes often helps.
Focus on Mental Health
Many of your games and projects revolve around mental health challenges. What drives this focus?
My Masters by Practice project was a personal endeavor, leading me to create a game called “Depression Simulator.” This project was a way for me to express my own experiences and integrate others' stories. It was therapeutic and inspired me to pursue a PhD focused on developing games about mental health.
The Healing Hearts Experience
How did you learn about our Healing Hearts Game Jam, and what did you gain from participating?
I discovered the Healing Hearts Jam through the GamesAid’s Mental Health Jam Discord channel. The jam’s focus on extensions for Shadow’s Edge intrigued me, and I aimed to build on its principles of resilience and well-being through journaling and art therapy.
Highlights and Reflections
What are you most proud of from the Healing Hearts Jam, and is there anything you’d change?
I enjoyed creating the visual elements and practicing my UI skills. Looking back, I wish I had included animojis and voice-changing features for added interactivity and anonymity.
Creative Ideas and Inspirations
Your vlog feature idea for Shadow’s Edge was fascinating. What inspired this concept?
The idea for a vlog feature came from my binge-watching of YouTube vlogs during quarantine, where people shared their coping strategies. Incorporating this into Shadow’s Edge builds on its journaling aspect and offers a degree of anonymity through 3D avatars.
Favorite Features and Future Plans
What’s your favorite feature of Shadow’s Edge, and what’s next for you?
I enjoy the graffiti prompts in Shadow’s Edge; they help me express my thoughts creatively. For the future, I’m focused on my PhD and plan to have brunch and visit a museum once quarantine ends.
Final Fun Question
Which of the three Guardians—Tyler, Maize, or Pax—do you identify with the most?
I relate most to Tyler, as I often feel like I’m wearing a mask to hide my true feelings. Game development is my way of expressing what’s inside.
Conclusion
It was a pleasure working with Michelle for this interview. We at Shadow’s Edge are thrilled to have had her as part of the Healing Hearts Jam. To see more of her work or read her blog, visit her website [here].