As a kid, I always loved going on adventures. I would pretend that every cluster of trees by my elementary school was a dense, unexplored jungle, and every walk was a cross-country trek. My imagination ran wild, and when I discovered the immersive qualities of video games, I fell in love. The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim was my first introduction to an open-world game. The adventure and discovery that the game provided brought immense awe and wonder to my teenage brain. My love of that game’s world did not exclusively develop from the game, but from that dense, unexplored jungle right by my school.

Weirdly enough, my love of venturing into the unknown petered off as I grew up. I became anxious in unfamiliar scenarios, and shut myself off when surrounded by people I did not know. The ambitions I grew up with started to feel like a fantasy I was chasing in vain. In 2021, I played a game called Outer Wilds. It was the game that reignited that passion for exploration. Exploring the game’s solar system was an experience that profoundly impacted me. It was not the sole reason, but it was part of a time that made me reevaluate why I began to close myself off. The unknown is scary, but navigating with a lack of belief in yourself is even more terrifying. With each passing year, I have opened myself up to conversing with strangers who are now close friends today. They’ve continued to inspire me in my best work and to be the best person I can be. These last few years, I have regained my passion for exploring the unknown and putting myself out there. It has led to my best work and the happiest I have ever been. One of the reasons I want to make games is to interpret my life experiences and help others interpret theirs. It is a collaborative art form, and I know more than ever that I fit in.

So, with my story out there, what else do I enjoy? Excercise! The nature of game development is one where you have to sit at a desk for an uncomfortable amount of time (minus standing desks), so I try to get up and move any time I can. It ties well with my love of nature. If it is nice out, I will be out; plain and simple. Even in my more closed-off days, I loved being outside; I have only grown to love it throughout the years. Meeting new people and making friends has become something I engage with regularly. Game dev beer night? I will be there! Friends wanting to go out on a whim? Sure, I have time. It is not hard to convince me if friendly faces are around. And, of course, I like video games. A bit of an uncommon interest in this industry, but I enjoy standing out. I love playing games of all genres! I will never forget my first time playing Persona 5, only to fall in love with turn-based combat, or playing Journey and appreciating the beauty in minimalist design. My love of video games reflects my love of life; it stretches far and wide.