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Lin Shen
Video game developer and founder of Papaya Studio
Q: What was your big breakthrough?
A: The biggest break through would be “Toy Story Mania!” for Nintendo Wii, which we just completed. This is the first title in which our team worked alongside Disney Imagineering, Pixar, and John Lasseter – who is an amazing designer. The experience was challenging, but extremely fulfilling and rewarding.
Q: What was your biggest failure?
A: One of our games, “Taxi Driver,” never made it onto the shelves. There were a lot of licensing issues, as well as financial difficulties between all parties at the time. This all resulted in the game being canceled during the final month of production.
Q: What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a designer?
A: Making video games itself is a dream. I cannot think of a better job to go to everyday. One e-mail came through to me after “Disney Princess” Wii was released. A father bought the game for his little 4-year-old girl, and he wrote: “This is probably the first game my daughter has been able to easily navigate – so many cues you put in (while transparent to her) were right on the money … I just felt the need to say thank you, from me and my family, for a wonderful game. We all loved it, especially the little one. She's so proud of herself, I couldn't resist writing. I know now my little baby is all grown up: She completed her first escort mission.” This e-mail made my entire career worthwhile.
Q: Who or what inspires you?
A: Shigeru Miyamoto, who created “Mario,” “Donkey Kong,” “The Legend of Zelda” and many other amazing titles.
Q: What is your biggest goal or dream for the future?
A: To continue creating quality products that provide a fantastic experience for younger gamers.
Q: What one piece of advice would you offer aspiring designers?
A: Explore ideas and opportunities in newer media. Don’t be afraid to try and expand beyond your limitations.
Photo by Carla Rhea
Derek Jenkins | Barclay Butera | Mariana Stoopen
Matt Tubergen | Jane Elia Schwartz | Marc Entin
Kelli Ellis | Dan Parks | Oday Shakar | Lin Shen
Lin ShenVideo game developer and founder of Papaya Studio
Q: What was your big breakthrough?
A: The biggest break through would be “Toy Story Mania!” for Nintendo Wii, which we just completed. This is the first title in which our team worked alongside Disney Imagineering, Pixar, and John Lasseter – who is an amazing designer. The experience was challenging, but extremely fulfilling and rewarding.
Q: What was your biggest failure?
A: One of our games, “Taxi Driver,” never made it onto the shelves. There were a lot of licensing issues, as well as financial difficulties between all parties at the time. This all resulted in the game being canceled during the final month of production.
Q: What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a designer?
A: Making video games itself is a dream. I cannot think of a better job to go to everyday. One e-mail came through to me after “Disney Princess” Wii was released. A father bought the game for his little 4-year-old girl, and he wrote: “This is probably the first game my daughter has been able to easily navigate – so many cues you put in (while transparent to her) were right on the money … I just felt the need to say thank you, from me and my family, for a wonderful game. We all loved it, especially the little one. She's so proud of herself, I couldn't resist writing. I know now my little baby is all grown up: She completed her first escort mission.” This e-mail made my entire career worthwhile.
Q: Who or what inspires you?
A: Shigeru Miyamoto, who created “Mario,” “Donkey Kong,” “The Legend of Zelda” and many other amazing titles.
Q: What is your biggest goal or dream for the future?
A: To continue creating quality products that provide a fantastic experience for younger gamers.
Q: What one piece of advice would you offer aspiring designers?
A: Explore ideas and opportunities in newer media. Don’t be afraid to try and expand beyond your limitations.
Photo by Carla Rhea
Derek Jenkins | Barclay Butera | Mariana Stoopen
Matt Tubergen | Jane Elia Schwartz | Marc Entin
Kelli Ellis | Dan Parks | Oday Shakar | Lin Shen
Matt Tubergen | Jane Elia Schwartz | Marc Entin
Kelli Ellis | Dan Parks | Oday Shakar | Lin Shen
