Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Yitong Hu. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Yitong, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. What’s been the most meaningful project you’ve worked on?

I have always believed that video games are among the best storytelling mediums. They engage multiple senses, inviting players to actively participate in shaping the narrative and experiencing the protagonist’s thoughts and feelings firsthand.

In late 2018, a revelation dawned upon me: I am not just an ally, but a cisgender bisexual Chinese woman. This self-discovery was significant. Inspired by my own experiences and observations, I decided to use gaming as a platform to address meaningful yet challenging topics: racial equality, cultural clashes, sexual orientation, and gender identity. My goal was to create an interactive narrative game that would be approachable and humorous, allowing those without similar experiences to understand, and those with similar experiences to find resonance.

Designing such a game was no small feat. I wanted to craft a story that was engaging yet respectful, enlightening yet not overbearing. It wasn’t until early November 2019 that I had my eureka moment, akin to Mendeleev dreaming of the periodic table. I dreamt of a story based on the discovery of pandas. This idea struck a chord with me; the skepticism of European academicians in the 19th century regarding the panda’s unique black-and-white pattern mirrored the sad reality of society’s tendency to dismiss what the mainstream has not encountered.

Fast forward to 2022, after years of hard work and dedication, my vision came to fruition. I presented the first demo of my game, Black White Bear, at the Rainbow Game Jam, bringing my unique perspective and narrative to the public. The game, intertwining the story of pandas with human biases and societal issues, was well-received. I was overjoyed and humbled when it won the Silver Award in the Game Design – Storyline category at NYX Game Awards.

This journey was more than just about creating a game; it was about telling stories that matter, stories that make us think, feel, and perhaps change. It was a testament to the power of dreams, perseverance, and the belief that games can be a force for good, a medium to challenge perceptions, and a bridge to understanding and empathy.

Yitong, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

Ten years ago, I left my hometown in Hebei Province, China, to embark on a solitary journey to Malaysia. There, at Limkokwing University of Creative Technology, I pursued a Bachelor’s degree in Games Technology. During my undergraduate studies, I was one of only two programmers in a seven-member team. We developed ‘Apploid Ballfare,’ a game where I crafted the UI Structure and the Multiplayer Lobby System. Our efforts paid off when the game was awarded the ‘Best Student Game’ at the 2017 SEA Game Awards.

My journey took another turn five years later when I moved to the United States to join University of California, Santa Cruz, for a Master’s program in Games and Playable Media. There, I designed a simulator game reflecting the misinterpretations and prejudices of parents towards electronic games and the internet. It was based on the harrowing experiences of youths in Professor Yang Yongxin’s internet addiction camp in China. This project, titled ‘Truants,’ successfully passed the Greenlight Pitch of UCSC GPM Program, allowing me to form my development team and obtain the role of Creative Director. The game launched on Steam on my mother’s birthday in the year of my graduation.

Growing up, video and board games were my obsessions. Interestingly, educational games played a key role in enhancing my learning in various subjects like English, Math, and Chemistry. However, just like many people at that time, it was only when applying for universities that I discovered that game development and design could be a major. Therefore I have a big passion for game development education and educational games.

Now, I have worked with various studios, developing and designing entertainment games, educational games, teaching materials for game development, and social apps for gamers. In my spare time, I volunteer with non-profit organizations in the tech field like IGDA, AIGA, and Out In Tech. My roles range from a game development and UI design mentor to an application coordinator. To better contribute to this community, inspire the younger generation, and spread positive energy, I have been undertaking a rather crazy challenge since 2020: playing and reviewing over 1000 indie games and projects from Bundle for Ukraine and Bundle for Racial Justice and Equality on itch.io.

Are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?

In compliance with non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) and without harming other commercial interests, you should showcase your creative works at every stage of their development or design as much as possible. This includes participating in award competitions, showcasing in exhibitions, organizing playtests, delivering pitch presentations, and inviting reviewers. Here are some benefits you can get:

Valuable Feedback: By showcasing your work, you can gather feedback from people with diverse backgrounds and expertise. This variety of perspectives can help identify issues you might not have noticed or inspire new creative ideas.

Networking Opportunities: Participating in these activities can expand your professional network. Establishing connections with peers in the industry, potential collaborators, investors, and even future clients is crucial for opportunities in your creative work and career development.

Enhanced Market Awareness: Presenting your work to the public helps you better understand market needs and trends. This is helpful in tailoring your product to suit the preferences and needs of your target audience.

Increased Public Visibility: Joining competitions and public exhibitions can increase the exposure of your work and raise public awareness of it. This is vital for brand building and the ultimate success of your work.

Attracting Potential Investment: Showcasing your work can draw the attention of potential investors or sponsors. This is particularly important for creative individuals who need funding to complete their projects.

Learning and Growth: Each opportunity to showcase and receive feedback is a learning experience. You can gain valuable insights and continually refine your skills and work.

Motivation and Drive: Receiving recognition and encouragement from audiences and peers can greatly enhance your motivation and confidence in creating.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

For me, as a creative professional, the most rewarding aspect comes from the enhancement of self-identity. In traditional industries, everyone’s performance is often assessed by rigid, clear-cut numbers and standards. Those who consistently find themselves at lower ratings can easily lose their motivation and, worse, extend this rating of their work capability to their entire life, leading to self-doubt. The creative industry, however, offers a more flexible and diverse array of recognitions. Beyond income and awards, the invaluable accomplishments include positive reviews from fans and clients, high praise from peers, and the moving stories of players and audiences who have been changed by your work. These are all extremely valuable achievements that contribute significantly to one’s sense of self-worth and identity.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.huisthis.com/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/yitong-hu/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/Hu_Is_This
• Other: itch.io: https://bugondesk.itch.io/