Design Better

Jordan Mechner: Pioneering game designer on creating Prince of Persia, Karateka, and a new graphic novel memoir

Apr 8, 2025
Jordan Mechner, the visionary behind the legendary games Karateka and Prince of Persia, shares his fascinating journey from a creative undergrad at Yale to a pioneering game designer. He reveals how he taught himself essential skills in a pre-internet era and the impact of journaling on his creative process. The conversation dives into the artistry of game storytelling and the evolution of gaming narratives. Additionally, Jordan discusses his new graphic novel, Replay, which intertwines themes of war, exile, and family heritage.
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ANECDOTE

Music Collaboration

  • Jordan Mechner's father, a classical pianist, composed the music for Karateka.
  • Jordan transcribed the piano music into code for the Apple II's limited speaker.
ANECDOTE

Early Programming

  • Jordan Mechner copied Asteroids to learn programming and game development.
  • This helped him understand the fundamentals before creating original games.
ANECDOTE

Karateka's Story

  • Initially, Karateka was designed as a simple one-on-one karate match.
  • Adding a story, like rescuing a kidnapped princess, made the game more compelling.
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