Jesse Schell

Join veteran game designer Jesse Schell, a former Disney Imagineering creative director and CEO of Schell Games, as he dives into the impactful world of game design. Discover how games create meaningful experiences rather than just products. Jesse highlights the power of introspection for understanding users and shares insights on maintaining player flow through tension and release. Learn why gamification often misses the mark and how essential emotional arcs and playful interactions shape engaging designs applicable across various fields.

Jesse Schell wrote, The Art of Game Design, the number one book on the subject in the industry. He was a founding member of the Entertainment Technology Center at Carnegie Mellon University and a former Disney Imagineer. He's also the founder of Schell Games, which has launched countless games including, I Expect You to Die and Domino World. Jesse is an amazing game designer and a fantastic teacher. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit justingarydesign.substack.com/subscribe

Jesse Schell, a circus veteran and founder of Schell Games, discusses Imagineering, predictions for the future of gaming with AI and mixed reality, and the impact of emotional connections with AI in daily life. From Disney to VR games, his diverse career journey and insights on game development are fascinating.

Jesse Schell, an accomplished game designer and CEO of Schell Games, shares intriguing insights on creativity drawn from video game design. He emphasizes the power of asking questions over seeking advice for creative growth. Listeners will discover how diverse sources of inspiration, from juggling to literature, intertwine with game development. Schell also discusses the evolution of his book on game design and the surprising predictions of classic literature about modern technology, making for an engaging exploration of creativity's many facets.

Jesse Schell is a visionary game designer and educator whose work spans from theme parks to educational games. In this conversation, he unveils the enchanting origins of his passion for transformational entertainment. Jesse shares the art of prototyping and playtesting, stressing their impact on game design. He discusses the innovative fusion of physical and augmented reality in educational tools, like the Happy Atoms project. Finally, he highlights the importance of flexible team dynamics and self-awareness in fostering creativity and collaboration.