We want to build the greatest games and interactive entertainment in the world. That’s the mission Pocket Gems’ founders began with in an apartment above a pizza shop back in 2009 and we continue it today.

Pocket Gems has grown to over 200 people in San Francisco. With backing from Sequoia Capital and Tencent, we’re constantly breaking new ground with graphically rich mobile games, fun new genres of mobile entertainment, and innovative technologies like our mobile-first Mantis Engine.

Our products have been downloaded over 325 million times by players around the world. Most recently, we’ve launched Episode, a mobile storytelling network and platform, and War Dragons, a visually stunning 3D real-time strategy game.

Interested in working at Pocket Gems? Check out our Careers page.

Diversity and Inclusion

Building a diverse workforce and championing an inclusive culture is the right thing to do, and is critical in driving our company forward.

Diversity

The individuals who make up Pocket Gems come from a variety of backgrounds, bringing a wide range of personal and professional experiences. Gemmers come from across the globe and contribute to a company culture that is rich and diverse in thought and talent. This diversity and desire to understand each other allows us to better connect with, inspire, and delight our audience, and benefits our company as a whole.

We don’t all look, work, or think alike and that is something we cherish. We are working hard to find new Gemmers who are interested in sharing their unique talents and contributions.

While we are one team at Pocket Gems, it’s truly the individuals who make the company what it is.

Inclusion

Our goal is for every person at Pocket Gems to feel respected, valued, and that they belong. Belonging means that as a Gemmer you feel that your authentic self is welcomed and celebrated so you can thrive. It means feeling that you can be yourself and feel comfortable participating and contributing.

With that in mind, we want to continue to strive towards a working environment where you see yourself reflected, feel that you have a voice at the table and that actively promotes a sense of belonging for all Gemmers, those we build games for and everyone we interact with.

Pocket Gems Values

Be Unforgettable

We are driven to create memories that last a lifetime for our people and players. We make unforgettable games that succeed at mass market scale through story, gameplay, world building, technology, and even our own internal processes and events. We’ve created unforgettable experiences before, and we will keep doing it again and again.

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To me, this value is the heart of PG and what we ultimately aspire to.  Throughout our 12 year history, our games have become unforgettable to millions of players globally, and our Gemmers have lived many unforgettable moments.  Going forward, we want this value to define us as we create products that our players love and build the best team in the world.”

Ben Liu
CEO, Gamer and part-time safari guide
Care Deeply

We care deeply for our team, our players, and our products. We want to make memorable mobile games for lifelong players with a team that values one another. To do this, we must be ethical, build meaningful relationships with our players, cultivate our craft, and work in ways that are sustainable and fun. We’ve been building mobile games for over 10 years, and we intend to continue to do it for decades more.

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“Caring for our work, our players and our teams is core to everything. I see this every day at PG – from hiring decisions to real time reactions to world events. Having leadership TRULY care about each and every Gemmer is incredibly impactful to how we support each other. It’s not just lip-service; it’s truly part of the fabric of the company.”

Kenda Bussing
People Team
Be Curious

Our curiosity drives us to ask questions, listen to alternate view points, desire candid feedback, and pursue a holistic understanding of whatever lies before us. We work to avoid assumptions or hasty conclusions, instead asking questions and seeking a shared understanding of challenges. When we fail, curiosity allows us to be open and empathetic, wanting to learn from it. When we have doubts, curiosity helps us navigate them as a team.

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“I love that we’re a team of curious people. It means we work to be inquisitive, not accusatory, when we don’t understand someone’s perspective. Personally, it drives me to learn more about both my teammates and our players, to make sure I’m working for THEIR needs, not mine.”

Cass Phillipps
Story Team
Act Inclusively

Creativity comes from the collaboration between a diverse team of people whose unique experiences and perspectives lead to stronger ideas. We know there isn’t “One Right Way” to make something great, and look for different approaches to ideation, decision making, analysis, and design to solve our shared problems. We regularly ask how we can create safer and more inclusive spaces to support this collaboration. This includes practicing active listening, identifying and overcoming biases, and making space to understand our coworkers’ individual backgrounds and experiences.

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“In a turbulent and ever-changing world, we strive for people from *all* backgrounds and experiences to have a sense of belonging at work. At PG, we know that building diverse teams who act inclusively is a practice – not an end state – that requires us to continuously listen, learn and adapt.”

Paige Harazin-Masi
Studio Operations
Take Ownership

We are directly responsible for our work and its impact on our products and company. We’re most excited when we can roll up our sleeves, get our hands dirty, and use our expertise to directly improve everything we do, from internal processes to player experiences. We learn best by apprenticing under craft leaders, working alongside them, and coaching others. We’re most effective when we have the autonomy and respect to deliver on our goals in a way that best serves our company, team, product, and players; and we speak up and help eliminate bureaucracy or roadblocks that get in the way.

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“Making anything new is iterative and dynamic, and we strive to empower the teams closest to the problems to make decisions and get things done. Pocket Gems is also a very hands-on place, and we value people at *all* levels directly contributing to our products.”

Brian Shih
Product Management
Iterate and Improve

We are driven to learn and improve rapidly, always working to make our company and our products better. We believe success comes from sharing work often with our team, testing frequently with our players, reviewing results, and rapidly iterating. We seek clarity over polish, feedback over personal instinct, and developing a project’s vision as we work together.

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“Most people don’t like failing publicly or sharing things that aren’t yet perfect. At PG we know roadblocks are part of the process; we force ourselves to put rough ideas out as soon as possible, and we’re realistic about feedback we receive. I believe this is one reason we’ve been able to create new products that are both innovative and successful.”

Harlan Crystal
“guy who loves to make things” and Founder

Team

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Background

Cornell Computer Science, Stanford MBA; Machine learning research (fast object detection techniques using AdaBoost derivatives; licensed to Like.com, sold to Google), VP Engineering at Smartleaf (large RoR SAAS application).

Fave old school video game

Super Mario Bros, duh

If I could be a game character

Peter Pepper in BurgerTime

Daniel Co-Founder & Executive Chairman
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Background

Born and raised in NYC. BA in Computer Science from Cornell and grad school dropout. Prior to Pocket Gems, hacked for startups in computer vision, compilers, embedded-realtime, bioinformatics and financial software.

Fave old school video game

Marble Madness

If I could be a game character

Magus from Chrono Trigger

Harlan Co-Founder / CTO
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Background

Stanford MSCS; open-source enthusiast (Virtual Network System, gae-sessions, ENVI). Won best demo award at SIGCOMM two years in row with the OpenFlow team.

Fave old school video game

Run, and then run some more

If I could be a game character

Fomor

David Backend Hacker
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Background

EECS grad from Berkeley focused in Robotics. Prior to Pocket Gems, worked on robotics software and robotics research.

Fave old school video game

Super Mario World

If I could be a game character

Batman

Ashik Coding Blackbelt
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Background

Stanford MBA, BS EE, BA Economics. Prior to Pocket Gems, managed Playdom’s largest game studio and led the City of Wonder team.

Fave old school video game

Street Fighter II

If I could be a game character

Wander

Ben CEO/Gamer
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Background

Berekeley Grad in EE and CS. Previously worked in web development field for two years. Loves pizza.

Fave old school video game

Final Fantasy VI

If I could be a game character

Gordon Freeman

Andrew Mobile Tinker-er
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Background

University of Michigan bachelor’s in CS. Minored in art history with a focus on archaeology and architecture. Before entering the startup world with Pocket Gems, developed at EA’s Visceral Games.

Fave old school video game

Virtua Cop

If I could be a game character

Male version of Faith from Mirror’s Edge

Ken Code Contortionist
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Background

B.Tech. Computer Science & Engineering graduate from IIT Delhi. Previously worked at a web startup in New York as one of the first hires and helped build the product and the team.

Fave old school video game

Arkanoid and Tetris

If I could be a game character

Attila the Hun from Age of Empires

Paritosh Gemologist
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Background

Turing Scholars CS grad from UT Austin. Piano player, gymnastics doer, and physics simulation maker.

Fave old school video game

Super Mario 64, Super Smash Bros. Melee, Cave Story

If I could be a game character

Bruno of the Elite Four

Bruno Sushi Eater
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Background

B.S. in EECS from UC Berkeley. Previously worked as a back-end engineer and developed independent iOS games.

Fave old school video game

Mega Man X

If I could be a game character

Solid Snake

Arthur Mobile Magician
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Background

Stanford MBA; prior to Pocket Gems, worked with a few start-ups across software, telecom and clean tech and did a stint in consulting; Yale Undergrad

Fave old school video game

Contra (up up down down left right left right A B A B select start)

If I could be a game character

Sonic

Michael Band Manager
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Background

Grew up on the Hopi Reservation in Arizona, got an English degree from UC Berkeley, then immediately ended up working here. Apparently I’m very lucky.

Fave old school video game

Icewind Dale

If I could be a game character

Garrett from the Thief series

Nic Writer
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Background

Born in CA. Raised in KY. Eastern Kentucky University (Major – Computer Science / Minors – Mathematics, Statistics / Certificate – Japanese). Three years experience in QA / Automation before coming to Pocket Gems.

Fave old school video game

Final Fantasy 6

If I could be a game character

Clyde Arrowny (Shadow – FF6)

Jon Automation
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Background

Graduated from UCLA with a B.S. in Aerospace Engineering. Normal people like cars, I like F-22s.

Fave old school video game

Chrono Trigger

If I could be a game character

Robo

Jonathan Ninjapanda
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Background

Jack-of-all-trades & lover-of-new-things. BA in Human Development, 2 years as a stage manager, producer of international business conference FailCon. Always getting audiences to tell a story for themselves.

Fave old school video game

Super Mario RPG

If I could be a game character

Cooking Mama!

Cass Life Student
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Background

Stanford MBA; BA in Business Economics from UCLA. Started my career at PwC and was a high roller in private aviation before landing at Pocket Gems.

Fave old school video game

Tetris, Castle Wolfenstein, or Arkanoid

If I could be a game character

Q*bert

Helen Trouble Bruin
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Background

Btech and Mtech in Computer Science from IIT Delhi. Did my internships at Microsoft and Worldquant. Soccer aficionado and poker lover. I love reading and quizzing.

Fave old school video game

Road Rash

If I could be a game character

Kratos

Nishant Card Shark
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Background

I was named after the Dylan from 90210. I attended AICA-SF for a BA in computer science. I punctured my ear drum once. (Not a pleasant experience.) Also, as a hobby, I played the drums for a few years.

Fave old school video game

Harvest Moon, Bust-a-move, and Parappa the Rapper

If I could be a game character

Chell

Dilynn Magical Girl Main Character
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Background

Bay Area born and bred; attended California College of the Arts for Illustration and thought I was going to be a freelance illustrator but fell into game and haven’t left since then! I’ll fight anyone for an avocado.

Fave old school video game

Sly Cooper, Spyro Trilogy

If I could be a game character

Commander Shepard

Christie Professional Dog Petter
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Background

Master in Graphic Design from Academy of Art. Has been working on UX/UI and designing board games for years. Strongly believes that making a good game can save the world.

Fave old school video game

Double Dragon 2, Contra, Super Sonic 2

If I could be a game character

Simon Belmont

Sean UI in the Shell
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Background

I’ve been making games for over 15 years. I started out when VR was going to be the next big thing (the first time), arrived at the tail end of arcade, and rolled through the generations of consoles. I worked for almost 10 years crafting environments and helping guide development for the Tomb Raider series. I had the opportunity to learn a lot in the console world and now I’m looking forward to learning more in the Brave New World of mobile.

Fave old school video game

Tron in the arcade

If I could be a game character

Maybe those guys who throw hammers down at Mario. Those guys are jerks but they seem to have a pretty cushy job. Sit on a cloud, throw hammers all over the place….sounds pretty good.

Chris Pessimistic Optimist
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Background

BA in Global Studies, MA in Sociology. Migrated from LA to SF. Ran fundraising databases and analytics in a former life.

Fave old school video game

Halo 2

If I could be a game character

Dragonborn!

Liz Pickler of all things
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Background

Graduated with BS in CompE from UIUC; secretly learnt a lot more CS from Stanford & MIT open courses. Worked on loads of software and/or hardware projects on the side. Love cooking, eating, and driving.

Fave old school video game

Battle City, Super Mario Bros, Pokemon

If I could be a game character

Alex Mercer

Yu The Executionist
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Background

Bachelors degree in Sociology and Economics. Previously worked in HR at a law firm and most recently was a Talent Sourcer(er) at Disney.

Fave old school video game

Super Mario All-Stars

If I could be a game character

Diddy Kong

Gurpreet Talentologist
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Background

BFA in illustration from RISD, MFA in Computer Arts from Academy of Art University. Previously worked at EA and Konami. My hobbies include improv, Lindy-Hop and traveling.

Fave old school video game

Maniac Mansion

If I could be a game character

GLaDOS from Portal 2

Sam Life Improvisor
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Background

Armed with a BA in English Lit and Creative Writing from UMich, an MFA in Screenwriting from SFSU’s Cinema department, and several years of experience searching for films and scripts in the movie business, James is fully equipped to help find and develop the latest and greatest stories at Pocket Gems! In his spare time, he enjoys reading, writing, joking, baking, biking, gaming, traveling and moviegoing.

Fave old school video game

Super Mario World, Chrono Trigger, Sonic 2, Earthbound, Super Smash Bros, Ocarina of Time

If I could be a game character

Miles “Tails” Prower

James Story Seeker
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Background

Bay Area native with a BA in Computer Science from UC Berkeley. Loves Lego, sci-fi, and all kinds of games!

Fave old school video game

RollerCoaster Tycoon 2

If I could be a game character

Karan S’jet

Mario Techpriest Enginseer
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Background

Played in several Magic Pro Tours while studying math and economics at The Ohio State University. Made Magic cards for six and a half years at Wizards of the Coast. Lead designed Skylanders Battlecast.

Fave old school video game

Earthbound

If I could be a game character

Sans

Tom Wizard Samurai
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Background

IT SysAdmin who has been playing with machines since DOB. I’m a transplant from Columbus Ohio and grateful for the bay are climate. I enjoy computers, pugs, podcasts and sports!

Fave old school video game

Rampage, Barkley Shut Up and Jam!

If I could be a game character

Sora

Jake I like computers
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Background

I grew up in Oklahoma, went to film school in Canada, and have traveled around the world working on great projects. I first discovered animation at a community college in Kansas, fell in love, and never looked back.

Fave old school video game

Super Metroid

If I could be a game character

Batman

Ben Animation Guru
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Background

My childhood ambition was to be either a ventriloquist or magician, so animation seemed like a reasonable alternative. Without really planning it I wound up living in Honolulu, San Francisco, Tokyo and New York. I play bass in funk bands and probably eat eat too much cheese. The most recognizable things I worked on were The Sims and Blue’s Clues (yes, I know Steve, who is still very much alive).

Fave old school video game

Pong

If I could be a game character

Goopy Gils Carbo

Goopy Time Traveler
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Background

I helped write and produce some beloved shows for Nickelodeon like “Drake & Josh” and “iCarly”. I also co-authored a book on organization and led a start-up called “Goodie Goodie,” a chore and reward app for families.

Fave old school video game

Marble Madness

If I could be a game character

Megaman

Arthur Eyebrow Acrobat
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Background

Stanford BS/MS in CS. Prior to Pocket Gems, spent many years at PayPal (from before it was eBay), founded a social media startup, and built advertising products at Quantcast.

Fave old school video game

Wolfenstein 3D

If I could be a game character

Simba

Nick Doer of Things
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Background

Bachelor’s in Computer Science from UC Berkeley. As a Bay Area native, I’m a fan of all of our sports teams. I spend my free time gaming, playing music, and rock climbing.

Fave old school video game

Super Smash Bros

If I could be a game character

Captain Falcon

Will Deadeye
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Background

Born in the Bay Area, studied Computer Science and Psychology at UC Berkeley, and liked studying games enough to teach a class about it and considered it my “unofficial” major. Also an avid swing dancer who teaches, competes in, and choreographs Lindy Hop.

Fave old school video game

Paper Mario: TTYD

If I could be a game character

¿Quién es ‘Sombra’?

Calvin Four word foreword for Word
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Background

Master from Case Western Reserve University, undergrad in CUHK. Love cooking, eating and working out to get in shape.

Fave old school video game

Tetris

If I could be a game character

Ada Wong

Faye Calorie Calculator
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Background

Chronic polymath with a background in theatre, drones, and VR. A firm believer that anything can be fixed with duct tape, elbow grease, and a deep breath.

Fave old school video game

Super Mario Bros. OG

If I could be a game character

Carmen Sandiego

Angela Fix-It Fairy
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Background

Leveled up in KPMG and another gaming company to increase stats before reaching this stage at PG =D Loves dog; have cats. Loves outdoor activities; want shade.

Fave old school video game

Left 4 Dead… Anyone?

If I could be a game character

Spyro!

Josephine Mojo Jojo
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Background

Too many years spent developing console games starting with a launch title for the original Xbox( game was cancelled! ). Got into the field because of a love of graphics and rendering. Moved to social / casual games back in 2012- Chefville, Zynga Poker and lately Big Fish casino. Looking forward to a writing a new episode in my career ! :p

Fave old school video game

Unreal Tournament

If I could be a game character

GLaDOS from Portal – “the cake is a lie”

Pradyut Game Ninja
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Background

Born and raised in San Francisco. Studied Environmental Engineering and Public Policy at U.C. Berkeley. Picked up some sweet data science skills while working on the analytics team at a renewable energy company before coming to Pocket Gems. Life-long Star Trek fan, burrito enthusiast, and more recently, mediocre ping-pong player.

Fave old school video game

Smurf Racer

If I could be a game character

Captain Jean-Luc Picard (totally counts)

Maxim Flux Capacitor
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Background

Graduated from University of Pennsylvania with a MS in Intercultural Communication. Before Pocket Gems, I was in consulting, with a focus on brand and business strategy. Having lived in North Cyprus, Japan, with the most recent years spent in US, I am always inspired by all things arts and culture.

Fave old school video game

The King of Fighters ’97

If I could be a game character

Pac-Man

Cherry Third Culture Kid
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Background

MS in Computer Engineering from USC, BS in Computer Science and Technology from ECNU (China).

Fave old school video game

Pac-Man

If I could be a game character

Kapp’n

Biru Villager B
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Background

I started my career developing mobile games and I loved it since then. I love that I work in the industry that I’m very passionate about. I come from Santiago, Chile, worked a few years in Vancouver, Canada, moved to San Francisco in 2015.

Fave old school video game

The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time

If I could be a game character

Captain Toad!

Juan Ramen Profitable
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Background

California native and game designer with a narrow, laser-sharp focus on narrative design, content design, systems design, level design, game design, and design design. The only employee being paid entirely in gemstones and rare minerals.

Fave old school video game

Myth II: Soublighter

If I could be a game character

Bayonetta

Adam Quest Giver
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Background

DC->Seattle->Bay Online game startup -> helped found a non-profit -> sold out to the man -> interned for a Senator -> grad school -> sold out to the man AGAIN -> returned to making games. I once went to sleep on a train and woke up on a boat

Fave old school video game

X-COM: UFO Defense

If I could be a game character

Chell

Krister Nerf Herder
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Background

I currently work in QA, but I love making creative content in my spare time! I’m also trying my hand at voice acting.

Fave old school video game

Final Fantasy IV

If I could be a game character

Joker

Isaac Master of Ceremony
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Background

Canadian, but the Bay is home. Spent the last decade (and change) working at SEGA. BA in Sociocultural Anthropology from the University of British Columbia.

Fave old school video game

NBA Jam

If I could be a game character

Gilius Thunderhead

Julie Burrito Influencer
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Background

High tech and new game fan. Lived in New York for two years and earned my master’s degree at New York University. A dedicated full-stack developer after graduation.

Fave old school video game

Tank Wars

If I could be a game character

Link

Zhendong Melon Lover
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Background

Born in St Thomas (USVI), raised (mostly) in San Francisco and moved back to SF in 2015 after a 12 year stint in NYC. Studied Psychology & Sociology with a minor in Gender Studies, followed by an MA in Industrial/Organizational Psychology. Has been to carnivals on 5 Caribbean islands so far!

Fave old school video game

Super Mario – played every single day for the entirety of the 6th grade 😀

If I could be a game character

Chun Li

Kenda Mischief Managed
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Background

Animator, Graphic Designer, Software Engineer, Game Designer. Born on the east coast he came to California for school and never went back. Loves all things game related from the art concepts to the end-game mechanics. Avid cosplayer and tea enthusiast.

Fave old school video game

Tales of Destiny

If I could be a game character

Stahn Aileron

Alex Red Mage
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Background

Born and raised in southern China. Speak Cantonese. M.S. in Electrical and Computer Engineering from Carnegie Mellon University. A fan of the Lord of the Rings. Also addicted to all kinds of roller coasters and pokemon!

Fave old school video game

Don’t Starve Together

If I could be a game character

Pikachu ⚡️

Zoe Pika~Pika~
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Background

I graduated from UCLA with a BA in Economics and a Minor in Music Industry. I work in QA and compose music for indie games on the side! I aspire to one day create deep, lore-driven Metroidvanias inspired by games likes Hollow Knight.

Fave old school video game

Pokémon Silver or Banjo-Kazooie

If I could be a game character

Falco Lombardi

Andy Synthesizer Nerd
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Background

Originally from Venezuela, I moved to Finland at 22 and spent 9 years in Europe before moving to the US. I graduated in Computer Science and have worked for the last 12 years in different roles in the video game and entertainment industry. I’ve always had a passion for narrative and love making and playing games. I also spend a lot of my free time exploring new places with my bike or my e-board.

Fave old school video game

Ultima Online, Zelda: A Link to the Past

If I could be a game character

Kirby

Mauricio Mr Miyagi
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Background

Started in economics and now I’m here. Elga has written for major publications and has comics coming out in the near future. His passion for storytelling is what landed him in his current position. Honored to bring impactful stories to users around the globe.

Fave old school video game

My favorite old-school videogame is Ridge Racer.

If I could be a game character

PaRappa The Rapper

Elga Assistant To The Regional Manager
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Background

Born and raised in Poland. Master’s Degree in HR Management plus 5 years of HR experience. Nature lover, tea addict, and mom to the cutest maltipoo on this planet.

Fave old school video game

Tetris, Super Mario Bros

If I could be a game character

Super Mario

Kasia Gummy Bear Lover
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Background

Born in South Korea, raised in Texas and graduated from the University of Texas with BS Advertising. I’ve worked in creative/marketing agencies as a project manager. I love contents with stories, interested in finding symbols and metaphors in movies and books. I’m also a Ghibli Studio nerd.

Fave old school video game

Tetris, Duck Hunt

If I could be a game character

Pikachu!

Jessica Stationary Admirer
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Background

BA Economics from UC San Diego. Previously, I worked in economic consulting with a securities and finance focus.

Fave old school video game

Pang

If I could be a game character

Toad

David Speculator
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Background

Doing my best to be a “human” multi-tool (but, you know, a functional one – not the kind that immediately breaks). In general, I do my best to stay in the shadows. And I’ve always wanted a speeder bike, so I’d really appreciate it if someone got around to inviting them already.

Fave old school video game

(Mike Tyson’s) Punch-Out!!

If I could be a game character

GLaDOS

Cindy Off-World Colonies Replicant Representative
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Background

Software engineer with over a decade of experience designing and developing games for computers, phones, and more. Enjoys running through Redwood forests, playing board games, and reading non fiction books when AFK.

Fave old school video game

Sim City 2000

If I could be a game character

Solid Snake

Michael Professional Algorithimist
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Background

I was an art student and found my way into the industry via QA! I love games, rodents, orange wine, and movie theater popcorn!

Fave old school video game

Shin Megami Tensei III: Nocturne

If I could be a game character

Metal King Slime, rare and beautiful

Alex The Town Shopkeeper
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Background

I am from Taiwan and studied 2D animation in SF. I love to laugh and I laugh really loud.

Fave old school video game

Bomberman

If I could be a game character

Rabbids

Zenobia LOL
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Background

Graduated from NYU and transplanted to the Bay Area in 2015. Huge fan of University Programs, hiring amazing talent, and collaborating with cool people to build cool things. Lover of everything bagels, bird watching, and marine mammals.

Fave old school video game

102 Dalmatians: Puppies to the Rescue for GameBoy

If I could be a game character

Jigglypuff

Caitlin Boss Birder
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Background

Life-long eater, walker, musician, and gamer. Former college wrestler at Lehigh University and studied economics, animation, and history. Previously managed marketing, products, and operations at startups, a Fortune 500, and a non-profit.

Fave old school video game

Tetris, Zelda, Counter-Strike

If I could be a game character

Solid Snake

Samir Bounty Hunter (in space)
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Background

Raised in New Jersey – have been told I say the word horrible like “Haribo”. Studied Industrial and Labor Relations at Cornell – total geek for all things HR! Have loved learning about the industries I’ve worked in – so far music, shipping & logistics and AI.

Fave old school video game

Pokemon Silver

If I could be a game character

Chansey

CiCi Professional Cap Napper
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Background

Grew up in Wisconsin where I studied computer science and played frisbee at UW-Platteville. Worked on enterprise, financial software in Palo Alto and Denver where I grew passions for making games, bread, and coffee.

Fave old school video game

Super Mario Bros. 3

If I could be a game character

Steve from Minecraft

Matt Samwise Gamgee Stan
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Background

Graduated from NYU, and a full-stack developer after graduation.

Fave old school video game

Super Mario

If I could be a game character

Yoshi

Na Corgi Lover
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Background

Bay Area native with a BA in Information Science from Cornell. Previously worked on the McDonald’s mobile app. Hobbies include SCUBA diving (the more sharks, the better) and losing to my siblings at various video games.

Fave old school video game

Does KOTOR count as old school?

If I could be a game character

Liara T’Soni

Megan Aspiring Mamma Mia 3 Extra
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Background

Pronounced as JA-nuh-lin. BS in Computer Science: Computer Science Game Design and MS in Games and Playable Media at UC Santa Cruz. Full-time doggo lover and part-time boba addict.

Fave old school video game

Tetris

If I could be a game character

Kirby

Janelynn Professional Button Masher
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Background

After growing up with a passion for all things video games I graduated from the Art Institute of Pittsburgh with a degree in Game Art & Design. I have spent the last few years working in the Bay Area at various tech companies in QA and 3D roles.

Fave old school video game

Street Fighter III: 3rd Strike

If I could be a game character

Geralt of Rivia

Mitch Fighting Game Sommelier
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Background

I graduated from UCSC with a BA in Business Management Economics. I enjoy hiking with my dog, playing the piano and watching anime.

Fave old school video game

Maple Story

If I could be a game character

Amaterasu

Amy Penguin Enthusiast
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Background

MS in Stats from Duke University, BS in Stats from Wuhan University. I worked as a Research Associate in a healthcare provider for COVID-19 testing before joining Pocket Gems. Love puzzle and strategy games; no good for action games though. Mystery/thriller movies are my favorite.

Fave old school video game

Plants vs. Zombies?

If I could be a game character

Toadette!

Xinyue Meme Collector
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Background

QA Engineer with almost 5 years of experience testing in the Game Development field. My professional experience includes analyzing the business requirements, creating test strategies, and executing tests to identify bugs in new gameplay and technical features. Also, working experience includes creating functional and non-functional tests in the Python language.

Fave old school video game

Tetris

If I could be a game character

Spellsinger Lineage 2

Alex Mad Explorer
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Background

Academy of Art graphic design graduate, Bay Area native, multi-genre geek with over 15 years experience in the gaming industry. I’ve done everything from photograph celebrities at AAA launch events, write reviews, host fandom events, and have designed everything from magazine covers to a food truck.

Fave old school video game

Final Fantasy VI

If I could be a game character

King of All Cosmos (Katamari Damacy)

Cheryll Hyphy Auntie
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Background

I graduated from UCSD and started my career at a retail startup doing all things marketing before making the jump into gaming. Passionate about hot sauce challenges, my new (and slightly unexpected) dog, and learning new hobbies.

Fave old school video game

Super Smash Brothers (N64)

If I could be a game character

Falco

Justen Pizza Acquisition Master
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Background

I grew up in many different places (South Korea, New Zealand, U.S.), been working as an animator, storyboard artist as well as a teacher. I love storytelling in any way, shape, or form as well as good food in any way, shape, or form!

Fave old school video game

Mabinogi, DJ Max, Ace Attorney

If I could be a game character

Napstablook from Undertale

Eun Bi The Lactose Intolerant Cheese Lover
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Background

Born and raised in SoCal. Came to NorCal for a degree in Computer Science from UC Berkeley. If I’m not playing or making games, I’m trying to stay active playing basketball or volleyball.

Fave old school video game

The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time

If I could be a game character

Zagreus

Jack Keyboard Masher
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Background

California native. Been into visual design since I can remember. Started mobile game development in 2013, launched some cool titles, and made a bunch of friends along the way.

Fave old school video game

Ninja Gaiden

If I could be a game character

npc

Richard Smooth Operator
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Background

Graduated highest honors from the school of hard knocks. Currently pursuing a graduate law degree at USC. Always searching for something new to learn.

Fave old school video game

Super Smash Bros. (Melee is elite)

If I could be a game character

Marth from Fire Emblem

Scotti Donacode Detective
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Background

Stanford MSCS. Before Pocket Gems, composed music and founded a browser game startup. Always interested in pizza.

Fave old school video game

Chrono Trigger

If I could be a game character

Gaspar, the Guru of Time

Michael Penguin Master
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Background

I’ve spent my entire career in mobile interactive fiction, starting as a writer with a literature degree and somehow ending up as a Product Manager who does math. I probably have too many collections of things (records, playing cards, video games, books I’ll definitely read), and drink a lot of coffee.

Fave old school video game

Super Mario Bros. 4

If I could be a game character

Dry Bones

John Card Collector
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Background

I graduated from The University of Texas at Austin with degrees in theatre and journalism before working on the narrative side of mobile interactive fiction games. I have way too many crafting hobbies (crocheting, knitting, cross-stitch) that I fit in between my video game sessions.

Fave old school video game

The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess

If I could be a game character

Commander Shepard

Rachel Crochet Connoisseur

News

Global Games Industry Encourages Players to Follow Health and Safety Guidelines for COVID-19; Provides Information and Social Connection.

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125 million downloads later narrative game Episode is ready to fend off new competition

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Pocket Gems launches Pitch Perfect interactive mobile story

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Pocket Gems launches Atlas expansion for War Dragons

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Tencent doubles down on game studio Pocket Gems

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“Pretty Little Liars” Offshoot Debuts on Episode’s Interactive Story App

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“Mean Girls” Heads to College in Episode’s Interactive Story App

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How Singer Demi Lovato’s Mobile Game Lets Her Fans Peek Into Her Life

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War Dragons launches on Android with new ad from Beavis and Butt-head animator

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Changing the Game with Cloud featuring Pocket Gems

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This Game Is Immortalizing Players By Writing Them Into a Lore Book

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Tencent Buys Stake in U.S. Game Maker Pocket Gems

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Pocket Gems launches Pitch Perfect interactive mobile story

TC Cribs: Pocket Gems, where the Office Gets Snazzed Up $100 at a Time

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