Xinghan Chen, professionally recognized as Jenova Chen, adopted his moniker after a character in the role-playing game Final Fantasy VII while a teenager. Born in Shanghai in 1981, he transitioned from a childhood of computer programming contests in China to a career in the United States, focusing on emotional resonance within interactive digital media.
Academic Foundations and Early Projects
Chen pursued formal studies in computer science and engineering at Shanghai Jiao Tong University, while simultaneously training in digital art and animation. He later expanded his expertise with a minor at Donghua University. Seeking to bridge the gap between technical engineering and artistic expression, he enrolled in the Interactive Media Division at the University of Southern California. During this period, he produced his first significant game, Cloud, which drew upon his childhood experiences with asthma to explore emotional themes. The project received recognition at the Independent Games Festival and the Slamdance Guerrilla Games Competition.
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For his master's thesis, Chen investigated dynamic difficulty adjustment, a method where software alters its parameters in response to a player's behavior. This research served as the technical foundation for the game Flow. Developed with Nicholas Clark, the title centers on an aquatic organism navigating deep ocean environments. Following a release as a Flash-based browser game in 2006, it gained rapid popularity. Subsequently, a port for the PlayStation 3 appeared on the PlayStation Network in 2007, becoming the platform's most downloaded game of that year.
Establishing Thatgamecompany
Upon completing his education, Chen co-founded Thatgamecompany in Los Angeles alongside Kellee Santiago. The studio secured a three-game production agreement with Sony Computer Entertainment. During the early operational phase of the venture, Chen briefly contributed to development on the game Spore at Maxis. His return to Thatgamecompany shifted focus toward independent development, specifically targeting experiences that deviate from traditional mainstream mechanics. Projects including Flower and Journey were developed under this creative philosophy, prioritizing the maturation of video games as a medium for evoking specific, intended emotional responses.
Fast facts
- Born: 1981, Shanghai
- Education: Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Donghua University, University of Southern California
- Company: Co-founder of Thatgamecompany
- Notable Projects: Cloud, Flow, Flower, Journey
- Citizenship: People's Republic of China
- Known professional name: Jenova Chen
Questions readers ask
What is the design philosophy of Jenova Chen?
He aims to elevate video games as a medium by focusing on emotional responses rather than traditional, competitive game mechanics.
What was Chen's primary inspiration for the game Cloud?
The game was inspired by his own childhood experiences of being hospitalized for asthma.
Achievements
- Educated at University of Southern California, Shanghai Jiao Tong University and USC Interactive Media Division
- Worked as computer scientist, artist and video game director
