Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month may have come to a close at the end of May, but our celebration continues! Next up on our employee spotlight, please meet Larry Wu! Larry also joined us in January, and has been improving your gameplay experience since then –all from home! So, what does he think is the most fun aspect of design? And what Hogwarts House would Larry be sorted into?? We have the scoop.
What do you do at the Lab?
I’m a Senior Systems Designer on State of Decay 2. I maintain and improve the zombie survival experience thinking mainly in terms of how to excite players far past the point of their initial playthrough.
What’s your boba order?
My brown sugar boba fad addiction has died down and I’m back to a 50% sweet Taro Milk Tea with boba and almond milk.
What’s your favorite thing about working in games?
I especially enjoy the unexplored territory of game design that allows for creative problem solving. Designs that have been tread on a thousand times can get a small change or just a shift in context and suddenly provide a new and compelling experience. Being able to mix and match design ideas to come up with something that delights and engages players is endless fun.
What does your Asian heritage mean to you?
I remember growing up, my dad would always ask whether I considered myself to be Chinese or American (My dad liked to test his children using questions with unclear answers). I always said “American!” and didn’t really understand why it was even a question or why I’d want to be anything else. At 31 years of age, I’m only starting to understand that Asian heritage isn’t contentious with my being an American. I am both Chinese and American and that gives me a unique perspective. I get to use that historic lens to learn and grow from the trials, triumphs, and values of my family and my people.
Any shout outs you want to make?
Boba Guys in SF, you’ll always be my #1. And to all my fellow Slytherins out there, don’t let the haters get you down.