Meet Yitong Hu | Game & multimedia designer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Yitong Hu and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Yitong, can you talk to us a bit about the social impact of your business?

The whole world could benefit from good storytelling since the latter shares unique perspectives to describe social or historical issues. I believe video gaming is one of the best media to tell stories. Not only because it communicates through multiple senses (like touch, hearing, and sight), but also allows people to virtually participate in the stories. After developing indie games and pursuing game design degrees for a few years, I have built projects that centered around STEM education, diversity (racial equality, LGBTQ+, and other minority communities), financial management, humanity, trauma recovery, and anti-discrimination. 

Specifically, I worked as a Gameplay Designer at Alter Learning, where I developed successful educational gaming platforms. I also started a 1000-plus-game-reviewing/streaming challenge in 2020 to add a voice to Black Lives Matter and the support of Ukrainians.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?

I have worked as a Game Developer for several notable organizations in the gaming industry including Alter Learning, Game Tree, Eyes Out, and more, playing a vital role in the development of some of these companies’ most successful productions. However, I am most proud of the projects that made players feel like they had a voice. For example, I developed the video game, Truants, that depicted the true story in China: parents sent their kids to a mental health center to “cure Internet addiction” with imprisonment and electric shock. My other project, Black White Bear, depicts the life journey of queer and minority youth, from self-acceptance, original family, romantic relationship, to community building and social activities. 

To pursue my passion for game design, I left China at the age of 16, lived alone for 5 years in Malaysia and 4 years in the United States to get my two degrees and advance my career. I had to face the challenges of culture shock, language proficiency, financial difficulties, and legal requirements for foreign workers. Last year, I also had to shoulder an injury, PTSD recovery, and a lawsuit after I survived a hit-and-run car accident and mass shooting incident. Fortunately, I can always depend on my enduring spirit and the love and support from family, friends, and even strangers. 

I never stop learning new skills and connecting with professional folks. I am proud to be able to share my expert knowledge of the industry with others through my work, mentorship, and educational programs. I have acted as a Game Developer Instructor at iD Tech, and a Game Designer Educator at Labner Education. I have also acted as a Graphic Design Mentor at AIGA and participated as a panelist at GG Woman Professionals. 

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.

GTA V was my favorite game when moved to California in 2018 and Santa Monica Pier was in the map of that game. I was so excited to visit that place when my classmates and I went to Electronic Entertainment Expo 2019 (E3 2019). After the event, I even recorded a video of Michael, the main character of GTA V, walking around the pier and sent it to all the classmates who hadn’t played that game.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?

Dr. Michael John, the program director of the Master’s degree program at U.C. Santa Cruz, has been highly influential on my career. Having learned from his wide range of knowledge of game design and profound practice experience in the American game industry provided me with a solid foundation for my career growth. Not only as a game designer but also as a person who works in a foreign country, I always benefit from his wisdom and generous support.

Website: https://www.huisthis.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yotato_who/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/yitong-hu/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/Hu_Is_This

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCrWTpdk7STYsJ00b-6PIwsA

Other: https://bugondesk.itch.io/