Meet Ellie Cai | Ellie Cai | Indie Game Producer & Master’s Candidate in Public Relations at USC

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

Hi Ellie, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
Our business ideas didn’t spark out of nowhere; they were deeply rooted in our experience and observation. We recall the gender inequalities of the early 2000s in Eastern Asia, a period our mothers describe with vivid clarity. To the younger generation today, these tales might seem almost unfathomable. But it’s a story we owe to our mothers and sisters, and we’re determined to tell it.

This led to an idea: What if we could turn these powerful stories into an indie game? A platform that provides not only entertainment but also a deep dive into another’s experiences. Our game isn’t just for fun; it’s a tribute to the brave women of our past.

Every part of our game is inspired by these stories. We aimed to fill a gap in the gaming market and cater to Eastern Asian women who want to see their histories represented. Games have the potential to bridge divides, challenge norms, and educate. Our game seeks to break gender barriers and create a story that educates and resonates.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I never really thought I’d start a game studio. It all began with a game idea I shared with 12 people, mostly friends. The game was about our mothers’ stories, and it struck a chord with many. So much so that, in just a few days, our team grew to 38 people, including some of whom are award-winning artists.

Three things set us apart:

1. Global Collaboration: We’re a fully remote team, with members spanning 9 cities across Canada, China, Singapore, the United States, and the United Kingdom. Across both the Atlantic and the Pacific, our diverse team of 43 talents brings specialized expertise from prestigious backgrounds. This ranges from programming, game design, narrative crafting, art (2D, 3D, and UI/UX design), to sound production and publishing. We truly represent global collaboration at its zenith.

2. Flat Management Structure: Our approach is anchored in servant leadership. This is evident not only in our agile development methodologies but also in our daily interactions and feedback mechanisms with team members. We uphold a culture of respect, with zero tolerance for any form of disrespectful behavior.

3. Female Leadership: The current leadership team is all-female. While we value diversity of all kinds tremendously, give that our determination is to authentically tell the stories of our mothers and sisters, we believe this feminine perspective is both unique and essential.

I’ve learned a lot on this journey. One big lesson is that the way I act sets the tone for the whole team. If I work hard and talk openly with our team, then that becomes part of our culture. I’m still figuring out the business side of things, and I might make mistakes. But I’m eager to learn and thankful for this chance to share our story.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Haha, asking a game developer about the outside world? That’s a rare one! But jokes aside, when I do venture out, my go-to spot in the city is the Blue Bottle in Koreatown. It’s the ideal place to hunker down for some focused work or study sessions with friends. And the best part? I can always get my favorite nola coffee while I’m there.

When it’s time for a break or we just need a change of scenery, there’s no shortage of options nearby. Right across the street, there are several places to grab a meal, be it lunch or dinner. And if you’re in the mood for something sweet afterward, there’s a spot that serves the most delightful melo melo dessert.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I’d like to give a special shoutout to Steven Fowler, a professor at USC. He has been instrumental in guiding me through the intricacies of game development, particularly in the realm of publishing. As I work on creating a game centered around a social cause, aiming to address the “elephant in the room,” I often grapple with self-doubt and wonder if I should have chosen an easier path for both myself and my business partners. However, Steven stepped in, teaching me how to effectively communicate my message and leverage detailed data to underscore my brand’s value.

Website: https://elliepr.com/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ellie-cai-473848249/