Meet Can Huang | Game Designer

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

Hi Can, can you tell us more about your background and the role it’s played in shaping who you are today?
I’m a lesbian who grew up in a very traditional family in China. After I realized my sexual orientation when I was 14 and tried to talk about it with my parents, it was a disaster. From my family’s perspective, homosexuality conflicts with traditional Chinese culture and is unaccepted. My sexual orientation is ashamed of my family. Thus, I became introverted and self-closing after that and have been struggling between my self-identity and society’s identity for a long time. During this tough time, Video games became my only friend. I slowly feel like the video game world is a utopia for me. In the video game world, no one will think you are weird because you are different; everyone is accepted. The story I make, and the people I meet in the game world help me to break my self-doubt. It brings my confidence back to me and makes me realize video games are not just entertainment. I decided to become a game designer and make more wonderful utopias for different people in different situations. I went to UC Santa Cruz to study game design when I was 17.In my undergraduate time in Santa Cruz, besides basic game design techniques, I also studied many courses related to LGBTQ and video game history. I read a book named “Video games have always been queer”. It inspires me that I can use video games to do more things, to change other people’s thoughts, to make people pay attention to some topic. So, I made a game named “Back Home”. It is a text-based game that talks about the coming out story of an Asian kid. In the game, the player can have a chance to switch perspectives from different characters and know every character’s thoughts in the story. I hope this game can help LGBTQ groups in Asia and appeal to Asia LGBTQ parents to understand that no matter what the society is like, family should always share love and support.“Back home” is an important work for my life. I share this game with my family as well; they finally understand and accept me after they get in touch with the game world. After that, I was convinced that video games can express more deeply topics to players and can help more people. So I recently pursuing my Master’s degree of Interactive media and game Design in the University of Southern California to find more potential in video games.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
My art, in the form of video game design, is deeply rooted in my personal journey and a commitment to fostering inclusivity and empathy. What sets my work apart is its focus on narratives that reflect diverse identities, particularly within the LGBTQ community and Asian cultures. I’m passionate about creating games that not only entertain but also educate and provoke thoughtful reflection on social issues.My journey to where I am today professionally has been far from easy. Growing up in a traditional Chinese family presented significant challenges when reconciling my sexual orientation with societal expectations. This internal conflict initially pushed me towards introversion, but discovering video games as a form of expression and escape was transformative. Pursuing my undergraduate degree in game design at UC Santa Cruz and USC games provided me with the technical skills and theoretical knowledge to turn my passion into a career path.

Overcoming these challenges required resilience, self-discovery, and the support of mentors, friends, and my academic community. I learned the importance of authenticity and staying true to my vision, even when faced with opposition or doubt. Every setback became an opportunity for growth and deeper understanding of both myself and the industry I aspire to influence.

Entrepreneurship in the gaming industry is a daunting yet exhilarating endeavor. I know it won’t be without challenges, but I am prepared to leverage my education, experiences, and network to navigate obstacles and seize opportunities. Collaborating with like-minded creatives and leveraging emerging technologies will be crucial in pushing the boundaries of what games can achieve.

Ultimately, I want my brand and projects to be known for their commitment to authenticity, diversity, and social change. I envision my games not only entertaining players but also leaving a lasting impact by encouraging empathy, promoting inclusivity, and sparking important conversations.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If my best friend were visiting, I’d take them to some of my favorite spots in Los Angeles to ensure they have the best time. We’d start our day with brunch at the great white/meet her at bar/The Original Pantry Cafe, enjoying the vibrant atmosphere and diverse food options. Then, we’d stroll through the Arts District to admire the street art and visit galleries like Hauser & Wirth.For dinner, we’d head to Bestia in the Arts District for some inventive Italian cuisine in a lively setting., I will also bring my friend to the Death&Co, best bar in the town.Throughout the week, we’d also visit the Art District on Melrose for its eclectic inspiration, shop at fashion stores like Dover Street Market and H. Lorenzo, and explore the cultural richness of Little Tokyo, Thai Town, and K-town to get a taste of the world right here in LA.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Firstly, I want to acknowledge my friends within the LGBTQ community who provided unwavering support and understanding during the toughest times. Their empathy and shared experiences helped me feel less alone and gave me the courage to embrace my identity.

Secondly, I owe a debt of gratitude to the faculty and mentors at UC Santa Cruz and USC Games, especially those in the game design program and LGBTQ studies. Their guidance and encouragement allowed me to explore my passion for game design in a supportive environment, where I could merge my personal experiences with academic pursuits.

I also want to recognize the authors and scholars whose works shaped my thinking, particularly the book “Video Games Have Always Been Queer”. This book was pivotal in expanding my understanding of the potential of games to challenge norms and promote inclusivity.

Lastly, I’m deeply thankful to my family, especially after they played “Back Home”. Their willingness to engage with my work and ultimately come to a place of acceptance has been transformative. Their support has given me the confidence to continue pursuing my goals in game design and social impact.

Website: https://dashingdexter.myportfolio.com/

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

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/can-huang-4aaba5254/

Image Credits
1. Pilgrimage
2.Card Game, Bad Biology
3.Back Home
4.Neon City
5.Neon Runner
6. Level Design Work