Background noise Quote by Jenova Chen
“I wanted to see if I could create something that is emotional between people. Existing games are about killing each other or killing something together. The idea of social emotion means people need to share feelings. At that moment, the players are in sync. The problem [with many games] is there's no chance to share emotion. Most of them are busy, [there are] explosions everywhere. So we got rid of all the background noise and we had to get rid of the guns.”
About This Quote
Source Interview: Game Design Philosophy, 2018
Games should foster shared emotional experiences, not just conflict.
In simple terms: Games can connect people emotionally.
Design games that prioritize empathy and connection.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- co‑op games
- story‑driven experiences
- non‑violent gameplay
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- How can you balance tension with emotional sharing?
- What mechanics best convey feelings?
Players may still seek competition or excitement.