Claire Hu is a Systems Designer at 31st Union whose path into game development was shaped by a wide range of creative and technical interests, from drawing and psychology to music and digital tools. In this interview, Claire shares how those passions converged into a career in game design, what surprised her most about the realities of game development, and the creative mindset that continues to guide her work in games.

How Claire Found Her Path Into Game Development

Claire’s path into games was driven by a wide range of creative interests and a fascination with interactive experiences.

Q: What inspired you to go into video game development?

Claire Hu: My interest in video game design and development was sparked when I was a kid, by watching my older brother immerse himself in games day and night. Witnessing his passion for gaming ignited a curiosity within me – what’s unique about gaming that makes it so fascinating?

As I grew older, games turned out to be the perfect fusion of my million hobbies, converging into a single passion. I enjoy engaging deeply in various fields ranging from drawing, anime, psychology, music, and animals, to tinkering with digital tools and programs. Because of that, combining these interests in game design felt like a natural progression, allowing me to channel my diverse skills into crafting immersive digital experiences that captivate players.

What Surprised Claire About Working in Game Development

Like many developers entering the industry, Claire discovered that creating games is far more complex behind the scenes than players often realize.

Q: What surprised you about video game development?

Claire Hu: Looking from the outside, gaming seems like this smooth, seamless journey where everything flows nicely from one point to another, with thoughtfully crafted moment-to-moment gameplay and beautiful visuals. But if you think that’s what it feels like when developing a game? Oh, you must think again.

Game development is a process where we try to balance creativity and technology, and where chaos meets organization. Artists, designers, writers, audio designers, engineers… all come together to embrace and constructively debate -- hopefully ;) -- about the paths we take on. The process is filled with constant iterations and evolution of ideas, keeping it dynamic and unpredictable. You can start with a clear vision, but as the game evolves, so does the player's expectation and behaviors. Ultimately, you can never quite predict what the result turns out to be, but that’s also the beauty of the whole process.

How Games Have Influenced Claire’s Perspective

For Claire, games have been far more than entertainment. They've shaped her creativity, broadened her perspective, and helped her navigate some of life’s most formative experiences.

Q: How have video games influenced your life?

Claire Hu: To me, video games are way beyond merely “having fun”. They've been a lifeline during challenging times, helped me form friendships in unexpected ways, and gifted me invaluable skills outside of traditional education. During my formative years, the diverse narratives in games have broadened my cultural horizons and deepened my empathy. Gaming experiences, ranging from confronting the deepest fears to indulging in the wildest imaginations, always encourage me to think outside the box, confront challenges, and celebrate creativity.

Gaming Trends and Ideas That Inspire Claire Today

Claire remains excited by the ways in which games continue to evolve as both artistic and social experiences.

Q: Are there any current trends in gaming that you find exciting or inspiring?

Claire Hu: I'm particularly excited about the diverse landscape of gaming today, especially considering the rise of indie games. They challenge conventions and push the boundaries of what “gaming” means. From innovative experiences to social advocacy, games offer a platform for marginalized voices and unique perspectives to shine. The increasing emphasis on inclusive storytelling, accessibility, and catering to a broad audience feels truly inspiring. It’s incredible to see how games can serve as powerful vehicles for social change and foster empathy and understanding among our global communities. I aspire to do the same.

What Makes 31st Union Unique

For Claire, one of the most distinctive aspects of 31st Union is the studio’s culture and collaborative environment.

Q: What is unique about 31st Union compared to the broader industry?

Claire Hu: I think what sets 31st Union apart is not just its project, but the people who breathe life into it. The studio supports a culture of passion and excellence, where open discussions and continuous evolution are encouraged and embraced. More importantly, I feel we genuinely care for each other's well-being. Game development can get intense, yet it’s reassuring to know that I have supportive allies and mentors who help us navigate through challenges and inspire us to be better versions of ourselves.

Q: Which of our Studio Values most resonates with you?

Claire Hu: Live Your Dreams. Our society loves fitting us into neat little boxes, and breaking out of those molds can feel like swimming against the tide, especially in fields that aren't exactly well recognized by the public. However, I always believed in chasing your dreams, no matter how wild or unconventional they may seem to others. When that passion gets paired up with talents and dedication, you are unstoppable.

By adopting this mindset, I feel empowered to shatter boundaries, unlock my full potential, and hey, maybe even turn my childhood dreams of “making the world a better place” into reality! Step by step.

Favorite Games and Fun Facts

Of course, no developer profile is complete without talking about favorite games and a few fun facts along the way.

Q: What is your favorite game? What do you love about it?

Claire Hu: There are truly too many to choose from! Let me try to scope down to three:

• Alba: A Wildlife Adventure as it reminds me to stay mindful not only of my loved ones, but also of the nature and precious wildlife that live around us.
• Octopath Traveler II for its astonishing music tracks, well-developed characters, refreshing storytelling, and stunning visuals.
• World of Warcraft for friends, laughter, fishing, treasure hunt, and the good old times.

Q: Tell us something about yourself that many people do not know about you.

Claire Hu: Despite being a self-professed couch potato, there's a hidden side of me that absolutely adores nature and outdoor adventures. Honestly, it sometimes confuses me, too. Do I really want to go on an impromptu, gorgeous, but TIRING hike, rather than relax with my favorite cup of tea while playing video games? I can’t decide, so I say both!

Well…I also can’t deny those decisions might be heavily influenced by my dog’s watery puppy eyes.

Explore Careers at 31st Union

Inspired by Claire’s journey into game development? Explore current opportunities across design, art, engineering, and production on our Careers page.