It’s been a whirlwind of a summer here at 31st Union! From the sun-soaked streets of Valencia to the cool breezes of Northern California, we’ve been striking a balance between staying productive and soaking up the season. As always, we’ve leaned into what makes 31U special: community, creativity, and a deep appreciation for connection...plus some seriously good food.
A World of Culture in Valencia
On June 28, our 31U Valencia team joined forces with 2K Valencia for a vibrant summer celebration themed “Around the World,” a tribute to the cultural diversity that defines and strengthens our shared identity. The venue came alive with 31U and 2K banners, setting the stage for a day full of heartwarming messages from teammates across the globe. The international menu was a foodie's dream - think Mexican tacos, Japanese gyozas, and Chinese baos - showcasing not just the global spirit of our team, but our shared love of a great meal.
Despite a sweltering heatwave, the energy stayed high. Even soaring temperatures couldn’t dim the energy or enthusiasm of this crew. Our people brought the vibes and the laughter, creating the best kind of summer memories.
Inspiring the Next Generation in San Mateo
Back at our San Mateo studio, July 31 marked a major milestone: our first-ever 31U Take Our Kids to Work Day.
In partnership with our neighbors at Zynga, we welcomed nineteen energetic kids ranging in age from 3 to 17. The day kicked off with a studio tour before rolling into hands-on activities and workshops. A highlight? Watching our junior innovators apply physics and math to launch paper Angry Birds across the room, just like the real game.
Older kids had the chance to shadow developers in concept art, animation, VFX, design, audio, and UI/UX. Their minds lit up with possibility as they explored different skillsets that make a great game. Who knows, some of them might be our future teammates one day. If they ever say, “It all started that summer at 31U,” we’ll be honored.
The energy, curiosity, and joy these kids brought into the studio were infectious. We loved having them with us and look forward to making this an annual tradition.
Food, Music & Memories: The 31U Summer Potluck
After the warm and wonderful response to our winter potluck, we knew we had to do it again. Our first-ever 31U Summer Potluck brought the team together for a delicious meal, great company, and a little live music magic.
Our food-loving team turned out in full force, bringing dishes that spanned flavors and cultures: Chinese fried rice, BBQ chicken, Buddha’s delight, hot honey cornbread, tofu salad, Tex-Mex fruit salsa, Filipino senorita bread, coconut macaroons, and chocolate pecan pie. One teammate even stepped in as our onsite barista, hand-pouring rich Arabic and Turkish coffees that filled the room with incredible aromas.
And just when we thought the event couldn't get any better, local singer-songwriter Megan Keely took the stage with her ukulele and guitar, joined by her father, Bert Keely, a tech-industry-vet-turned-musician, on stand-up bass. Their soulful set turned the studio into a cozy concert venue, leaving us all smiling.
Looking Ahead
From global celebrations to family-friendly fun and music-filled moments, this summer reminded us of the unique spirit that defines 31st Union. We’re proud of the community we’re building and excited for what’s next. If you’re inspired by our journey and want to be part of it, check out our open roles.
