Jordan Mechner

Video Game Designer

Jordan Mechner is a game designer and writer, best known for creating the 'Prince of Persia' series, which transformed narrative in video games.

Born
June 4, 1964
Quotes
4
Rank
#5987

About Jordan Mechner

Jordan Mechner — Life and Legacy

Jordan Mechner is a pioneering game designer and writer, recognized for his groundbreaking work on the 'Prince of Persia' series. This franchise not only set new standards for platform gaming but also integrated storytelling in ways that were previously unseen in the medium. Mechner's approach to game design emphasizes the fusion of narrative and gameplay, as he famously stated, 'The best stories are the ones that are true.' This reflects his belief in authenticity and personal experience as core elements of compelling storytelling. His innovative techniques, such as the use of rotoscoping, allowed for fluid animations that enhanced the emotional depth of characters, challenging the norms of game design at the time. Mechner's perspective on creativity is encapsulated in his assertion that 'You have to be willing to fail,' highlighting the necessity of risk-taking in the pursuit of artistic expression. This mindset has influenced a generation of game developers who seek to push the boundaries of interactive storytelling. Today, Mechner's quotes and ideas continue to resonate within the gaming community, inspiring creators to embrace the unknown and explore new narratives. His work remains a testament to the potential of video games as a powerful storytelling medium, proving that creativity thrives in the intersection of innovation and authenticity.

Quote collection

Jordan Mechner quotes

4 quotes — follow a thought to its full quote page.

Jordan Mechner Video Game Designer
Popular

"Today's games are more forgiving in the sense that you can save your game almost anywhere, and get back into the action very quickly, whereas in POP when you died you had to go back to the beginning of the level."

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Jordan Mechner Video Game Designer
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"If you immerse yourself too single-mindedly in your chosen art form whether it's video games, movies, comics or whatever, your work can easily become just a reflection of what others are doing in that field rather than breaking new ground."

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Jordan Mechner Video Game Designer
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"Design a clear and simple interface. The primary task of the interface is to present the player with a choice of the available actions at each moment and to provide instant feedback when the player makes a choice."

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Jordan Mechner Video Game Designer
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"I've chosen a life that's so different from everybody else's that it cuts me off from them. Practically everybody I know treats me like a guest celebrity. Of course it's my own fault. I feel so damn alone sometimes, I feel like I could just float away into the stratosphere and everybody would stand there looking up at me and not one would haul me back down to earth. No ropes."

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