By: Linda Gabriel

In the ever-evolving landscape of the gaming industry, certain individuals stand out as trailblazers who redefine the boundaries of what is possible. Kailin Zhu, a name synonymous with innovation and creativity in game design, has emerged as one such pioneer. 

Introduction

Kailin is known for her expertise that spans both the fields of game design and digital product design. Currently, as Lead Designer at Unity Technologies, one of the largest gaming companies in the world, she integrates her profound expertise in Digital Media Technology, Product Design, and Game Design to democratize gaming and creativity for a greater audience.

Kailin’s work spans creative authoring, entertainment, education, and cultural realms, showcasing her innovative approach in notable collaborations with industry leaders like Google, Meta, Peloton and prestigious institutions such as the Smithsonian. Beyond professional achievements, Kailin has made a significant impact through her personal ventures. She has developed multiple games that have influenced the technology and media sectors profoundly. 

Her creative talents have been acknowledged at renowned events like SXSW, the Smithsonian American Art Museum, and E3, and she has been a judge for the D&AD Awards, etc. 

The Early Years

Kailin recalls her fascination with video games from a young age, expressing how the interactive nature of the medium captivated her imagination. “I was drawn to the idea of creating worlds that players could explore and interact with,” she says. Kailin’s passion for storytelling and technology converged, setting the stage for a remarkable journey in the world of game design. 

Influences and Inspirations

When asked about her influences, Kailin pays tribute to both classic and contemporary game designers who have shaped the industry. “I have immense respect for pioneers like Shigeru Miyamoto and Hideo Kojima. Industry leaders like Jenova Chen also had a big impact on how I view game design and its purpose.” She shares. Kailin also emphasizes the importance of drawing inspiration from diverse sources, including literature, art, and, in particular, interactive and digital arts. “I believe that a rich perspective is crucial for creating games that are unique and can resonate with a broad audience,” she adds. 

With Ustwo 

Kailin spent three years at world-renowned design studio, Ustwo as a Senior Product Designer. Known for their iconic work, Monument Valley Series, Ustwo produces games and digital experiences with a strong focus on user experience and, particularly, on crafting groundbreaking and visually stunning mobile experiences. 

Kailin’s proficiency in user experience design, digital product design, and interactive media technologies has left an indelible mark in her works with Ustwo through two exceptional titles – “Go Go-Bots” and “Lanebreak.” 

In “GoGo Bots,” players are immersed in a charming and fast-paced world where they lead a squad of adorable robots through challenging levels. The game seamlessly blends intuitive controls with vibrant graphics, offering a delightful combination of strategy and skill. 

On the other hand, “Lanebreak” takes a divergent path by introducing a rhythm-based gameplay mechanic set against a mesmerizing cyberpunk backdrop. Players navigate futuristic cityscapes, synchronizing their movements with the beat to overcome obstacles and unveil an electrifying narrative. 

Both games showcase Kailin’s knack for pushing creative boundaries, delivering engaging and visually arresting experiences that captivate players in unique and innovative ways. Ultimately, she attempts to give players a memory that will last a lifetime through a gaming experience that is brimming with life and personality. 

Apart from crafting and shipping entertainment products, games and immersive experiences, in her role with Ustwo, Kailin also collaborated extensively with notable organizations such as Meta, Google, Cartoon Network, Peloton, and more. These collaborations paved the way for her current role at the world-leading game company Unity Technologies as Lead Designer, democratizing game authoring for everyone.

Breaking New Grounds at Unity Technologies

Currently, as Lead Designer at Unity, Kailin leads design efforts for the No.1 mobile 3D game creation platform with a whopping 600k monthly active user base and works on expanding it across multiple platforms with the brand-new desktop offering. She also leads design efforts for Unity’s first-ever consumer mobile AR creation tool. Committed to her mission of democratizing game authoring to everyone, Kailin finds her current role challenging but also immensely fulfilling. Through her work, she is able to make the process of creating games accessible to everyone, irrespective of their technical expertise or background, fostering a more inclusive and diverse game development scene. Her work also empowers individuals to express their creativity, share unique narratives, and contribute to the gaming industry in more convenient ways and on more diverse platforms, ultimately breaking down traditional barriers to game design for each individual.

Maquisard

Speaking of her favorite personal project, Kailin mentions Maquisard, a 2D detective video game she showcased at E3. Inspired by Wes Anderson’s film The Grand Budapest Hotel, this game allows players to explore the dollhouse-like setup in order to help the male character in the scuba suit find a government spy masquerading as a hotel guest. Players are given three in-game days and five clues, but are then left to their own devices when it comes to eliminating suspects. The fascinating Wes Anderson theme of the game was perfectly delivered through subtle game environment and interaction design, showcasing Kailin’s design well-roundedness and her outstanding ability to create “unique worlds” through her game design.

Closing Thoughts

Kailin has left an indelible mark on the industry, consistently pushing the envelope to create unique and memorable gaming experiences. As we conclude our interview, Kailin leaves us with her thoughts on the future of game design: “The integration of artificial intelligence, virtual reality, and other emerging technologies will open up new possibilities for storytelling and player engagement.” She envisions a future where technology continues to break down barriers, enabling even more immersive and personalized gaming experiences, and empowering individuals to tell their own stories and create their own worlds to share with the rest of the world.

(Kailin’s personal works and works at Ustwo studio]