Born: 1987 (Adirondack Mountains, New York)
Biography:
Zoë Tiberius Quinn, born in 1987, is an influential American video game developer, programmer, and writer. Quinn’s impact on the gaming industry and society as a whole cannot be understated. Their journey has been marked by significant accomplishments, struggles, and the relentless pursuit of justice.
Born and raised in a small town near the Adirondack Mountains in New York, Quinn’s passion for video games was evident from a young age. Their favorite game growing up was Commander Keen, a captivating MS-DOS game featuring a young protagonist who defends the Earth after building a spaceship with household items. But Quinn’s life was not without its challenges. At the age of 14, they were diagnosed with depression, a condition that would shape their future endeavors.
At 24, Quinn made a life-changing decision to move to Canada, embarking on their first foray into video game programming. They attended a six-week course on game creation after seeing an advertisement in a newspaper, an experience that ignited their passion. Quinn described this moment as finding their true calling, and they were ready to make their mark on the gaming world.
Quinn’s first major project, Depression Quest, was a groundbreaking interactive fiction game released in 2013. This choose-your-own-path adventure deftly depicted the struggles of a person living with depression. By imposing limitations and obstacles, Quinn aimed to create empathy and understanding for those dealing with mental health issues. The game resonated deeply with players, as it offered a unique perspective on a widely misunderstood subject.
Despite critical acclaim, Depression Quest faced its own set of challenges. Quinn encountered resistance while attempting to publish the game on the Steam Greenlight service. However, their perseverance paid off when it was accepted and released in August 2014. Quinn’s game not only highlighted the power of gaming as a storytelling medium, but it also contributed to the ongoing dialogue surrounding mental health.
In 2014, Quinn became the unfortunate target of a defamatory blog post by their ex-boyfriend. This sparked the notorious online harassment campaign known as Gamergate, a movement caught up in sexism, harassment, and threats. Quinn experienced doxing, rape threats, and death threats, enduring an intense period of hardship and abuse. Rather than succumbing to the hate, Quinn rose above it.
The following year, Quinn co-founded Crash Override, a crisis hotline and resource center for victims of online harassment. They harnessed their experience to support and advocate for others facing similar challenges. This endeavor exemplifies Quinn’s unwavering commitment to combating online harassment and making the gaming community a safer space for everyone.
Quinn’s influence extends beyond their own projects. They created the Game Developer Help List, a platform designed to connect experienced developers with newcomers. This initiative demonstrated the depths of Quinn’s dedication to fostering collaboration and growth within the industry. In addition, Quinn participated in the canceled reality television show Game_Jam, intended to unite prominent indie game developers.
In 2015, Quinn served as a narrative design consultant for Loveshack Entertainment’s iOS game, Framed. They utilized their storytelling expertise to enhance the gaming experience, leaving an indelible mark on the project.
Zoë Quinn is a trailblazer in the gaming industry, leveraging their talents and experiences to create meaningful change. Their courage in the face of adversity and their commitment to inclusion and advocacy make them a vital figure in gaming history.
Awards:
– [List any official awards or recognitions received by Zoë Quinn]