Today we’d like to introduce you to Seleny Xie
Hi Seleny , can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
My journey in the world of new media, video games, and virtual production started with a foundation in game development, prototyping, and 3D environment design, honed through years in the film industry. The shift towards innovative storytelling was catalyzed during the pandemic, pushing me deeper into emerging media exploration.
Relocating to Los Angeles two years ago marked a significant chapter; I immersed myself in a vibrant, multidisciplinary community that thrives on the intersection of AI, XR, and VR. This move enabled me to collaborate with a network of artists, designers, and programmers, resulting in two VR projects that earned nominations at prestigious events like BAFTA Immersive and the Independent Games Festival.
During my tenure at PlayStation and Sony Pictures, I’ve had the opportunity to produce VR games derived from major film IPs and manage several indie game releases for PS5. These experiences have allowed me to bridge my background in film with my passion for gaming, integrating these mediums into my professional projects.
Currently, I’m expanding my repertoire as a visual designer for an interactive VR rhythm game. This convergence of creative technology and content creation keeps me on a perpetual learning curve, engaging with new talents and technologies that inspire and shape the evolving landscape of my work.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Two years ago, I moved to Los Angeles to embark on a master’s degree in game design, entering a field far removed from my background in filmmaking. With no knowledge of the game design pipeline, programming languages, or the broader computer science landscape, I faced substantial doubts—both from my peers and within myself—about my capability to transition into this new domain.
Driven by a deep-seated passion for the possibilities within emerging creative technologies, I dedicated myself to intense 18-20 hour workdays. This rigorous schedule was filled with small-scale projects and online courses, all aimed at rapidly enhancing my technical skills and deepening my understanding of the game industry.
The early phases of this transition were marked by significant challenges, including recurring negations and intense self-doubt. However, I soon began to tap into the transferable skills acquired through my filmmaking experience. Proficiencies in negotiation, proactive risk management, social networking, and visual development proved crucial as I navigated this unfamiliar territory.
In addition to developing both technical and soft skills, I assumed leadership roles on several projects. This experience brought to light another challenge—the underrepresentation of women in leadership positions within the tech industry. Tackling this issue head-on, I advocated for more inclusive practices and worked to establish myself as a leader who could inspire change and encourage more women to assume similar roles.
Reflecting on this journey, I’ve come to value the resilience and adaptability I developed during those initial days of pressure and uncertainty. Today, I continue to thrive in a constantly evolving industry, embracing each new challenge as an opportunity to learn and grow.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Working in the dynamic field of creative technology, I’ve had the opportunity to delve into a variety of emerging media technologies that enhance storytelling. My expertise spans visual development and environmental design in video games, as well as experience design in virtual reality (VR). I’ve also honed skills in cinematography, motion capture, and character animation. My comprehensive skill set was crucial in creating a VR interactive experience that was nominated for a BAFTA in the immersive category.
During my time at Sony, I worked across multiple divisions, including PlayStation and Sony Pictures Studio, which allowed me to apply my skills in different contexts and learn the intricacies of each department. This cross-disciplinary exposure has been invaluable, continuously expanding my knowledge base and skill set.
Now, as a video game producer, I leverage this diverse toolkit to thoroughly understand and effectively manage the specific workflows of each discipline involved in development. This enables me to build robust production pipelines that align with project goals and team capabilities. What sets me apart is not just the breadth of my skills, but the depth of my understanding in each area—allowing me to bridge creative and technical gaps uniquely, enhancing both the efficiency and creativity of the teams I lead. I pride myself on never stopping learning, viewing each professional experience as an opportunity to develop further and adapt to new challenges in the ever-evolving landscape of creative technology.
Risk taking is a topic that people have widely differing views on – we’d love to hear your thoughts.
Taking on risk can be intimidating, but it’s also where growth and innovation thrive. We naturally lean towards what’s familiar, but I’ve discovered that stepping out of my comfort zone is where real progress happens. This lesson has been crucial in teaching me how to handle the unknown and find new opportunities and successes along the way.
In the realm of project management, mastering risk management has fundamentally changed how I view challenges. It involves a detailed process where potential issues are identified and broken down into smaller, more manageable pieces. This method has sharpened my skills in handling complex situations, turning potential threats into chances for development. By proactively creating strategies and solutions, we can preemptively address these risks, protecting our projects from possible disruptions. While this strategy originates in project management, its applications are broad, affecting many different fields and everyday situations.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.selenyxie.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theselenyxiiiiie/
