Andrew Ow of West LA on Life, Lessons & Legacy

Andrew Ow shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.

Good morning Andrew, we’re so happy to have you here with us and we’d love to explore your story and how you think about life and legacy and so much more. So let’s start with a question we often ask: What is something outside of work that is bringing you joy lately?
I had the opportunity to give a talk to a class of aspiring game creators at USC’s Interactive Media & Games program. It was wonderful to see students with so much more knowledge than I did when I was their age. The next generation of game creatives are going to be pretty amazing!

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m the founder of Haiku Games, an indie game studio focused on puzzles and storytelling. We are the creators behind Adventure Escape Mysteries, a game which tens of millions of players have played. We work with original stories and also partner with large companies. For example, we worked with Hasbro to bring a Clue mystery to Adventure Escape.

Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. Who taught you the most about work?
My wife, Sophia, taught me the most about work. She is an extremely hard worker, and I admire how she’s able to do what needs to be done. One time she had to be in a different time zone to help her family with a tough situation. She was able to handle that during the day and work all through the night. The whole time she didn’t complain, and just got it done. At the same time, even if she’s busy, she finds time to find joy in small moments. And when we get a chance to take a lot of time off, we appreciate it even more.

What did suffering teach you that success never could?
Before starting Haiku Games, I founded another company that failed. I had turned down a number of good jobs to start that company, and it felt horrible to have nothing to show for it. After it all happened, I absolutely needed some time to recover. But after a while I started thinking “the next time I start a company, I will…” I never thought “I’m not meant to be an entrepreneur.” That experience taught me something about myself. If you try something and fail, and you still want to do it again, that’s something you really want to do. I wouldn’t have known that without suffering through failure.

Sure, so let’s go deeper into your values and how you think. What’s a cultural value you protect at all costs?
We want to make the best games. We are a small company, so we’re not going to make a hundred million dollar budget game like Grand Theft Auto. But in the niche of puzzle adventure games, we just want to make the best ones. Copying other games or making a lot of low-quality games might work as a business, but I believe it kills you creatively. That’s not what Haiku Games is about. Making something we’re proud of is what gives me energy, and I think that is what gives us the creative power to keep innovating. That passion and energy is also why big brands are willing to work with a small company like us.

Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
I want people to remember me for leaving the world better. It’s not really the focus of this interview, but first and foremost I mean that for my friends and family. In terms of Haiku Games, it means making games that I’m proud of, games that are fun and fulfilling. And it also means running the company with integrity.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.haikugames.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/haikugamesco/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewow/
• Twitter: https://x.com/haikugames
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HaikuGames/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@HaikuGames