Purposeful Design: Staying True in a Sea of Change

In an industry facing constant upheaval—from studio closures to an evolving market—staying true to a game’s purpose is more vital than ever. Purpose isn’t just a guiding light; it’s a strategic advantage that can drive both creative breakthroughs and measurable business success. This talk explores how purpose-led game design shaped Monument Valley 3, where sustainability and storytelling intertwined to create a meaningful player experience. Jennifer will share insights from the game’s iterative development process, such as the jam that led to the new mechanic in the MV series, sailing. She will talk about how staying connected to vision, pillars, and purpose helped navigate challenges, sail through sea-change, and create impact. She will also highlight broader industry examples, from Subway Surfers to Love & Pies, showcasing how sustainability initiatives can enhance KPIs, deepen engagement, and future-proof games in a saturated market. Attendees will walk away with practical takeaways on designing for impact while balancing business priorities with creative integrity.