During the early 2000s, Sony Online Entertainment was a leader in the online gaming space. In 2008, I joined their elite Skunkworks team – a brainstorming group dedicated to innovating new creative ideas for gaming services. During my tenure, I witnessed three major game releases: DC Universe, Free Realms, and EverQuest.

Our team focused on creating innovative conceptual designs for an interactive video messaging system using augmented reality technology. I also prototyped in-game interactive designs for a joint venture between Ride Makerz (an RC racer manufacturer) and Free Realms (an SOE video game) that allowed players to purchase RC car versions of their in-game vehicles.

Additionally, I created an interactive book creator that could print physical books containing players’ in-game photos and experiences. We also worked on integrating social media with games, designing a Facebook-SOE social connection that allowed players to showcase their gaming status, compare stats, rankings, and achievements with friends.

All of these projects were demonstrated as conceptual ideas to the executive staff and were later integrated into production.