Lessons from 'Replay' by Jordan Mechner
Akash Bhojraj CSM?
Game Producer (Jr.) at Ruby Seven Studios, Inc. | Product Owner | IIMK | SIBM | MBA - Project Management | Ex-Ubisoft
Introduction
As I delved into the pages of “Replay” by Jordan Mechner, I found myself transported into a completely new period in a captivating graphic memoir that weaves together personal history, family lore, and the challenges of holding a family together in an unstable world.
The excitement of unraveling the mysteries within its narrative left me both contemplative and inspired. Here, I share the valuable insights/lessons I gained from this remarkable book.
1. Life is unpredictable :
Book goes back to Jordans Dad's life and how he survived in difficult times during the World War II and escaped from being captured by Nazis.
Parallelly, Jordan was working on the new Prince of Persia game with Ubisoft, where he tells the important 10 tips for game developers.
Most important tip, which keeps Jordan himself awake at night:
"Nobody knows what will succeed"
Jordan has written 20 tips on making games which can be found here : LINK
2. Some games work some don't :
Jordan founded the independent developer Smoking Car Productions in 1993, where he led the production of the CD-ROM adventure game The Last Express.
When finally released in 1997, it was positively reviewed but did not recoup its budget. It has since become a fan favorite with adventure gamers and critics alike.
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In 2001, Mechner worked with Ubisoft to reboot Prince of Persia. Developed at Ubisoft Montreal with Mechner as game designer, writer, and creative consultant, Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time was released in 2003. It received twelve nominations and eight awards at the Interactive Achievement Awards.
3. Family is important :
Family is an important part of this life. Jordan shares his experiences taking his family to France, and how it changed his life along with his children.
His talks with his dad about the war and his dad recounting his experiences is quite amazing to read about.
4. Live life fully :
Jordan's father and grandfather had so many close calls to death, during the war, it feels Jordan's problems of creating a game, pitching it, feel so minuscule in comparison.
It's important to live life fully and focus on the present.
Conclusion
“Replay” invites us to pause, rewind, and reconsider our lives. As we turn its pages, let’s embrace the present, nurture relationships, and seek purpose. Apply these insights to your own journey, and remember that every day is a chance to rewrite your story. Let’s discuss, learn, and grow together—our own version of a timeless replay. ???
Feel free to share your thoughts and reflections! ??