Shaynn Haugen

QRM was able to chat with Shaynn Haugen.

QRM: Can you tell us a little bit about who you are and what you do in the games industry?

Shaynn: I am an independent game developer specializing in visual novels. I provide the scripts, programming, character design, and artwork, as well as coordinating the creation of any remaining assets.

QRM: What about the games industry excites and inspires you?

Shaynn: Games as a medium excite me with their potential for truly unique storytelling. Nothing else integrates so many diverse media under its umbrella, or offers quite the same experience. I believe this can be used to deliver truly impactful and interesting stories, and the industry's widening accessibility is letting more creators tell those stories for the first time.

QRM: What about the games industry frustrates or disappoints you? What are the challenges you’re currently facing in the industry?

Shaynn: Right now, my biggest challenge is simply being seen. I'm still a very small developer, and finding an audience can be difficult. I'm fortunate that I don't rely on games for income, but it's still very disheartening.

QRM: If you could make one roadblock magically disappear from the games industry, what would you choose and why?

Shaynn: The rather toxic attitudes towards marginalised groups in general. I thankfully haven't personally seen it within my limited sphere, but I'm still distressingly aware of it in the wider industry and surrounding community. I think we've all seen entirely too many examples of creators being harassed simply for falling outside the typical 'boy's club'. It's a massively discouraging atmosphere -- especially to newcomers -- and it'd be the first thing I'd like to see go.

QRM: What message would you give to marginalised people who are working in games or would like to work in games?

Shaynn: To anyone who wants to work on games... do it! There are more tools, better tools, than ever, and a great community to help you! Just pick up one of them and try it, and you might find you love it.

QRM: If people want to find and support you and your work, how can they do that?

Shaynn: My work can be found at moleworks.us, as well as on Twitter at @Moleworks_games. My Patreon can be found here: patreon.com/moleworks. For now, all of my games are freeware and available to all, so my Patreon is simply a way to support me if you want. Thank you!