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Robin Hunicke

Robin Hunicke is the co-founder and CEO of Funomena, an independent game studio in downtown San Francisco, California.13 The company was founded in January 2013 by Hunicke and Martin Middleton, who both share the belief that games can positively impact the world.3 Hunicke describes herself as a game designer, food explorer, friend seeker, and life lover.1

Hunicke's game credits include The Sims 2: Open for Business (2006), MySims (2007), Boom Blox (2008), Boom Blox Bash Party (2009), and Journey (2012).2 Besides her design work, she helped found the IGDA’s Education Committee and co-organizes the annual Experimental Gameplay Sessions at the Game Developers Conference.2 Currently, she is also an associate professor at UC Santa Cruz, where she directs the Art & Design, Games & Playable Media BA program.2

At Funomena, Hunicke's main responsibilities involve fundraising and organization, which includes a lot of email, meetings, and planning.1 She also considers design as her secondary responsibility, which involves observing how things feel and suggesting adjustments to schedules, games, or studio culture based on those perceptions.1

In late 2021, Hunicke was accused of creating a toxic workplace at Funomena, according to a report from People Make Games.4 The report cited multiple former employees who described her as emotionally abusive, and stated that she would often share sensitive personal information about them without their consent.4

Highlights

Social entrepreneurs take spotlight at TEDWomen
Nov 18 · gamesindustry.biz
A recipe for "Special Team Magic"
Jan 1 · funomena.itch.io
Funomena

Related Questions

What inspired you to start Funomena?
How did your experience with Journey influence your work at Funomena?
What are some of the biggest challenges you've faced as a game designer and CEO?
Can you tell us more about your role as an associate professor at UC Santa Cruz?
How do you balance your responsibilities as CEO and game designer?
Robin Hunicke
Robin Hunicke, photo 1
Robin Hunicke, photo 2
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Location

San Francisco, California, United States