For this month’s Scopelean Spotlights, we will be highlighting some of the talented game makers around the world who helped bring “MONOPOLY GO!” to life.
Say “hi” to Howard.
Scopely prides itself on the ability to translate iconic IPs into deeply-engaging games, working alongside world-class partners. It takes a team of truly creative minds to be able to iterate on one of the most recognizable brands in the world and build a beautiful and immersive universe, from the ground up. Want to hear how it’s done? Read on to learn more!
Tell us a little about yourself and your journey at Scopely.
I am Howard Shin and I work as a senior art director from Scopely's Culver City office. I joined Scopely in April of 2020, right around when the COVID lockdown started.
What are you currently working on and how does your work impact the company?
I'm currently working on our recently launched game, “MONOPOLY GO!”. Most game development is challenging; however, this project required an exceptional amount of dedication and energy as the game was developed during the height of the pandemic. We are also very proud to say that “MONOPOLY GO!” was developed 100% from an internal Scopely development team, thus helping reinforce Scopely as both a great publisher and developer. It was one heck of a roller coaster in developing this project, and I just can't wait until the entire world gets to give this game a GO!
What does diversity in gaming mean to you?
To me, it means that the games not only reflect our diverse world, but also flaunt it. In “MONOPOLY GO!” for instance, we have players travel to lots of unique places around the world to celebrate all the different colorful cultures that make this world so interesting. We applied this tenet to various aspects of our game, including gender, race, age and disability. Finally, it also means that the team behind the project must also seek to bring diversity into the group by hiring developers from all walks of life.
Which Scopely culture tenet are you the most passionate about?
I like the EMBRACE THE ADVENTURE tenet. I believe that working on any creative endeavor is an adventure; I believe, as a developer, it's important to embrace the sense of discovery in one's journey and take joy in overcoming various unexpected challenges. It also applies to playing the game; I think one needs to be open to the idea of jumping into an unknown and being excited about what you'll discover.
What is the best piece of advice you have received?
I've always enjoyed the quote, "He who has a why can bear almost any how," from Friedrich Nietzsche. It has been a major guide for me in both concept design and art direction. Establishing clear reasons why I must pursue a certain art direction is higher priority than establishing the art direction itself. I feel that failure to do so often leads to a superficial style, not a foundational direction that can be built upon.
What is the last good movie you watched?
“Decision to Leave.” It's from one of my favorite filmmakers, Park Chan Wook. I really enjoy his approach in telling a seemingly familiar character-driven story, but with a slight twist that makes the film anything but ordinary. I also loved the cinematography and the tone of the film that kept the film ever so beautiful but also uneasy.
Are you interested in becoming a Scopelean like Howard? Apply for one of our open roles: scopely.com/join-us.