Michelle Chen's Vision for Mental Jam
Michelle Chen, a seasoned game developer with over a decade of experience in programming, design, and production, has always been passionate about using video games as a medium for change.
Her journey culminated in a PhD in Design from RMIT University, where she focused on creating games that delve into the intricacies of mental health. Her groundbreaking project, Mental Jam, is a testament to her dedication, aiming to bridge the gap between mental health awareness and interactive media.
From Personal Struggles to Innovative Solutions
Mental Jam’s development process is as unique as the games it produced. Michelle Chen believed that involving those with lived experiences of mental health issues would result in more authentic and impactful storytelling. “It was crucial for me to include young people in the creation process,” Michelle notes. “Their insights and personal narratives brought depth and authenticity to the games that I could never have achieved alone.”
Through game jam workshops, participants aged 18-25 had the opportunity to learn game development skills while expressing their personal experiences. The collaborative nature of the project not only provided these young developers with technical skills but also gave them a platform to voice their struggles and triumphs, fostering a sense of community and support.
Co-Creation: A Collaborative Approach to Game Development
Mental Jam was born out of Michelle Chen’s personal experiences with depression and anxiety, which she transformed into a platform for empathy and education. Reflecting on her motivation, Michelle shares, “As someone who has lived through the challenges of mental health, I wanted to create something that not only resonates with others but also helps them navigate their own journeys. Mental Jam became that creative outlet.”
With her extensive background in game development and a personal connection to the subject matter, Michelle envisioned a project that would not only explore mental health through gameplay but also empower others to share their stories. Mental Jam evolved into a collection of video games co-created with young people, each game reflecting real-life experiences of depression and anxiety.
Exploring Mental Health Through Gameplay
The Mental Jam collection features several distinct games, each addressing different aspects of mental health:
- Counter Attack Therapy: A narrative-driven game featuring a humanoid cat named Alex, who battles depression while navigating daily life.
- Amour de Soi: This game follows an anxious girl as she learns to rebuild her self-esteem after a difficult breakup.
- Anyo: Players confront their inner demons and bring color back to their world, symbolizing the journey of overcoming anxiety.
- Sink/Swim: A metaphorical exploration of depression, where players must navigate through the deep waters of their emotions.
- Meouch: An intimate portrayal of a day in the life of a cat struggling with depression, turning mundane tasks into challenges.
These games serve as more than just entertainment; they are tools for empathy and understanding. By translating complex emotional experiences into interactive narratives, Mental Jam invites players to walk in the shoes of those living with mental health challenges.
Making a Mark: Mental Jam's Growing Influence
Since its inception, Mental Jam has garnered significant attention within both the gaming and mental health communities. The project was prominently featured at RMIT First Site Gallery as part of The Big Anxiety 2022 event, where it received praise for its innovative approach to mental health awareness. Michelle Chen has also shared her work at esteemed industry conferences, including Games for Change Asia Pacific and the Freeplay Independent Games Festival.
Mental Jam’s impact extends beyond the confines of academia. With over 11,000 players engaging with the games, the project has achieved organic growth and recognition, demonstrating its potential to influence the broader conversation around mental health. “Seeing the positive reception and the way players connect with these stories has been incredibly rewarding,” Michelle reflects. “It’s a reminder that video games can be a powerful medium for change.”
Press Play: Refining the Vision and Expanding Impact
Michelle’s experience with Press Play, a program designed to support entrepreneurs, played a crucial role in shaping the future of Mental Jam. The structured programming and expert guidance provided by the program allowed her to refine her startup vision and address the challenges of scaling. “Press Play was pivotal in helping me transition Mental Jam from a series of workshops to an online platform,” Michelle shares. This evolution not only made the project more scalable but also amplified its social impact.
Despite her social anxiety, Michelle found the networking events within Press Play to be transformative. “The networking events challenged my social anxiety, but the Press Play team provided a safe space and community for me to feel comfortable sharing my startup experiences with my cohort,” she recalls. The support from fellow entrepreneurs helped Michelle combat feelings of isolation, especially as a solo founder.
One of the most significant milestones during her time in Press Play was hiring her first employee. “I realised that while I can do things myself, it’s good to lean on other people’s expertise and to not stretch myself too thin,” Michelle notes. This step marked a turning point for Mental Jam, allowing the project to expand its reach and impact.
“Being in Press Play and being surrounded by inspiring women helped me combat a lot of my imposter syndrome,” Michelle reflects. “Being able to share my startup experiences, as well as challenges, with my cohort, helped me feel less alone as a solo founder.”
Looking Ahead: Expanding Mental Jam's Reach
As Mental Jam continues to evolve, Michelle Chen remains committed to expanding its reach and impact. The project’s success has highlighted the intersection of mental health and gaming as a growing niche with vast potential. With the mental health market and the gaming industry both experiencing rapid growth, Mental Jam is well-positioned to further its mission of raising awareness and fostering empathy through interactive media.
By combining her technical expertise, personal experiences, and a clear vision for the future, Michelle Chen has created a project that not only educates but also inspires. Mental Jam stands as a beacon of innovation, showing how video games can be more than just entertainment—they can be a force for good.
Looking Ahead: Tapping into Massive Markets
As Mental Jam evolves, Michelle Chen is focused on scaling it from a community initiative to a tech product poised to dominate the intersection of two of the world’s largest and fastest-growing markets: gaming and mental health. Now leading a team of four, Michelle is positioning Mental Jam to capture significant opportunities in this expanding niche.
The global mental health market, valued at USD 77.62 billion in 2021, is projected to grow steadily, with mental health apps alone expected to reach USD 17.5 billion by 2030. Meanwhile, the gaming industry, valued at USD 195.65 billion in 2021, is forecasted to exceed USD 583 billion by 2030. At the crossroads of these two booming sectors lies the gamification of mental health—a market set to grow at an impressive CAGR of 19.0% from 2022 to 2030.
With Mental Jam, Michelle is uniquely positioned to leverage this intersection, creating a powerful platform that not only educates but also leads the charge in this rapidly expanding space.
A Future of Understanding and Empathy
Through Mental Jam, Michelle Chen is not only contributing to the field of game development but also championing a deeper understanding of mental health. Her work serves as a reminder that when we share our stories, we have the power to change the world—one game at a time. Michelle now employs a team of 4 and is on the way to scale Mental Jam from community groups to a tech product set to dominate the cross section of gaming and mental health.
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