Taken from: War Stories: Jordan Mechner on Making Prince of Persia (ArsTechnica) – Youtube
We have covered this recently Jorden’s novel here! We wanted to also do a overview of this icon of video game history, Mr. Jordan Mechner!
Jordan Mechner: A Gaming Legend Beyond the Sands of Time
Jordan Mechner, born in 1964, is an American creative force who has left his mark on the gaming world, and beyond. Here’s a glimpse into his multifaceted career:
Early Life and Gaming Beginnings:
- Born in New York City in 1964, Jordan Mechner’s creative spark ignited early.
- While still a student at Yale University, he began crafting video games, starting with the unpublished Deathbounce (1982).
Gaming Breakthroughs:
- His big break came in 1984 with Karateka for the Apple II. This martial arts game impressed with its innovative character animation and engaging gameplay.
- Prince of Persia (1989) solidified Mechner’s reputation as a gaming legend. The title’s rotoscoped animation, inspired by the film “The Thief and the Cobbler,” brought a cinematic quality to gaming and its acrobatic action sequences thrilled players.
- Both Karateka and Prince of Persia were critical and commercial successes, ported to numerous platforms and influencing a generation of game designers.
Beyond Gaming:
- Mechner’s talents extend far beyond crafting pixels.
- In the 1990s, he ventured into filmmaking, forming Smoking Car Productions.
- He’s also a skilled screenwriter and a prolific author.
- Partnering with illustrators, Mechner has authored graphic novels like the acclaimed Templar (2013) and most recently Monte Cristo (2022).
- 2023 saw him take on the dual role of writer and artist for the autobiographical graphic novel Replay: Memoir of an Uprooted Family, which garnered critical praise and awards.
A Lasting Impact:
- Mechner’s influence on gaming is undeniable. He’s considered a pioneer in cinematic video games and animation.
- His work with Prince of Persia continues to resonate, inspiring a 2010 Disney film, Lego sets, and books.
- In 2009, IGN cemented his status as a gaming legend by including him in their top 100 game creators of all time list.
Continuing the Journey:
- Jordan Mechner remains an active creative force. Whether crafting compelling stories in games, graphic novels, or other mediums, his passion for storytelling continues to entertain and inspire.
Gaming Pioneer:
- Renowned for creating the iconic Prince of Persia franchise, known for its innovative rotoscoped animation and thrilling acrobatics.
- Began his journey even earlier with the 1984 hit Karateka, a martial arts game that impressed with its fluid character movements.
- Both titles were groundbreaking for their time, using techniques that helped bridge the gap between video games and cinema.
- Recognized as a major figure in the development of cinematic video games and a pioneer in video game animation.
Expanding Horizons:
- Not just a gaming legend, Mechner is also a successful author and graphic novelist.
- Collaborated with illustrators on graphic novels like the New York Times bestseller Templar (2013) and most recently Monte Cristo (2022).
- 2023 marked his debut as a solo graphic novel writer and artist with the autobiographical Replay: Memoir of an Uprooted Family, which even won the 2023 Chateau de Cheverny prize for historical graphic novels.
A Legacy of Creativity:
- Mechner’s influence extends beyond games.
- In 2009, he was recognized by IGN as one of the top 100 game creators of all time.
- The Prince of Persia franchise has transcended video games, inspiring a 2010 Disney film, Lego sets, and books.
Further Exploration:
- To learn more about Jordan Mechner, you can visit his official website [Jordan Mechner website]. There, you’ll find details about his various projects, including games, graphic novels, and even screenwriting endeavors.
