9 Questions with Ziheng Xiao

Describe what you currently do, and tell us the best thing about it.

I work as a Level & Combat Designer for GameScience, which is also my role on “Black Myth: Wukong.” This looks like crafting immersive and engaging environments that align with the game’s narrative and gameplay vision. I also contributed significantly to combat design, working on mechanics, enemy behaviors, and overall combat flow to ensure it felt dynamic and satisfying.

I was also involved in designing level systems, creating the underlying frameworks that support player progression and interaction within the game world. This multifaceted role allowed me to collaborate closely with different teams, blending creativity with technical expertise to bring the game to life.

What led you to the ETC?

During my time in college, I developed a strong passion for game development, fueled by my fascination with the creative and technical aspects of the medium. I started experimenting with small personal projects, crafting simple games that allowed me to explore design, programming, and storytelling. The process was incredibly rewarding, and it solidified my desire to pursue a career in this field.

It was during this exploration that I learned about the Entertainment Technology Center (ETC) through a recommendation from an alum. She spoke highly of the program’s hands-on approach, collaborative environment, and focus on innovation — traits that resonated deeply with my own goals and interests. Inspired by her experience and the unique opportunities ETC offers, I knew it was the perfect place to further develop my skills and turn my passion into a professional career.

What projects did you work on at the ETC?

During my time at the ETC, I had the opportunity to work on two pitch projects that really shaped my understanding of game design and development.

The first project, Giant Combat, focused on exploring how players could engage in combat with enemies that were significantly larger than themselves in a VR environment. It was a fascinating challenge to design mechanics that made these encounters both immersive and intuitive. Working on this project not only deepened my technical skills, but also ignited my passion for action games and the unique possibilities of VR technology. The second project, AI Playtesting, involved training an AI to play a specific game and using its feedback to analyze and improve game balance. This was an incredibly insightful experience, as it allowed me to see how AI could serve as a tool for refining design choices. It taught me the importance of iterative testing and how data-driven insights can enhance player experience.

Both projects were incredibly rewarding and expanded my skill set in meaningful ways, preparing me for future challenges in game development.

What’s your favorite ETC memory?

My favorite memory at the ETC was the Marshmallow Tower activity during the ETC Fundamentals course. The exercise seemed simple — building the tallest possible structure using spaghetti and marshmallows — but it was incredibly insightful. It emphasized the importance of iteration and collaboration in problem-solving. We quickly learned that the first idea wasn’t always the best, and that continuous testing and refinement were key to success.

This experience wasn’t just a fun team-building exercise. It instilled a mindset that has been invaluable in our projects. Whether we were designing games or tackling technical challenges, the lessons of iteration and teamwork stayed with us, helping us navigate complex problems and improve our work efficiently. It’s a memory that reminds me of the unique, hands-on learning environment the ETC fosters, and how it shapes both our skills and our approach to creativity.

How did ETC prepare you for your career, and what impact has it had on your life?

The ETC played a crucial role in preparing me for my work on the game. During my time there, I focused heavily on level design which became the foundation of my contributions to the project. While level design wasn’t a widely studied topic at the ETC at the time, the program’s supportive environment encouraged me to explore it independently. I reached out to alumni who shared invaluable advice and insights, which greatly accelerated my learning and growth. The ETC’s emphasis on team collaboration, especially through experiences like the Building Virtual Worlds (BVW) course, also gave me hands-on experience in working with diverse teams — something that’s essential in large-scale game development.

What is the most interesting or enjoyable thing that you’ve gotten to do in your career so far?

After graduating from the ETC, I found myself reflecting deeply on what kind of games I wanted to create and the impact I wanted to have as a game developer. I remember Jesse Schell’s final lecture in the Game Design course, where he said something that really stuck with me: “Life is short, and you’ll only have the chance to make a handful of games in your career. So you need to think carefully about what kind of games you want to dedicate your time and energy to.”

Those words resonated with me and helped shape my decision to join the team working on Black Myth: Wukong. It’s a project filled with unknowns and challenges, but that’s exactly what excites me. The opportunity to contribute to such an ambitious and culturally rich game, while pushing the boundaries of my skills and creativity, felt like the perfect fit for the direction I wanted to take in my career. It’s a journey I embraced wholeheartedly, and I’m grateful for the lessons and mindset the ETC instilled in me to take on this path.

What advice would you give to current ETC students?

My advice for current ETC students is to dive deeper into the areas you’re passionate about. In the beginning, it’s easy to receive a lot of positive feedback as you explore new ideas and make quick progress. However, as you delve deeper into your research or projects, that feedback might start to diminish. This is actually a sign that you’re venturing into uncharted territory where innovation happens.

When you reach this point, don’t give up. It’s easy to feel discouraged when the challenges become more complex and the rewards less immediate, but this is exactly the time when persistence matters most. Push through the uncertainty, keep experimenting, and trust that your efforts will lead to meaningful breakthroughs. The ETC is a unique environment that encourages exploration, and staying committed to your vision.

Describe the ETC in one word.

Opportunity.

What are you working on now that excites you?

Something better, but I can’t dive deeper because of NDAs.