A Game of Integrity

We live in a renaissance of video game development with the resources to learn available
to all and the tools needed being free. Despite this games never struggle to be unique with the
development process being a culmination of a variety of differing factors. I believe the multiple
factors that makeup game development reflects how integrity has developed in my life.
The Game Engine
For game development to begin a
game engine that provides structure and
tools for development is required. My
parents like a game engine have provided
me with the structure and tools required for
my success throughout my entire life. My
parents both work very taxing jobs with my
Dad being an engineer and my Mom being
an X-ray and mammographic technician.
Their tireless work has given me the
structure to succeed as I am determined to
work hard toward my passions in life. Not
only has my parents' work ethic given me
structure but their compassion has as well. I
have always been a very sensitive kid known to cry a lot even over small things that seem
insignificant. Despite this, my parents would never get mad at me for crying knowing that it was
just a symbol of my frustration. My parents' empathy towards me has structured my treatment of
others thinking of their emotions first. It is their compassion and work ethic that has given me the
structure for which my integrity is built.
Game Style
Games come in a variety of forms ranging from RPGs to Platformers and these styles are
what convey the unique nature of a game, and like a game genre, my outlook defines my life. My
life like many others is surrounded by stressors and I cope with these stressors by looking
beyond the negative. A positive outlook has made me enjoy life and looking at every situation as
an opportunity has led me to new experiences that I´ll never forget. Opportunities such as joining
Science Olympiad and the JV tennis team my senior year would have never happened if I wasn´t
determined to try new experiences. My time on the JV tennis team and Science Olympiad not
only exposed me to new people but also allowed me to improve myself. My determination to
remain positive and go outside of my comfort zone has provided me with a unique life
experience that I am grateful for.
Music
Within game development experiences are tied together through music and in my life my
passion acts as the music providing cohesion to my life. The feeling of fulfillment within my life
derives from passion driving me forward with my education and activities outside of the
classroom. Passion has pushed me to go outside of my comfort zone and this push has led to
fulfilling life experiences such as going to a fighting game tournament. I have always had a
passion for fighting games casually and when my friend Alex
gave me the opportunity to compete competitively I was
excited. He helped me prepare through practice and making
sure I had the tools necessary to compete. Without his help, I
would have not been able to pursue my passion for fighting
games and experience a tournament. Inside of school, passion
provides my life with cohesion by making my pursuit of an
education in computer science enjoyable. This passion gives
me the drive to be successful in my education. However, my
education has not always been successful barely passing
difficult classes like BC Calculus. Despite this struggle, my
education has been worthwhile in pursuit of my passion. I feel
complete in life knowing that I have given my all to pursue my
passions in and outside of the classroom.
Beta Testers
Within the game development
process beta testers help to detect problems
that developers aren't aware of so the game
can be in its best state. Within my life, my
friends act as beta testers providing me with
advice and compassion to protect me from
the stressors of life and make me into the
best version of myself. When I come home
from a stressful day the time I spend playing
games with my friends is the highlight of my
day being able to forget the stressors that
plagued me earlier. Beyond just spending
time with them I know I can go to my
friends with any problem and receive advice
whether it be a problem with school or a life
decision that I am struggling with. For example, I was struggling to figure out where I wanted to
go to college being stuck between going through a transfer program at USC or going straight to
UCI. I went to my friend Nick with my options and he helped me determine that UCI was the
best option for me with his insight being a big part of my decision. Other than Nick I’d like to
thank Arath, Wade, Oscar, Isaac, EJ, Blake, and many others for being amazing friends who
made me into the person I am today and helped me through difficult times even though they had
no obligation to.
Community
After the creation of a game the desire to
continue development and add content is heavily
inspired by a game’s community and the community
that inspires my continued development are my
grandparents. Both my Grandmother and Grandfather
are in their 60s, despite this, they continue to work
resisting the thought of retirement. Many may see this
as stubbornness but to me, my grandparents'
determination to continue working encourages me to
maintain a plan of integrity throughout my life as they
have. My grandparents not only work but also make
time to support and be there for my family. Their
continued dedication to their family acts as a constant
reminder to me of the importance of family and
maintaining my connection to it throughout my entire
life. In sickness or health, my grandparents' care for
their grandchildren inspires me to continue on a path of integrity which will inspire those who
come after me.
Story
A game’s story provides the player with the direction and drive to fulfill the challenges
presented. The story that drives me forward is my siblings and cousins who empower me to be
successful. My older brother Elijah has inspired me to work hard as he has worked tirelessly to
gain a degree in electrical engineering. Not
only his hard work but his treatment of others
has also inspired me with the large amount of
time he spends doing community service. My
little sister empowers me to move forward
with a plan of integrity to act as a good role
model for her as she grows up. My cousin
Sofia inspires me to do well in sports with her
success in gymnastics making me want to
work as hard as I can to be successful in
tennis. My cousin Damian makes me
determined to persist through the challenges I
am presented with due to his perseverance in
the face of medical issues. Overall, my
siblings and cousins have empowered me to
be successful in my plan of integrity.