James Bourassa

My first games were Megaman X, Super Mario World, and Pokémon Red (shoutout to all my Squirtle Squad members out there). These games didn’t just entertain me; they taught me how to solve problems, think on my feet, and even got me inspired to read.

Watching X level up while my own skills grew? I saw myself in that game. Whether I was gaming the numbers battling Pokémon with friends or figuring out all the diverging paths to reach Bowser’s heavy metal castle before the most gnarly/tubular levels ever, I was having a blast... and learning without realizing it.

And seriously, who doesn’t still check every trash can for items because of that lone Great Ball on the S.S. Anne? Or realize after one attempt with Spryo that metal armor means "no fire damage," then know every metal enemy is immune?

Games teach and reinforce learning in ways that stick—and they’re becoming more relevant in how we navigate the world around us through UI design and reward systems.

These days, I’m writing training and e-learning, running restaurants, and singing (sometimes all in the same day). I don’t get to 100% a Horizon game or unlock every achievement in Ratchet and Clank, but my love for blending fun and learning through storytelling and play is still going strong. 

The projects you’ll find here are a mix of those passions—part portfolio, and part "what keeps me creating." Thanks for stopping by!