2/18/2020
As we prepare to leave 2020 behind us, we reflect on the profound opportunities and obstacles of this year and the many ways our lives were touched over the past 12 months.
2020 will be the impetus for unprecedented change and innovation in not just our industry but the world. In a year that has slowed down time, it hardly seems possible that it’s been 10 months since the studio transitioned to a complete remote work infrastructure. As a newly formed and thriving team, the disruption was significant but we responded with incredible enthusiasm and resiliency. And yet, what feels somewhat routine today was anything but routine for the bulk of this year.
The spring of 2020 at 31st Union was fueled by disruptive growth. We had to adapt how we worked, how we collaborated, and most importantly how we continued to nurture our culture founded in trust, inclusivity, growth, and innovation. We are incredibly thankful for the partnership and support 2K provided as we pivoted to a completely new working model. We welcomed dozens of new team members during the pandemic—learning how to support and include those who had never physically set foot in our studio. We rallied together when our communities faced racial injustice, social unrest, devastating fires, and political upheaval. We celebrated birthdays, anniversaries, and weddings. We welcomed new babies, lost loved ones, and said goodbye to close friends. In a year that seemed committed to breaking connections apart, we clasped hands and grew stronger together.
Our connections were also strengthened by an intentioned studio culture that evolved as we learned and lived our values every day; in service of being a better studio and to inspire the game universe we’re creating. We hosted more than two dozen thought-leading guest speakers including a Rolling Stone photographer, South American leaders in STEM, Professors of political rhetoric, a Creative Director on the frontline of the Beirut explosion, the heads of game development organizations committed to mentoring under-represented game makers, a leading civil rights attorney and her client whom she freed from Alabama’s death row, and so many more. We attended countless zoom meetings together. And we shared our good fortunes by supporting more than a dozen global charitable efforts and causes.
For nearly 10 months all of our relationships have taken various turns. We are strengthened by the deeply powerful connections we built with each other during this unprecedented time. And now, with holidays upon us, we will use this time to connect with friends and family, with our hearts and minds looking toward a brighter year ahead. We know that our ties were strengthened by the trials of 2020, and those will be the bonds that carry us forward together in 2021.
As we look forward to our holiday break, we’re filled with gratitude for our inspired team and the amazing support of our families and friends. 2021 will be a welcomed change for all, and we look forward to seeing you again in January. Until then, we wish each of you peace and joy during this holiday season and a Happy New Year to all!
