Yuning "Anona" Yang
Yuning Yang is an emerging game designer specializing in narrative and technical design, with a strong foundation in computer science and mathematics. She began her professional journey in game development in 2023 and has since focused on creating immersive, story-driven experiences that combine thoughtful mechanics with engaging gameplay. A graduate of Southern Methodist University, where she studied interactive technology with a concentration in game design, Yuning has developed a reputation for her collaborative approach, creative problem-solving, and ability to translate narrative concepts into fully playable systems.
Currently, Yuning is an independent game developer working on Aelwater, an atmospheric, narrative-driven exploration game that examines themes of memory, grief, and acceptance. In her role, she leads narrative development, designs gameplay systems, and implements mechanics using Unreal Engine 5. She also coordinates cross-disciplinary collaboration, ensuring alignment between level design, audio, and visual elements to create a cohesive player experience. Her work has been showcased at the Game Developers Conference (GDC), where she presented her team’s development journey and demonstrated the project to a global audience. She has also been recognized as a 2025 AIAS Foundation Scholar, highlighting her potential as a future leader in the gaming industry.
Driven by a passion for storytelling and innovation, Yuning thrives on the daily challenges of designing interactive experiences that resonate with players. She values hard work, creativity, and continuous growth, embracing both the technical and artistic aspects of game development. Outside of her professional work, she is an avid photographer and traveler, drawing inspiration from the world around her to inform her creative vision. As she continues to build her career, Yuning remains committed to pushing the boundaries of narrative design and contributing meaningful experiences to the global gaming community.
• IRB Determined Exempt Status
• Southern Methodist University — Master’s Degree, Animation, Interactive Technology, Video Graphics & Special Effects
• New York University — Bachelor of Arts (BA), Mathematics and Computer Science
• 2025 AIAS Scholar
• National Second Prize & Best Game Mechanics Award
• Influential Women 2026
• AIAS Foundation Scholar
• Two-Star Volunteer — Shifangyuan Elder Care Organization
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my growth and progress to my passion for narrative design and problem-solving, as well as my willingness to continuously learn and collaborate. Working across disciplines has allowed me to refine both my creative and technical skills, and I thrive in environments where I can turn ideas into playable, meaningful experiences. Opportunities such as presenting at the Game Developers Conference and being selected as an AIAS Scholar have also played a significant role in shaping my journey.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best advice I’ve received is to stay honest about what you want to create. It’s easy to follow trends or external expectations, but the most meaningful work often comes from questions you genuinely care about. This perspective encouraged me to pursue my passion with confidence and remain committed to my long-term goals.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Believe in your perspective, even if it feels different from what you see around you. The industry needs a wider range of voices and experiences, and what feels personal to you can often become what resonates most with others. The path may be challenging at times, but persistence, resilience, and confidence in your vision will help you succeed.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
As an early-career developer, one of the biggest challenges is navigating the transition from academic work to professional practice while continuing to refine both creative and technical skills. At the same time, this stage offers a rare opportunity to experiment, take risks, and define a personal voice.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
I value clarity of intention, creativity, and the ability to create experiences that resonate on an emotional level. In both my professional and personal life, I’m drawn to meaningful connections—whether through design, photography, or travel—as a way to better understand people and the world around me.
Locations
Aelwater
Dallas, TX 75206