Designing Wonder: What I Learned from Building a Voice-First Game with Amazon Alexa

When I joined the team creating a voice-first, multi-device gaming experience for Amazon Alexa, I had no idea I’d end up helping build something that felt part escape room, part mobile AR quest, and part Disney ride. Our goal was ambitious: to turn the entire home into an immersive, story-driven puzzle where players could collaborate, talk to AI characters, and uncover secrets together, no controller required.

As the animation lead, I directed art and animation for the game’s cinematic moments—the emotional onramps that set the tone and built anticipation before gameplay began. I thought of them as the “waiting line before the ride,” where players first met the story, characters, and the stakes. These sequences had to capture attention, build curiosity, and create the emotional setup that would make the player’s choices feel meaningful. Even in a voice-first world, body language, pacing, and visual charm mattered. I worked closely with writers, designers, and engineers to ensure that every beat (spoken or not) felt human, immersive, and narratively rich.

Designing with the player at the center of every moment was key. From collaborating with AI NPCs to piecing together puzzles using mobile devices and smart home cues, we wanted players to feel like they were inside the story, not just playing it. I learned the power of surprise and delight through storytelling: how an unexpected line, a clever twist, or a subtle animation beat could instantly deepen immersion and spark joy.

The experience culminated in a team celebration that felt like solving a real-life mystery together. When we watched players finally reach the end, uncover the solution, and light up with joy—we knew we’d created something special. It was a reminder that the magic of games isn’t just in the tech. It’s in the shared experience, the emotional rhythm, and the moments that make us feel like we’re part of something bigger.