Carl Kwoh

A LIFELONG PASSION FOR GAMING. Carl Kwoh’s mission has always been clear: to create something that makes someone feel the same way he does about games. As the co-founder and CEO of gaming startup Jam & Tea Studios, Carl is dedicated to building deep, uncompromisingly multiplayer games. Jam & Tea’s flagship game, Project Emily, is designed to push the boundaries of player interaction and storytelling, and foster deep connections between players.

Carl’s career in the gaming industry took him to PopCap Games, Riot Games, and Phoenix Labs. At PopCap, he worked on notable projects like integrating Bejeweled and Peggle into World of Warcraft. Carl says, “I left Riot a very different human—more of a leader who could bring inspiration to other team members rather than just organize them.” Carl carried that experience into his role as VP of Product at Phoenix Labs, where he oversaw and shepherded large teams developing brand new titles.

Carl’s exploration of his identity as a gay man was significantly influenced by his experiences in online gaming communities. Online games, particularly MUDs (multi-user dungeons), allowed Carl to explore his identity in a safe and supportive environment. “Being able to take on and play with my identity in those MUDs, to find folks I had a very different community connection with than those I saw in my day-to-day life, was incredibly impactful,” he says. This virtual exploration helped Carl become more comfortable with himself and his sexuality, highlighting the transformative power of gaming communities.

In 2017, Carl founded Ghostly Bear Games to create multiplayer games that foster safe and welcoming online communities. Despite its potential, the company spun down in 2019, a setback that Carl turned into a learning experience.

Undeterred, he co-founded Jam & Tea Studios in 2023 to continue his mission. Jam & Tea focuses on bringing players together, building great social connections, and leveraging new technology to enhance player experiences.

LEVELING UP LEADERSHIP. Mentorship has been a cornerstone of Carl’s career. He credits several key figures for shaping his professional path. One mentor in particular, Hans Reifenrath, helped him navigate the complexities of organizational dynamics and leadership. “He was never directly my manager but saw me trying to navigate my career as an early 20-year-old and helped me process that in really productive ways,” Carl recalls. This guidance has been instrumental in Carl’s approach to leadership, emphasizing curiosity, inspiration, and the power of positive social interactions. Carl now pays this forward, offering mentorship to others and uplifting numerous folks within the industry and community.

Carl believes in the potential of technology to create positive experiences and build stronger communities. “Technology is a tool, and people will continue to wield tools in both great and negative ways,” he says. Particularly exciting are the possibilities of integrating Gen AI into games, as seen in Project Emily, to unlock new kinds of gameplay and immersion.

Ultimately, Carl’s goal with Jam & Tea is to combat loneliness through games, creating communities where players can find connection and support. He hopes to inspire others in the industry to consider the social impact of games and to create environments where players can find their tribe. “I hope that at the end of my career, there are more players out there who tell the same story that I do, of finding community and family through games.”