Pingting Ji is a game designer and researcher dedicated to creating meaningful experiences through interactive media. She spent eight years at the University of Miami, earning a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics with a double major in Creative Advertising, followed by a Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in Interactive Media. It was during this time that she discovered her passion for using game design to address real-world issues.

As part of her MFA program, Ji developed Be Her Ally, a social impact game advocating for family support in cases of postpartum depression. The project, showcased at Indicate Horizon and Meaningful Play, highlighted the potential of games to drive social change and reinforced her commitment to designing impactful experiences.

After completing her degrees, Ji joined Ubisoft as a game designer, where she gained industry experience in developing commercial games. Her role involved designing engaging gameplay mechanics, enhancing social systems, crafting immersive narratives, and collaborating with cross-functional teams to bring games from concept to completion. While this experience strengthened her skills and deepened her understanding of the industry, it also reignited her interest in exploring how games can serve a greater purpose beyond entertainment.

This realization led Ji to pursue a PhD in game studies, focusing on how game design principles can be applied to social issues, particularly in psychological and educational contexts. She continues to explore the power of play as a tool for positive change.