Meet Yi-Fan Chen

 

Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Yi-Fan Chen. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Yi-Fan, so good to have you with us today. We’ve always been impressed with folks who have a very clear sense of purpose and so maybe we can jump right in and talk about how you found your purpose?

For the longest time, I thought my path in music was set. I grew up writing concert music, pouring my heart into orchestral compositions, and imagining them being performed on stage. But as much as I loved it, there was always a lingering feeling that something was missing—I just didn’t know what.

That changed when I started exploring multimedia composition, especially game scoring. At first, it was just curiosity, but the more I learned, the more it felt like I had found what I was meant to do. When I studied screen scoring at NYU, I was surrounded by people who shared the same passion, and I got to experience firsthand how music can bring a story to life—not just as background sound, but as something that interacts, evolves, and makes people feel.

Transitioning from concert music to game scoring wasn’t easy. I had no experience with electronic synthesis, adaptive music, or game engines, and for a while, I felt like I was constantly playing catch-up. But through trial and error, I started to embrace the challenge. The moment I created my first piece of interactive music—where the music shifted based on the player’s actions—it clicked. This was what I had been searching for all along.

Looking back, I realize my purpose was never about sticking to one path but about following what excites me. Music has always been my way of telling stories, and in games, it becomes even more immersive and emotional. Now, I know that my purpose is to create music that lives within a story—whether in a game, a film, or something yet to come.

Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?

As a composer, I strive to create music that delivers intriguing melodies, diverse timbres, and heartfelt emotion. I started composing concert music when I was 11, which helped me build a strong foundation in orchestral writing. Over time, I began incorporating electronic synthesis to craft hybrid soundscapes, blending the richness of traditional instruments with modern sonic textures. After earning my master’s degree in Screen Scoring from New York University, I am now the Lead Composer at Bolero Game Studio, working on the story-based cozy game Old & Gray.

Beyond my main projects, I’m also involved in several exciting indie games. Right now, I’m composing and designing sound for three titles that will debut at the upcoming Steam Next Fest:

– Elissa – A visual horror novel with eerie atmospheres and psychological tension.
– Tiny Isle – A wholesome idle game with charming visuals and a relaxing soundscape.
– Dream of Things – An adventure puzzle game filled with surreal, dreamlike storytelling.

I’m passionate about crafting immersive sound experiences that bring a game’s world to life. Whether it’s composing an orchestral score, designing atmospheric soundscapes, or experimenting with adaptive music techniques, I’m always excited to explore new ways to elevate storytelling through sound.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

Looking back, three things have been really important in shaping my journey as a composer.

First, being flexible and adapting to change has been crucial. Whether it’s transitioning from concert music to game scoring or learning new tools and techniques, I’ve realized that embracing change is the only way to grow.

Second, being collaborative and knowing how to network has made a huge difference. Music, especially in games, doesn’t exist in isolation—it’s about working with developers, artists, and filmmakers to create something bigger than yourself. Learning how to communicate and build relationships has led to some of my most rewarding opportunities.

Finally, continuous learning is key. Creativity thrives on fresh ideas, and I’ve found that having constant input—whether through new music, art, or experiences—fuels my ability to create work that moves me and others.

One of our goals is to help like-minded folks with similar goals connect and so before we go we want to ask if you are looking to partner or collab with others – and if so, what would make the ideal collaborator or partner?

I’m always open to new game collaborations! As a big fan of games, I’ve found so much joy in crafting immersive soundtracks that enhance the player’s experience. I love working closely with developers to bring their vision to life, shaping a game’s atmosphere and emotions through music.

Every project is a new adventure—whether it’s creating a dynamic, adaptive score, crafting a rich sonic world, or exploring different musical styles to fit a game’s unique storytelling. That’s what excites me most about game scoring—the endless possibilities for creativity and collaboration. If you’re working on a project and looking for music to bring your world to life, feel free to reach out through my socials below! 🙂

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