Cloisters Interactive

Cloisters Interactive is an independent game development studio founded in 2018 by artist, concept designer and director Shelley Chen. Conceived in New York City, it develops narrative and art-driven interactive experiences that combine experimental storytelling, stylized visuals and magical realism. Its work explores how imagery, animation and player interaction can communicate emotion through forms such as interactive poetry and abstract art games.

The studio brings together game design, art direction, narrative design and 2D/3D character animation. Its visual approach includes hybrid animation and surreal imagery, with projects spanning narrative adventures and smaller experimental experiences. Development draws on an international network of artists, programmers and sound designers working as a distributed team.

From personal narrative to abstract play

The studio’s debut, A Memoir Blue, grew from Chen’s autobiographical master’s thesis about maternal sacrifice and daughterhood. An early prototype appeared at IndieCade in 2018 and attracted Annapurna Interactive, which subsequently published the game. Released in 2022, the project presents a mother-and-daughter relationship through an interactive narrative poem. Its platform releases encompass Windows PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch and iOS.

In August 2026, the studio self-published Concept 1 through itch.io. This abstract art game explores foundational design principles through stylized aesthetics, whimsy and evocative interactivity. Alongside the more explicitly autobiographical origins of A Memoir Blue, it demonstrates the studio’s interest in using different interactive forms to explore ideas and emotions.

Continuing independent development

Cloisters established a Taiwanese corporate presence in 2018. That former corporate vehicle was dissolved in March 2026, while the studio continued operating independently under Chen’s creative direction. Its current administrative base is in Arizona, with development organized around remote international collaboration. The release of Concept 1 later in 2026 marks the continuation of its development and self-publishing activity beyond the dissolution of the former Taiwanese company.