Phil Fish, born Philippe Poisson on January 11, 1984 in Montreal, Canada, developed a love for video games at a young age. He spent countless hours playing Nintendo games as a child, sparking his interest in the world of game design. After completing his education at the National Animation and Design Centre in Montreal in 2004, Fish was awarded the Artificial Mind and Movement Award for Best Cut-Scene in 2006.
Following his recognition in the industry, Fish was hired to design tie-in games for the 2007 film The Golden Compass. It was during this time that he co-founded the indie game design conglomerate Kokoromi, where he began to explore his creativity and passion for game development. In 2008, Fish came up with the concept for his breakout game, Fez, and founded Polytron Corporation to bring his vision to life.
Phil Fish gained widespread recognition in 2012 with the release of the documentary Indie Game: The Movie, which showcased his journey as an independent video game designer. Fez, the platform game developed by Fish and his company Polytron Corporation, received critical acclaim and captured the hearts of gamers around the world. However, Fish's success was not without its challenges.
In July 2013, Fish made headlines when he announced his departure from the gaming industry due to long-standing mistreatment by the gaming community. The tipping point came when video game journalist Marcus Beer harshly criticized Fish and Fez on his show, leading to a highly publicized Twitter feud that ultimately led to Fish's decision to step away from game design.
Despite his exit from the gaming world, Phil Fish remained passionate about supporting indie game developers. In July 2014, he revealed that Polytron Corporation would be embarking on a new business venture aimed at helping indie games succeed. Fish's dedication to nurturing and empowering emerging game designers showcased his commitment to giving back to the industry that had once brought him fame and recognition.
Phil Fish's bold decision to walk away from the gaming industry left a lasting impact on the community and sparked important conversations about the treatment of creators in the digital realm. While he faced criticism and controversy throughout his career, Fish's contributions to the world of indie games cannot be denied. His creative vision and dedication to supporting fellow developers serve as a reminder of the transformative power of video games as an art form.