At the heart of grownarts is Florian Haase, whose passion and vision drive the creative force behind this indie game studio. With a deep commitment to the power of storytelling and interactive experiences, Florian founded grownarts to craft digital media and video games that delve into challenging social topics. His goal is to create games that go beyond simple entertainment, offering players thought-provoking experiences that linger long after the screen is turned off. Projects like Paws and Leaves embody this vision, weaving together meaningful storytelling and innovative game design to encourage players to engage deeply with the issues at the core of each game.

Florian’s dedication to the transformative potential of video games extends into the realm of media education. As both a game developer and a media education specialist, he believes that video games can play a crucial role in shaping our understanding of the world. His workshops and courses are a natural extension of his creative philosophy, focusing on the idea that games are more than just fun – they are interactive stories that challenge players to make decisions, step into new roles, and think critically about complex problems.

In these workshops, Florian shares his industry expertise with participants, guiding them to see video games through a new lens. He teaches not only how games are made but why they matter – exploring their cultural significance, storytelling potential, and the societal issues they can address. Participants gain a unique perspective on game design, learning to analyze and appreciate the rich layers of narrative, aesthetics, and gameplay mechanics that shape each experience. They also confront deeper topics like the ethical dimensions of game design and the risks of issues such as addiction or cyberbullying.

By bringing together his roles as a developer and educator, Florian ensures that grownarts doesn’t just create games – it uses them as a platform to inspire critical thinking and creativity in the next generation of media consumers. He aims to show young players and budding game designers how games can become a space for exploring meaningful themes and creating change.

With Florian at the center of grownarts, the studio embodies its motto, “Make games significant”, not only through the worlds it creates but also through the minds it shapes. His work demonstrates that video games are more than a pastime; they are a powerful medium for storytelling, education, and social dialogue.