CNN Games

Take a break and unwind with CNN Games

Overview

Digital games are a strategic asset for publishers seeking to increase user engagement and time spent on site while diversifying revenue streams. They provide a dynamic form of content that can attract and retain a diverse audience. From a user perspective, games offer a fresh way to engage with news content, providing both convenience and relaxation.


CNN Games is currently in Beta. As the UX design lead, I partnered cross-functionally with content design, visual design, design systems, product, engineering, marketing, and editorial teams to create this experience. I prototyped and specced the Games homepage, including interactive cards users can browse, the gameplay page layouts, and the overall user journey. A third party vendor provides the games themselves. Please reach out for more information about my process and specifics.

Role

Sole Design Lead

Timeline

2024

Try it out (BETA) →

CNN Games

Promo asset created in collaboration with our talented visual designer, Kelly Flynn

Design Values

How I approached this

Games should be fun!

Games should be fun!

Games should be fun!

While Games is a strategic endeavor, I led with the ideal that games should be fun. Fun can take the form of vibrant colors, playful interactions, and lighter content.

Brand consistency

Brand consistency

Brand consistency

However, while games should be fun, designing for a news organization necessitates a level of care for trustworthiness and responsibility. I sought to ensure Games aligned with CNN's brand identity and overall journalistic environment.

Prioritizing scalability

Prioritizing scalability

Prioritizing scalability

Building lean for an MVP version, I focused on creating a system that could be expanded and iterated upon in future efforts.

Prototype

Browse and play CNN Games

Prototype navigating from Home to Games, then to a version of Sudoku that I designed.

© 2025 with love

✨ let's chat! ✨

© 2025 with love

✨ let's chat! ✨

© 2025 with love

✨ let's chat! ✨