Alumni Stories: Irene Malatesta ’01 and James Portnow ’00 - From Blazers to Business Partners

On Friday, June 6, they announced the debut title of Night Crew Games, a new Seattle-based studio where James serves as founder and chief creative director and Irene as marketing and art director. Their first title, Cyberpunk Legends, is a rapid-paced, storytelling card game set in a gritty sci-fi future — officially licensed by the creators of the Cyberpunk RPG.

 

“This game reflects the creative spirit that Bush helped nurture,” said Irene. “I credit Bush for providing me with the enthusiasm to create several art forms, believe in myself, and contribute to the world.”

Cyberpunk Legends’ portability and original storyline allow players to immerse themselves fully in the game without worrying about building a campaign or carrying tabletop game pieces. The card deck facilitates easy transport and play, simplifying the creation of connections between players. Together, James and Irene form a dynamic team that is passionate about role-playing games and building social connections. 

"Working with Irene’s been a blast,” James shared. “There’s something you only get from working with people who have known you since you were fifteen. They know you at your most ridiculous; they know your most embarrassing moments… You know you’re always going to forgive each other, which makes communication easy, even if the subject is difficult.  

 

As for the company, I’d worked on major AAA video games for years. During the pandemic, I decided to make a shift to tabletop gaming. It’s something I’ve always loved, and there was a clear hole in the market.  A buddy of mine, Mike Pondsmith, created Cyberpunk, so armed with one of gaming’s biggest IPs, we went to work.  A few years later, backed by one of the most talented teams I’ve ever worked with, we’re about to launch.”

 

In addition to his upcoming game release, James is known as the creator and writer of the acclaimed web series Extra History and Extra Credits, which explores game design development and even teaches history. His channel has over 4.2 million subscribers and continues to grow in popularity. When James reflects on his time at Bush, he credits the Bush Performing Arts program and his teacher, Mr. Rohrbough. 

 

“A designer’s job is to craft an experience for their player,” James said. “Most people think that a game designer simply creates actions on a screen or the pieces that go in a box, but really, a game designer’s job is to provide an experience for the person sitting in front of the screen, the person opening the box. 

 

The theater program at Bush did a great deal to teach me this. From the lighting to the set dressing to the way we greeted people when they walked in, it made me understand that the details matter. To truly immerse oneself, the experience must be holistic. It has to grab from the moment you enter and not let go until it’s time to walk away."

 

James is a longtime game designer and thought leader, as well as the Founder and Creative Director of Night Crew Games. Irene is a creative director, writer, and marketing strategist and is the founding Art Director for Night Crew Games alongside James. Their friendship, creativity, and love for socialization will continue to enable them to blaze new trails within the gaming industry. 

“Creating a game together isn’t just about launching a product,” said Irene. “It’s about building something lasting, something meaningful that connects people, inspires them, and makes them think.”