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Public Transition and Identity TimelinePublic Transition and Identity TimelineGame Development Career: Pre-TowerFall (Early Projects)Game Development Career: Pre-TowerFall (Early Projects)Collaborations and Team Members TimelineCollaborations and Team Members TimelineMain milestonesMain milestonesEarly Life and Education TimelineEarly Life and Education TimelineTowerFall Development and Release TimelineTowerFall Development and Release TimelineTechniques, Tools and Software TimelineTechniques, Tools and Software TimelineMatt Makes Games / Maddy Makes Games TimelineMatt Makes Games / Maddy Makes Games TimelineThemes of Mental Health in Game DevelopmentThemes of Mental Health in Game DevelopmentCeleste Development and Release TimelineCeleste Development and Release Timeline
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Maddy Thorson - Canadian video game developer

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03.04.25
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Overview

Maddy Thorson is a highly respected Canadian video game developer, known for her innovative and emotionally resonant work. From her early contributions to the indie game scene to the massive success of Celeste, Thorson has consistently pushed the boundaries of game design. This timeline highlights key moments in her life and career, showcasing her evolution as a developer and her impact on the gaming industry.
Main Milestones
Birth and Early Life
March 18, 1988
Madeline Stephanie Thorson (formerly known as Matt Thorson) was born in Canada. Details about her early childhood are relatively scarce, but her passion for video games and programming developed early on, laying the groundwork for her future career.
Early Game Development and Indie Scene Involvement
Early 2010s
Before achieving widespread recognition, Thorson was an active participant in the indie game development community, creating smaller games and prototypes. This period was crucial for honing her skills and experimenting with different game mechanics and design philosophies. She contributed to various projects and started building a reputation within the indie world.
TowerFall Release and Success
2013
TowerFall, a multiplayer archery combat game, marked a significant breakthrough for Thorson (under the name Matt Makes Games). Originally conceived as a single-player experience, it was redesigned into a local multiplayer title and garnered critical acclaim for its fast-paced action, strategic gameplay, and retro-inspired pixel art. Its success solidified Thorson's position as a talented indie developer.
Announcement of Celeste
2016
The announcement of Celeste generated considerable excitement within the gaming community, as it signaled a departure from the multiplayer focus of TowerFall and hinted at a more narrative-driven and challenging single-player experience. The initial trailers showcased the game's demanding platforming and distinctive art style.
Celeste's Release and Critical Acclaim
January 2018
Celeste was released to widespread critical acclaim, praised for its tight platforming, emotional storytelling, and memorable soundtrack. The game tackled themes of mental health, self-discovery, and overcoming personal obstacles, resonating deeply with players and earning numerous awards and nominations. It cemented Thorson's status as a visionary game developer.
Celeste: Farewell Chapter Release
2019
The release of the 'Farewell' chapter for Celeste provided a challenging and emotionally resonant conclusion to Madeline's journey. This free DLC added several hours of new content, pushing the platforming difficulty to even greater heights and further exploring the themes of the core game. It was widely regarded as a fitting epilogue to a beloved game.
Name Change and Continued Game Development
2020s
Maddy Thorson publicly came out as trans and changed her name. She continues to work on new projects and push the boundaries of game development under the studio name Extremely OK Games (Exok). She remains an important voice in the industry, advocating for inclusivity and mental health awareness through her work.

Other Themed Timelines

Celeste Development and Release TimelineCeleste Development and Release TimelineCollaborations and Team Members TimelineCollaborations and Team Members TimelineEarly Life and Education TimelineEarly Life and Education TimelineGame Development Career: Pre-TowerFall (Early Projects)Game Development Career: Pre-TowerFall (Early Projects)Matt Makes Games / Maddy Makes Games TimelineMatt Makes Games / Maddy Makes Games TimelinePublic Transition and Identity TimelinePublic Transition and Identity TimelineTechniques, Tools and Software TimelineTechniques, Tools and Software TimelineThemes of Mental Health in Game DevelopmentThemes of Mental Health in Game DevelopmentTowerFall Development and Release TimelineTowerFall Development and Release Timeline