A former Amazon design engineering leader has ventured into new creative territory, launching his own virtual reality gaming venture after nearly a decade at the tech giant. Grant Hinkson, who spent almost nine years directing design engineering within Amazon’s Devices and Services Design Group, departed the company in early 2024 to pursue his artistic and musical passions through game development.
His newly established company, Parietal Lab, is preparing to release its inaugural title “Connectome,” a virtual reality experience that combines artistic expression with gaming elements. The project, which can be pre-ordered on Meta Quest, offers players an immersive environment where they interact with three-dimensional
connect-the-dots puzzles in virtual space.
“Connectome” challenges users to discover interactive points within various rooms, connecting dots to reveal objects that unlock pathways to new areas. The experience is designed to be contemplative, featuring an original ambient soundtrack composed by Hinkson himself. As a lifelong pianist who began playing in first grade, Hinkson embraced the opportunity to create the game’s musical elements rather than outsourcing them.
Before his tenure at Amazon, Hinkson spent more than five years at Microsoft. During his time at Amazon, he worked extensively on prominent products including the Echo line, Fire TV, Fire tablets, and the Alexa mobile application. While leading a team of design technologists who occasionally worked with VR prototyping, Hinkson wasn’t directly involved in Unity development, making his current venture a significant shift in focus.
The transition from corporate tech to independent game development reflects Hinkson’s fundamental creative nature. “I think I’m a creator at heart,” he explained, noting that his most enjoyable moments at Amazon came from inventing new experiences and products. He views virtual reality as the optimal medium for contemporary storytelling, offering complete creative control over world-building.
The success of “Connectome” will serve as a crucial test of Hinkson’s ability to sustain himself through VR creation. His career
transformation embodies many creators’ aspirations – leaving a successful corporate position to pursue artistic passions, compose music, develop games independently, and maintain creative autonomy while working from home.
The final piece of the puzzle remains whether this creative endeavor can provide sustainable income. “That is the final piece, right?” Hinkson reflected. “That I get to keep doing this, because it is so fulfilling and satisfying. These things that I loved 10, 15, 20 years ago are still in me. And they still mean a lot.”
With “Connectome,” players will encounter an experience that isn’t immediately straightforward in its objectives – an intentional design choice that adds to the game’s mysterious nature. The VR space encourages exploration and discovery through physical interactions like pinching and grabbing to manipulate the virtual environment.
Hinkson’s project represents a bold step away from the structured world of corporate tech development into the more experimental realm of independent VR creation. His background in design engineering at major tech companies has informed his approach to creating immersive experiences, while his lifelong passion for music and creativity has shaped the artistic direction of his new venture.
As “Connectome” approaches release, it stands as a testament to the enduring pull of creative expression, even after years in the corporate tech sector. The project combines Hinkson’s technical expertise with his artistic aspirations, offering a unique addition to the growing landscape of VR experiences.