About Us
Meet Our Team
Thing Interactive was born from a passion and a desire to innovate within the gaming industry. Our small independent game studio is built on the belief that games can be more than just entertainment—they can be transformative experiences. With a mission to enhance experiences and expand the boundaries of gaming, our dedicated team is composed of experienced, creative, and passionate individuals. We excel in game development, offering customized gaming solutions and immersive game consulting. At Thing Interactive, we pride ourselves on creating unique and engaging experiences that resonate with players and push the envelope of gaming possibilities.
Meet the Architect
Turning Big Ideas into Interactive Experiences
At the heart of Thing Interactive is Sampson Crooks, a software engineer, entrepreneur, and lifelong creator with more than two decades of experience building innovative technology across the defense, aerospace, healthcare, enterprise software, and interactive entertainment industries. His career has been driven by one simple belief: technology should inspire, engage, and empower people.
That belief ultimately led to the creation of Thing Interactive—an independent game studio dedicated to designing imaginative worlds, memorable gameplay, and interactive experiences that push the boundaries of creativity.
Professional Journey
Before founding Thing Interactive, Sampson led and contributed to high-impact software initiatives for organizations including the U.S. Air Force Research Laboratory (AFWERX), Boeing, Microsoft, Lockheed Martin, and other Fortune 500 companies. Throughout his career, he has developed enterprise software, AI-powered systems, extended reality (XR) applications, manufacturing solutions, and cloud-based technologies that have supported mission-critical operations around the world.
From researching artificial intelligence to better understand pilot cognition, to leading immersive XR innovation through Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) programs, Sampson has consistently embraced emerging technologies and transformed ambitious ideas into practical solutions.
Today, he brings that same spirit of innovation to every project developed at Thing Interactive.
Education
A firm believer that learning never stops, Sampson has built a strong academic foundation that complements his technical expertise and leadership experience.
- Master of Software Engineering — Penn State University
- (GPA: 3.95)
- Master of Science in Project Management — Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
- (GPA: 4.0, With Distinction)
- Bachelor of Science in Business Management — Mid-Continent University
- (Summa Cum Laude)
This combination of software engineering, project leadership, and business strategy enables Thing Interactive to approach every project with creativity, technical excellence, and a focus on delivering meaningful experiences.
Vision
Thing Interactive was founded with a simple mission:
Create interactive experiences that people remember.
Whether developing imaginative indie games, immersive XR experiences, intelligent AI-powered applications, or innovative digital products, Sampson believes that the best technology is built around great experiences and meaningful human connection.
Every project is an opportunity to challenge expectations, explore new ideas, and demonstrate the endless possibilities of interactive technology.
Beyond the Studio
When he isn't designing games or exploring emerging technologies, Sampson enjoys expressing his creativity in a variety of ways. He's passionate about 3D design and printing, experimenting with new technologies, software engineering, crocheting, and exploring storytelling through game design. Whether he's prototyping a new product, building a game mechanic, or bringing a creative idea to life, curiosity and innovation continue to fuel everything he creates.
Quote
"I founded Thing Interactive because I believe the best experiences begin with a bold idea. My goal is to create games and interactive technologies that inspire curiosity, encourage creativity, and remind people that imagination has no limits."
— Sampson Crooks, Founder & Creative Director
Meet the world builder
Bringing Stories to Life Through Creative Design
Lissette combines creativity, curiosity, and a passion for meaningful experiences to help shape the worlds players explore. As a World Builder and Level Designer at Thing Interactive, she focuses on crafting immersive environments that encourage exploration, support compelling storytelling, and create memorable gameplay moments.
Her attention to detail and unique perspective help transform ideas into vibrant game worlds that players can truly connect with.
Professional Journey
Before joining Thing Interactive, Lissette built an accomplished career spanning more than 18 years in the criminal justice system. Throughout her career, she has served in a variety of leadership roles focused on community supervision, rehabilitation, and specialty court programs.
She previously served with the Administrative Office of the Courts, Department of Specialty Courts, where she leads statewide drug court certification initiatives, helping improve program quality and promote evidence-based practices across the state.
She now serves as a case management coordinator with CVS Aetna.
Her experience managing complex programs, collaborating with diverse teams, and solving real-world challenges brings valuable organizational and leadership skills to the studio.
Education
Lissette earned her Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice from Purdue Global University, graduating Magna Cum Laude.
Her educational background, combined with years of professional leadership, provides a strong foundation for creative problem-solving, collaboration, and thoughtful game design.
Creative Vision
Lissette believes that great environments tell stories long before a single line of dialogue is spoken.
Her goal is to design engaging worlds that reward exploration, strengthen gameplay, and immerse players in unforgettable adventures. As she continues expanding her skills in world building, level design, and interactive storytelling, she's excited to help shape the future of Thing Interactive through creativity, collaboration, and continuous learning.
Beyond the Studio
Outside the studio, Lissette enjoys expressing her creativity through crocheting and handcrafted projects. She has a fascination with tarot reading, symbolism, and mythology, often exploring the stories and meanings behind archetypes and imagery.
She's also an avid fan of psychological thrillers, horror films, and true crime documentaries, appreciating the suspense, atmosphere, and storytelling techniques that make those genres so compelling. These interests often inspire her creative thinking and influence the mood, mystery, and environmental storytelling she brings to game development.
Quote
"Every world has a story waiting to be discovered. I love creating spaces that invite players to explore, imagine, and uncover what's hidden around every corner."
— Lissette Crooks, World Builder & Level Designer
Meet the Audio Alchemist
Crafting the Sound of Interactive Worlds
Music has the power to shape emotion, build atmosphere, and make unforgettable moments even more memorable. As Thing Interactive's Audio Director & Composer, Kenny brings more than two decades of professional experience creating music, designing sound, and producing high-quality audio that elevates interactive experiences. Kenny's passion is transforming ideas into audio that draws players deeper into every adventure.
Professional Journey
Before joining Thing Interactive, Kenny built a successful career as a musician, composer, producer, and entrepreneur. Throughout his career, he has produced 25 original albums and collaborated on 15 additional albums for fellow artists, demonstrating both artistic creativity and technical excellence.
He has also owned and operated several small businesses focused on music production and manufacturing, gaining valuable experience in creative leadership, product development, and business operations.
In addition to his extensive music career, Kenny possesses a broad range of creative talents, including graphic design and digital media, making him a versatile contributor across multiple aspects of game development.
Education
Kenny earned an Associate of Science in Graphic Design from Sullivan College of Technology and Design.
His education in visual communication, combined with decades of professional music production, allows him to approach game development with a unique understanding of how audio and visuals work together to create memorable player experiences.
Creative Vision
Kenny believes that exceptional audio is one of the most powerful storytelling tools in interactive entertainment.
His goal is to create immersive soundtracks, cinematic sound effects, ambient audio, and professional voice-over production that strengthen gameplay, deepen emotional connections, and bring every world to life.
Whether composing original music, designing dynamic soundscapes, or producing polished voice recordings, he strives to ensure every sound serves a purpose and enhances the player's journey.
Beyond the Studio
Outside the studio, Kenny enjoys exploring emerging AI tools to create original artwork and experiment with new creative workflows. A lifelong science fiction enthusiast, he draws inspiration from epic adventures, futuristic worlds, and cinematic storytelling.
As a true multi-instrumentalist, Kenny enjoys mastering new instruments and continually expanding his musical abilities. His extensive portfolio of original music, artwork, and creative projects reflects a lifelong passion for artistic expression and innovation.
Quote
"Great games aren't just seen—they're heard. The right soundtrack, the perfect sound effect, or a single note at the right moment can turn an experience into a memory."
— Kenny Marine, Audio Director & Composer