Jordan Mechner has embarked on a profound journey, sharing elements of his family history through his latest graphic novel. Recognized for his influential works such as Karateka, Prince of Persia, and The Last Express, Mechner has built a multi-faceted career spanning video games, film, documentaries, and graphic novels.

The latest release, Replay: Memories of an Uprooted Family, represents his debut as both writer and illustrator, weaving a narrative deeply rooted in personal experience. This autobiographical graphic novel delves into Mechner's creative process behind iconic titles and offers reflections on the gaming landscape of the 1980s, including a now-cancelled AAA reboot of Prince of Persia developed by Ubisoft Montpellier in 2019.

His family's story intertwines significantly with his own, drawing from the memoirs of his grandfather. Jordan meticulously digitized countless pages of these memoirs on WordPress, which he later translated into visual art, believing that drawing is a means to articulate unexpressed feelings.

Having debuted last year in French, the graphic novel has recently made its way to Spanish audiences through Garbuix Books. During a presentation in Madrid, Mechner described the memoirs of his grandfather, Adolf, as a profound "gift," acknowledging that it took some time for him to recognize their importance.

Mechner’s narrative serves as a tribute to the resilience of his family, who faced unimaginable challenges. As Jewish refugees fleeing Austria during the Nazi regime, they experienced significant loss, with many relatives not surviving. His grandfather and father, Francis Mechner—a respected psychologist—had to abandon everything. A remarkable story from that time reveals how his grandfather's acquisition of early paintings by Hitler became a pivotal element in securing their escape from Austria.

Born in New York in 1964, Jordan grew up in a nurturing environment that allowed him to follow his enthusiasm for creative expression, a privilege for which many in the gaming community can express gratitude. For an extended period, he grappled with the moral implications of sharing his family's story. Ultimately, he granted himself permission, understanding that his parents’ struggles were intended to ensure a stable life for their children.

He reflects, regardless of life’s circumstances, individuals do not choose their situations but must make the best of what they have. Feeling fortunate, he recognizes that the most fitting tribute to his family is to engage in his creative endeavors.

Regarding the unrealized Prince of Persia reboot, Mechner views unmade projects as ideas suspended in a creative ether, advocating for a bit of intrigue instead of focusing on the possibilities of what might have occurred. He encourages enjoyment of the existing games that resonate with players.

This special conversation with Jordan Mechner took place at Madrid in Game, a video game campus, commemorating the release of Replay’s Spanish edition.