Chapter 1: The Rise of a Gaming Visionary

Jason Citron, a young entrepreneur with a deep-rooted passion for video games, recently made headlines by rejecting a staggering $10 billion offer from Microsoft in favor of a partnership with Sony. This strategic move is aimed at enhancing the PlayStation gaming community, which boasts around 140 million users globally.

The inspiration behind his groundbreaking journey stems from his creation of Discord, a popular communication platform for gamers, developed alongside a partner. Jason's ambition doesn't stop there; he plans to take his company public in the near future.

His success isn't merely a product of luck; he has previously founded another venture that yielded significant returns. Citron draws inspiration from renowned entrepreneur Elon Musk, whose pioneering companies, Tesla and SpaceX, motivate him to push boundaries.

To truly grasp Jason's ethos, let's delve into his background and the path that led him to collaborate with Sony.

IT ALL BEGINS WITH COMMODORE 64

Born on September 21, 1984, in Los Angeles, Jason grew up in a family tied to the entertainment industry. His fascination with video games began at an early age, starting with the Nintendo Entertainment System. Although he struggled with subjects like math, his passion for programming led him to create games for the Commodore 64 by the age of fourteen.

At eighteen, he embarked on his professional journey at Icebox, where he honed his skills in programming and animation. After obtaining a BA in Business Administration from the University of Southern California in 2003, he worked as an executive producer for Fox Interactive, focusing on game development for Nintendo and Sony platforms.

BETWEEN 2006 AND 2015

Jason's career in gaming wasn't without its challenges. After working with notable companies like IGN and GameSpy, he faced health issues that compelled him to pause his career. However, his perseverance shone through when he co-founded OpenFeint in 2010, a social network for gamers that quickly amassed 100 million users before being acquired by DeNA for $104 million in 2012.

Following this success, Jason co-founded Hammer & Chisel in 2012, initially focused on mobile games. However, upon realizing this wasn't their strength, they pivoted to instant messaging, resulting in the creation of Discord in 2015.

THE DISCORD CHAT PLATFORM

Discord rapidly gained traction as a communication tool for gamers, reaching 180 million registered users by 2018 and surpassing 300 million in 2019. Available on multiple platforms, it allows seamless communication and content sharing among gamers. Recognized for its excellence, Discord won the "Best Voice Chat Application" at the Game Developers Choice Awards in 2017 and a Webby Award for "Best Social Media Site" in 2019.

The platform's success attracted significant investments, raising $150 million in 2017 and an additional $300 million in 2019, elevating its estimated worth to between $3-4 billion. With Jason Citron as CEO and Robert Moore as president, the duo chose to partner with Sony over Microsoft's lucrative offer.

"From our first conversation with Jason and Stan, I was personally inspired by their love of video games and their shared passion for helping community friends interact in new and engaging ways," commented Jim Ryan, CEO of Sony Interactive Entertainment. "Our goal is to integrate Discord experiences with our PlayStation Network starting next year, with a focus on mobile devices."

LOVES HIS JOB BUT IT’S HARD WORK

Jason's entrepreneurial spirit is underscored by a family legacy in innovation, as his grandfather was a pioneer in the electrical systems industry. With an optimistic outlook on the future of gaming, he predicts a surge of new players engaging through mobile devices.

Reflecting on his journey, Jason emphasizes the importance of hard work and dedication. He believes success is achievable through consistent effort, even during challenging times. While many express passion, few are willing to put in the necessary work. Jason's commitment to his vision, rejecting the allure of quick riches, exemplifies the essence of true entrepreneurship.

His inspiring story resonates with many aspiring entrepreneurs, showcasing that relentless dedication and belief in one's ideas can pave the way for success.

Discover the technological innovations from Jason's team, including a groundbreaking smartwatch designed to monitor health like never before. For exclusive insights, subscribe to our email list and join the Telegram group for a free guide on how technology is transforming humanity.

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