Archive · 13 Dec 2025
Gamer Turns Near-Death Experience into $10M Empire
Zhenghua Yang was 18 years old when doctors told him he had only three hours to live because of a rare disease.
While recovering, he found comfort in playing video games.
This inspired him to create his own games that could help others.
With just $1,000, he started a company called Serenity Forge.
Today, his company has over 40 employees and has made about 70 games.
One of his games, Doki Doki Literature Club, has been downloaded 30 million times.
His company makes $10 to $15 million every year.
Yang believes in creating games that make people feel deeply and think differently, even if it means turning down big money opportunities.
Zhenghua Yang was diagnosed with a rare autoimmune disease at 18, given only 3 hours to live.
Founded Serenity Forge with $1,000, now a $10-15M annual revenue gaming company.
Created 70 games, including Doki Doki Literature Club with 30M downloads.
Focuses on meaningful gaming experiences over profit maximization.
Employs 40 people and turns down high-profit games that don't align with company values.
- Who
- Zhenghua Yang, founder of Serenity Forge
- What
- Built a $10M gaming company after surviving a rare disease
- When
- Founded in 2007, current status as of 2025
- Where
- Based in the United States, founded after transferring to University of Colorado Boulder
- Why
- Inspired by video games that helped him during his illness to create meaningful gaming experiences
- Name
- Zhenghua Yang
- Age
- 35
- Company
- Serenity Forge
- Revenue
- $10-15 million annually
- Games Released
- 70
- Notable Game
- Doki Doki Literature Club (30M downloads)
- Employees
- 40
- Initial Investment
- $1,000