The Corner of Story and Game: Recent Episodes
Gerald
Explorers of other worlds often have to spend time back here on Earth, mired down in the day-to-day. Slip out the back door once a week to hear the latest by other worldbuilders, gamers, writers, and the like as they share stories from the corners of those other worlds. Join us at a cozy table in the corner, surrounded by planeswalkers like yourself, as they spin their yarn and open windows to other worlds.
In this episode of The Corner of Story and Game, returning guest Joshua Rubin, veteran narrative designer (Destiny, Assassin’s Creed, The Walking Dead, Telltale), joins us to unpack the chaos, creativity, and continuity of transmedia worldbuilding.
We dive into:
- 🧩 Fractured storytelling across Discord, comics, and AAA games
- 📚 Building lore from microfiction to macro-worlds
- ✍️ His Dead Ghosts chapbook and the art of subtle narrative signals
- 🚀 The launch of Time Sensitive, his new sci-fi comic book, and
- 🧠 Designing mystery and memory through fragmented media This episode explores how narrative fragments can still add up to something deeply human, and why worldbuilders should lean into complexity, not away from it.
Whether you’re writing comics, games, or something no one's seen before, this one is packed with insight.
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Where to find Joshua:
- Time Sensitive: https://timesensitive.strangelandcomics.com/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshuarubinwriter/
- BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/subversiverse.bsky.social
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Orion Drift Discord: discord.gg/oriondriftThe Corner of Story and Game:
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Discord
- Facebook
- Instagram
- Bluesky
- LinkedIn
- Email: gerald@storyandgame.com#NarrativeDesign #Worldbuilding #Transmedia #GameWriting #StoryInGames #JoshuaRubin #TimeSensitiveComic #GameDev #TheCornerOfStoryAndGame
In a world of expansive IPs, player agency, and multi-format storytelling, how do you keep a narrative consistent without strangling its potential?
This week on The Corner of Story and Game, we sit down with Jesse Scoble, a veteran narrative designer and worldbuilder whose career spans Assassin’s Creed, Hyper Scape, City of Heroes, and even TTRPGs and now comics!
We explore the art and craft of narrative canon, and the question "what survives when a story jumps from game to comic to RPG and back again?" Jesse shares his experiences writing for different formats, how player agency complicates authorial intent, and what it means to write "between the lines" of existing universes. Along the way, we may talk a bit about his new comic endeavour, Dead Money.
Whether you’re working on your own transmedia project or just fascinated by how worlds evolve across platforms, this episode is packed with insight.
🧭 We discuss:
- How to balance narrative canon with player freedom
- What must stay stable when stories cross formats
- Lessons from AAA games, TTRPGs, and comics
- How to guide a team through narrative complexity
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The role of ambiguity in worldbuilding
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Where to find Jesse:
- Dead Money (pre-order on Backerkit): https://jdstudios.backerkit.com/hosted_preorders
- Substack: https://jessescoble.substack.com/publish/home
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessescoble/
- BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/jscoble.bsky.social
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Newsletter: https://buttondown.com/Jesse_ScobleThe Corner of Story and Game:
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Discord
- Facebook
- Instagram
- Bluesky
- LinkedIn
- Email: gerald@storyandgame.com
GameWriting #TransmediaStorytelling #NarrativeDesign #GameNarrative #TTRPGWriting #ComicWriting #JesseScoble #TheCornerOfStoryAndGame
This week on The Corner of Story and Game, I’m joined by Willem Delventhal, game designer, narrative advocate, and founder of The Indie Game Academy. Together we dive into the practical and philosophical challenges facing new studios as they plan and scope their first game ... with narrative fully in the picture.
We explore:
- The dangers of building too big, too soon.
- When (and how) to bring narrative into early development.
- What junior founders are doing right, and wrong, when starting out.
- Narrative as risk and reward.
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Why starting small doesn’t mean giving up story.
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This episode is essential listening for indie founders, narrative designers, and anyone launching their first project.
Where to find Willem:
- The Indie Game Academy: https://indiegameacademy.com/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ifyouwillem/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ifyouwillem/
- BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/ifyouwillem.bsky.social
The Corner of Story and Game:
- Discord
- Facebook
- Instagram
- Bluesky
- LinkedIn
- Email: gerald@storyandgame.com
IndieGameDev #NarrativeDesign #GameWriting #GameDevelopment #FirstGameProject #GameNarrative #IndieDevTips #StoryInGames #GameDesignPodcast #ScopeSmart #TheCornerOfStoryAndGame #IndieGameAcademy #WillemDelventhal
In this episode of The Corner of Story and Game, we explore how music moves the narrative needle.
Composer Nikita Malko joins us to discuss the vital, often invisible role music plays in shaping the player’s emotional journey. From his early metal roots to scoring indie and AA video games like Volgarr the Viking II and Inn Keeper, Nikita shares how soundtracks are more than just background, they are worldbuilders, storytellers, and emotional guides.
We talk about:
- How composers translate story into sound
- The emotional logic behind leitmotifs and atmosphere
- Collaboration with game designers and narrative teams
- Tips for writing music that supports, rather than overshadows, gameplay
- Why restraint and silence matter just as much as melody
Whether you're a developer, composer, or narrative nerd, this episode will deepen your appreciation for the sonic side of storytelling.
Where to find Nikita:
- Website: https://play.reelcrafter.com/nikitamalkomusic/GeneralReel
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nikitamalkomusic/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nikitamalkomusic/
- YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@nikitamalkomusic
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100006399796886
- BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/nikitamalko.bsky.social
The Corner of Story and Game:
- Discord
- Facebook
- Instagram
- Bluesky
- LinkedIn
- Email: gerald@storyandgame.com
NikitaMalkoMusic #GameMusic #GameAudio #VideoGameComposer #StorytellingInGames #GameNarrative #InteractiveStorytelling #SoundDesign #NarrativeDesign #IndieDev #GameDevCommunity #ComposerLife #MusicInGames #EmotionalDesign #GamesAndStory #GameDesignPodcast #TheCornerOfStoryAndGame
In this episode of The Corner of Story and Game, acclaimed author and narrative designer Graham McNeill takes us inside the creative process of working within some of the most iconic IPs in games and fiction.
From Warhammer 40K and StarCraft to Warhammer: Age of Sigmar and beyond, Graham shares how limitations from established worlds can spark unexpected creativity, and why “staying true” doesn’t mean “staying safe.”
We explore:
🌍 The art of worldbuilding inside beloved universes,
🛠 How constraints can push innovation in narrative design,
🎭 Balancing lore fidelity with fresh storytelling,
🎮 Translating established worlds into different game genres, and
🖋 Tips for writers stepping into existing IP for the first time.
Whether you’re crafting stories in your own universe or working inside a legendary franchise, this conversation offers a masterclass in turning boundaries into opportunities.
Where to find Graham:
- Graham's Website: https://graham-mcneill.com/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/graham-mcneill-4a62932/
The Corner of Story and Game:
- Discord
- Facebook
- Instagram
- Bluesky
- LinkedIn
- Email: gerald@storyandgame.com
GrahamMcNeill #Screenwriter #VideoGameWriter #Arcane #NarrativeDesign #Worldbuilding #GameWriting #Storytelling #AAAgames #Warhammer40K #StarCraft #WritingTips #GameNarratives #TheCornerOfStoryAndGame
What happens when you have to build an entire world on the spot? In this episode of The Corner of Story and Game, we sit down with Jesse Theiler, the creator behind The Dungeon Cocktail Experience, to explore the art of worldbuilding in real time.
Jesse shares how his background in improv and D&D has shaped his approach to storytelling, including how he engages players in collaborative narrative design and the tools he uses to maintain consistency in worlds that are being built on the fly.
Whether you’re a game designer, GM, or writer, you’ll walk away with actionable insights into:
📜 How to turn improvisation into immersive worldbuilding📜 Balancing player agency with narrative coherence
📜 Tools and techniques for remembering and reusing world details📜 Using real-world inspiration to ground fantastical settings
This conversation is packed with practical advice for anyone designing living, breathing worlds in tabletop or digital games.
Listen in to learn how to stay creative under pressure and craft experiences that feel dynamic, surprising, and alive.
Where to find Jesse:
- The Dungeon Cocktail Experience: https://www.dungeoncocktailexperience.com/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessetheiler/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Dungeon-Cocktail-Experience/61573806056606/
The Corner of Story and Game:
- Discord
- Facebook
- Instagram
- Bluesky
- LinkedIn
- Email: gerald@storyandgame.com
TheDungeonCocktailExperience #Worldbuilding #GameDesign #NarrativeDesign #DungeonsAndDragons #TabletopRPG #DungeonMasterTips #StorytellingInGames #ImprovForGMs #PlayerEngagement #GameWriting #TTRPGDesign #TheCornerOfStoryAndGame #JesseTheiler
When you think of game writing, you might picture dialogue, cutscenes, and lore text. But what about the writing players never see? The systems, character briefs, and background details that shape how we feel and play without ever showing up on screen?
In this episode of The Corner of Story and Game, narrative designer and returning guest Richard Dansky joins us to break down the “invisible” side of game writing. We explore how narrative design works behind the scenes to connect systems, mechanics, and player experience ... and why this work is essential to building games that resonate.
We talk about:🧩 The difference between narrative design and traditional writing.
🎮 How systems and mechanics can carry story without dialogue.
📜 Why behind-the-scenes writing matters for worldbuilding and collaboration.
🧠 Balancing writerly control with player agency.
⚙️ How writers can design emotional experiences without relying on cutscenes.
Whether you’re a game writer, narrative designer, or just fascinated by the craft of games, this episode will give you a deeper appreciation for the unseen work that shapes player experience.
Where to Find Richard:
- NEW BOOK - "The Video Game Writer's Guide to Surviving an Industry That Hates You"
- Website: http://richarddansky.com/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/richard-dansky-9b899a/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/richard.dansky
The Corner of Story and Game:
- Discord
- Facebook
- Instagram
- Bluesky
- LinkedIn
- Email: gerald@storyandgame.com
RichardDansky #GameWriting #NarrativeDesign #GameNarratives #TheCornerOfStoryAndGame #MechanicsAndNarrative #GameDevPodcast #InvisibleGameMechanics #PlayerExperience #GameDesignInsights #StorytellingInGames #VideoGameWriting #TheVideoGameWritersGuideToSurvivingAnIndustryThatHatesYou
🎙 In this episode of The Corner of Story and Game, narrative designer and indie developer Ian Lynch joins us to explore the power of environmental storytelling and quest design, and how these tools can create deeply personal player experiences.
Drawing on his work in narrative design, systems thinking, and indie studio leadership, Ian guides us through the invisible art of storytelling, exploring world details, quest structure, and player-driven exploration. Whether you’re designing a sprawling RPG or a tightly scoped experience, this conversation offers clear insights into how to guide emotion without overdirecting.
We talk about:
🏹 Using quests to shape player identity
🌲 Designing worlds that feel emotionally alive
🎯 Balancing subtle narrative cues with clear player goals
🎮 Why minimalism in storytelling can enhance immersion
💬 What not saying can do for emotional weightWhether you're a game writer, narrative designer, or indie dev shaping worlds on a budget, Ian offers a grounded, systems-aware perspective that makes this episode a must-listen.
Where to Find Ian:
- Jaggy Snake Games: https://www.jaggysnakegames.com/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ianplynch
- Questing: https://store.steampowered.com/app/3087670/Questing/
The Corner of Story and Game:
-> Discord
-> Facebook
-> Instagram
-> Bluesky
-> LinkedIn
-> Email: gerald@storyandgame.com
InclusiveGameDesign #GameWriting #NarrativeDesign #ElaineGómez #LatinxInGaming #IndieGameDev #GameNarratives #RepresentationMatters #DiverseGameDesign #TheCornerOfStoryAndGame #GameDesignStrategy #CulturallyAuthenticGames #MechanicsAndNarrative #GameDevPodcast
🎙 In this episode of The Corner of Story and Game, game designer, educator, and Latinx in Gaming co-founder Elaine Gómez joins us to explore a vital and evolving question in the industry: How do we build inclusion into the design of games - mechanically, narratively, and structurally?
Drawing from her extensive work in both AAA and indie spaces, Elaine breaks down how inclusive game design goes beyond representation. It’s about integrating player perspective, cultural authenticity, and systemic accessibility into the very foundation of your game, starting at the design table.
We talk about:🎮 How to embed inclusion into game mechanics and player experience.📚 The role of cultural consultants and why representation must be intentional.🛠️ What indie studios can do from day one to prioritize inclusive practices.🧠 How narrative and systems can work together to reflect lived realities.🌍 Why inclusive design is not a trend, it’s good game design.Whether you’re a narrative designer, systems thinker, or indie dev, this episode will give you practical tools and strategic insight to build better, more inclusive games from the ground up.
Where to Find Elaine:
- Website: https://www.elaine-gomez.com/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elaine-g%C3%B3mez/
- Latinx in Gaming: https://www.latinxingaming.com/
The Corner of Story and Game:
-> Discord
-> Facebook
-> Instagram
-> Bluesky
-> LinkedIn
-> Email: gerald@storyandgame.com
InclusiveGameDesign #GameWriting #NarrativeDesign #ElaineGómez #LatinxInGaming #IndieGameDev #GameNarratives #RepresentationMatters #DiverseGameDesign #TheCornerOfStoryAndGame #GameDesignStrategy #CulturallyAuthenticGames #MechanicsAndNarrative #GameDevPodcast
🎙 In this episode of The Corner of Story and Game, award-winning writer and game designer Matt Forbeck joins us once more. This time, to explore what levelling systems and rulebooks can teach us about narrative design, especially when it comes to onboarding players in video games.
Matt draws from decades of experience writing novels, tabletop RPGs, and game scripts to unpack how mechanics and prose work together to guide players emotionally, thematically, and structurally through a game. From early-game tutorials to milestone-based storytelling, we look at how progression systems and well-written rules can become powerful narrative tools.
We talk about:
📘 Why rulebook prose matters for immersion and tone
🎮 How leveling systems mirror character arcs
🧠 Designing onboarding moments that feel earned, not forced
📚 Narrative strategies drawn from TTRPGs that work in digital games
💬 Lessons from decades of cross-medium storytellingWhether you're writing your first game tutorial or refining a player’s early-game experience, this episode offers actionable advice from a master storyteller who’s helped shape everything from Dungeons & Dragons to bestselling game novels.
Where to Find Matt:
- Website: https://www.forbeck.com/
- Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/forbeck.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mforbeck/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/forbeck
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/forbeck/
- The Diana Jones Award: https://www.dianajonesaward.org/
- The Marvel Multiverse RPG: https://www.marvel.com/rpg
The Corner of Story and Game:
-> Discord
-> Facebook
-> Instagram
-> Bluesky
-> LinkedIn
-> Email: gerald@storyandgame.com
NarrativeDesign #GameWriting #TTRPGDesign #PlayerOnboarding #StorytellingInGames #LevelingSystems #GameNarratives #RulebookWriting #InteractiveStorytelling #MattForbeck #TheCornerOfStoryAndGame #GameDevPodcast #GameDesignTips
🎙 In this episode of The Corner of Story and Game, award-winning author, storyteller, and TTRPG writer Marie Bilodeau joins us to explore a foundational but often overlooked question in narrative design: How do you take something deeply personal and shape it into a story that connects with a broader audience, especially in games?
Marie shares lessons from her career writing speculative fiction, performing personal stories across Canada, and contributing to tabletop RPGs. Together, we break down the narrative craft of turning memory into meaning, balancing vulnerability with structure, and writing with emotional impact across formats.
We talk about:✍️ How to tell personal stories that resonate in game worlds and beyond.🎭 The power of live performance in sharpening narrative timing and tone.🛠️ Practical tips for narrative designers drawing from real experiences.📚 Why knowing your emotional beats matters more than getting the facts “right."🧩 How storytelling in novels, TTRPGs, and festivals cross-pollinate.
Whether you’re a narrative designer, game writer, indie dev, or creative storyteller, this episode is filled with actionable insights to elevate your storycraft and broaden your narrative toolkit.
Where to Find Marie:
- Website: www.mariebilodeau.com
Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/mariebilodeau.bsky.social - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/glitterbomb.bilodeau/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mariebilodeau
CanCon – The Conference on Canadian Content in Speculative Arts and Literature: http://can-con.org The Corner of Story and Game:*
-> Discord
-> Facebook
-> Instagram
-> Bluesky
-> LinkedIn
-> Email: gerald@storyandgame.com
NarrativeDesign #GameWriting #StorytellingInGames #PersonalNarrative #TTRPGDesign #TheCornerOfStoryAndGame #InteractiveNarratives #GameDevelopment #WritersOfGames #IndieDevJourney #CreativeStorytelling #SpeculativeFiction #PodcastForCreators #StorytellingTips
In this episode of The Corner of Story and Game, writer, educator, and cross-media storyteller David Gallaher joins us to explore one of the most nuanced challenges in narrative design: how to create emotionally grounded characters that hold up, regardless of the medium.
David draws from his work on comics like High Moon and The Only Living Boy, as well as his narrative leadership on games like Tom Clancy’s Ghost Recon Breakpoint, to outline what he calls the character’s “fire, scar, and lie.” This powerful framework offers writers and designers a durable, emotional blueprint for characters that need to live across formats from the page to the controller to the streaming screen.
We talk about:🔥 What it means to design for emotional resonance🛠️ Translating character arcs from comics to games (and back)🎮 How player choice shapes narrative weight🧠 Crafting stories that adapt without losing their emotional spine🌍 Why shared authorship with the audience is the future of storytelling
Whether you're a game writer, narrative designer, comic creator, or story-forward worldbuilder, this conversation is packed with insight, clarity, and grounded advice.
David's Links:
-> LinkedIn (Profile)
-> LinkedIn Articles Archive
-> The Fire, The Scar, and The Lie
-> Bluesky
-> Digital Comics on Tapas
The Corner of Story and Game:
-> Discord
-> Facebook
-> Instagram
-> Bluesky
-> LinkedIn
-> Email: gerald@storyandgame.com
GameDesign #NarrativeDesign #Playtesting #InteractiveStorytelling #WatchableGames #PerformanceDesign #TaskmasterLA #RyanOmega #TheCornerOfStoryAndGame #TTRPGCommunity #CreativeDirection #DesignForDelight
In this episode of The Corner of Story and Game, we welcome back the endlessly creative Ryan Omega, who is a producer, performer, LARP designer, and now the mastermind behind Taskmaster LA. But this isn’t just a behind-the-scenes on a fan-made panel show. It’s a deep dive into what it means to design games for performance, and the unique role that playtesting for watchability plays in that process.
From crafting visually engaging challenges to navigating cast dynamics and live audience feedback, Ryan reveals how every layer of the Taskmaster LA experience was engineered not just to be fun, but to delight both players and viewers.
What can digital game designers, TTRPG GMs, and interactive storytellers learn from a live-audience-first approach? Quite a lot, it turns out.
We talk about:
- Casting as a game design tool
- Designing challenges with visual hooks
- Managing emotional safety and creative risk
- Why live audiences sharpen storytelling
- What makes a moment rewatchable, and why that matters
Whether you’re building a game, producing a show, or crafting a session for your home table, this episode will give you a whole new lens for thinking about entertainment value as a design principle.
Ryan's Links:
📺 Watch Taskmaster LA and explore more from Ryan at Geek Public on YouTube.
-> Facebook
-> LinkedIn
-> Bluesky
The Corner of Story and Game:
-> Discord
-> Facebook
-> Instagram
-> Bluesky
-> LinkedIn
-> Email: gerald@storyandgame.com
GameDesign #NarrativeDesign #Playtesting #InteractiveStorytelling #WatchableGames #PerformanceDesign #TaskmasterLA #RyanOmega #TheCornerOfStoryAndGame #TTRPGCommunity #CreativeDirection #DesignForDelight
In this episode of The Corner of Story and Game, we welcome LARP designer, writer, and educator Aaron Vanek to explore how live-action role-playing techniques can enrich traditional tabletop RPGs and narrative game design.
Aaron walks us through the foundations of LARP, its philosophical pillars, and how these ideas translate into immersive storytelling experiences. From seance room horror sessions to swamp scenes complete with dry ice and frog sounds, Aaron’s approach shows how a multisensory experience can elevate player engagement, emotional investment, and story resonance—whether you're designing a homebrew module or working on a commercial RPG.
Topics include:🎭 What makes LARP unique as a narrative form.🛠️ Using props, locations, and the five senses in tabletop games.🎮 Lessons LARP can teach digital game writers.👥 How NPC design can evolve with shared performance and improvisation.🔥 The difference between “suspending disbelief” and “imposing belief”.
Plus: insight into Aaron’s teaching, his passion projects, and his involvement with Spectacular Disaster Factory, as well as the upcoming Dreamland RPG and more.
This is an episode for anyone who wants to bring more presence, participation, and powerful play into their storytelling practice.
🎧 Listen now and step into the narrative bubble.
Aaron's Links:
-> Spectacular Disaster Factory
The Corner of Story and Game:
-> Discord
-> Facebook
-> Instagram
-> Bluesky
-> LinkedIn
-> Email: gerald@storyandgame.com
NarrativeDesign #GameWriting #LARP #ImmersiveStorytelling #AaronVanek #StoryAndGame #TTRPGDesign #TabletopGames #GameDesignTools #SpectacularDisasterFactory
What does it take to add something meaningful to a world that millions already hold close to their hearts?
In this episode of The Corner of Story and Game, host Gerald Ford welcomes back the always insightful Jim Zub. Jim is a comic writer, narrative designer, and longtime steward of iconic characters across franchises like Conan the Barbarian, Dungeons & Dragons, Avengers, and more.
Together, they explore the delicate craft of adaptive storytelling:
🔹 How to honour an established universe while still bringing your voice to the work.
🔹 Where to find narrative space for new ideas without breaking canon.
🔹 How to navigate fan expectations, editorial guidelines, and creative ambition.
🔹 Why emotional truth matters more than encyclopedic accuracy.
🔹 And how working within constraints can actually unlock deeper creativity.
Whether you’re a narrative designer, a game writer, or simply someone fascinated by how stories evolve across generations, this episode dives deep into the art, and the responsibility, of storytelling inside shared worlds.
Jim's Links:
-> Website
-> BlueSky
The Corner of Story and Game:
-> Discord
-> Facebook
-> Instagram
-> Bluesky
-> LinkedIn
-> Email: gerald@storyandgame.com
NarrativeDesign #GameWriting #StoryAndGame #AdaptiveStorytelling #JimZub #ComicWriting #SharedWorlds #IPWriting #GameDevCommunity #StorytellingInGames #CreativeConstraints
What does it really mean to be a narrative designer in today’s game industry, and how is that role evolving to meet the moment?
In this episode of The Corner of Story and Game, we are joined by game writer and narrative designer Ashley Poprik, whose work spans iconic titles like Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 and Call of Duty: Black Ops 6, and now continues at Bungie on Destiny 2.
Together, we explore the shifting landscape of narrative design: from being the lone writer in the room to becoming an essential collaborator across systems, UX, VO, and level design. Ashley shares insight into how she adapts story to structure, balances player experience with emotional resonance, and why empathy, flexibility, and production awareness are just as vital as good prose.
✨ Why narrative designers need to learn game design🎧 What it means to be in the room for VO sessions🎮 How to “kill your darlings” in collaborative pipelines🧩 Why strong writing isn’t enough; you need systems fluency, too
Whether you're a working narrative designer, a hopeful game writer, or a multidisciplinary storyteller, this episode is packed with practical wisdom and industry perspective.
Ashley's Links:
-> Website
-> BlueSky
-> LinkedIn
-> Destiny 2
The Corner of Story and Game:
-> Discord
-> Facebook
-> Instagram
-> Bluesky
-> LinkedIn
-> Email: gerald@storyandgame.com
NarrativeDesign #GameWriting #AshleyPoprik #TheCornerOfStoryAndGame #GameDesign #StorytellingInGames #RPGDesign #InteractiveStorytelling #WomenInGames #GameDevCommunity #Destiny2
What does it mean to design with intention,and how do you build games that are not just fun, but deeply resonant?
In this episode of The Corner of Story and Game, I sit down with longtime game designer Andy Ashcraft to explore how experience, values, and player psychology shape the games we make. With decades in the industry and a passion for participatory design, Andy brings a rich perspective on crafting mechanics that serve storytelling, create emotional impact, and invite collaboration.
🕹️ Discover the roots of Andy’s design philosophy
📐 Explore the line between entertainment and meaningful play
🎯 Learn how to align game systems with narrative intent
🧠 And get inspired by how clarity of purpose can elevate your game designs
Whether you’re a designer, writer, or just curious about how games can say something real, this is a conversation you won’t want to miss.
Andy's Links:
-> Giantsdance Games
-> LinkedIn
-> Ethics and Video Games
The Corner of Story and Game:
-> Discord
-> Facebook
-> Instagram
-> Bluesky
-> LinkedIn
-> Email: gerald@storyandgame.com
🔗 Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review The Corner of Story and Game. Follow us for updates and bonus content!
GameDesign #NarrativeDesign #StorytellingInGames #PlayerExperience #DesignPhilosophy #GamesWithMeaning #IndieGameDev #InteractiveDesign #AndyAshcraft #TheCornerOfStoryAndGame #GameDevCommunity #MechanicsMatter
How do you keep a character feeling human when players can change everything?
In this episode of The Corner of Story and Game, I am joined by veteran narrative designer Emily Grace Buck for a masterclass in crafting emotionally authentic character arcs within branching RPG narratives.
With experience spanning Telltale Games, EA DICE, and a lifetime in storytelling, Emily shares the tools, psychology, and hard-earned wisdom behind creating characters who feel real, even as their paths diverge wildly based on player choice.
🎭 Learn how acting theory informs dialogue writing,🧠 Explore character “rails” that support branching without losing cohesion,📌 Discover how production realities shape narrative scope,💬 And hear why roleplaying games (and Post-it notes!) are invaluable tools for writers.
This one’s for the storytellers, the worldbuilders, and anyone who wants their characters to stay grounded, no matter how wild the narrative ride becomes.
Emily's Links:
-> Substack
-> Battlefield Labs
The Corner of Story and Game:
-> Discord
-> Facebook
-> Instagram
-> Bluesky
-> LinkedIn
-> Email: gerald@storyandgame.com
🔗 Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review The Corner of Story and Game. Follow us for updates and bonus content!
AuthenticCharacterArcs #NarrativeDesign #GameWriting #BranchingNarratives #CharacterDevelopment #RPGDesign #StorytellingInGames #WomenInGames #GameDevCommunity #InteractiveStorytelling #EmpathyInGames #IndieGameDev #TheCornerOfStoryAndGame #EmilyGraceBuck
In this episode of The Corner of Story and Game, we dig into the gentle rhythm and thoughtful design of idle games with indie game developer Ayla Derrick. As the founder of Cave Bear Games, a studio built entirely by junior developers, Ayla brings a fresh and inclusive perspective to the gaming landscape.
We explore Plantasia, Cave Bear’s debut title, a cozy solarpunk idle game that blends environmental restoration with low-pressure gameplay. Ayla shares insights into designing games for accessibility, creating spaces that appeal to underrepresented audiences (including “games for girls”), and what it means to build a development culture grounded in learning and collaboration.
Whether you're a narrative designer, a curious gamer, or an aspiring indie dev, this episode offers valuable thoughts on how storytelling, mechanics, and mission-driven development intersect in today’s evolving game industry.
🌱 Get inspired by the quiet revolution of idle games and the bright minds shaping their future.
Ayla's Links:
-> Plantasia (Steam)
-> Cave Bear Games
-> GameDesignSkills.com
The Corner of Story and Game:
-> Discord
-> Facebook
-> Instagram
-> Bluesky
-> LinkedIn
-> Email: gerald@storyandgame.com
🔗 Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review The Corner of Story and Game. Follow us for updates and bonus content!
GameDev #IndieGameDev #NarrativeDesign #IdleGames #CozyGames #Solarpunk #WomenInGames #GamersWhoWrite #InclusiveDesign #Plantasia #CaveBearGames #StoryAndGame
In this episode of The Corner of Story and Game, I welcome back narrative designer and comic book writer Kelly Bender for a deep-dive into one of the most crucial skills in storytelling: finding your voice, and your characters' voices! Kelly shares stories from his early days running creative programs for kids, to building dynamic characters in digital games and comics. Whether you’re a narrative designer, an aspiring writer, or just a fan of character-driven storytelling, this conversation offers insight, inspiration, and a few laughs along the way.
Don’t miss this episode if you’ve ever wondered:
- When does a writer "find their voice"?
- How do you make game characters sound unique and believable?
- What role does life experience play in shaping voice?
💬 Join the conversation on Discord: https://discord.gg/RQtBgWaUT4
🎧 Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and more!
Kelly's Links:
-> LinkedIn
-> Bluesky
-> GameDesignSkills.com
-> Funsmith Club Discord
-> Age of Mythology: Retold - Immortal Pillars
The Corner of Story and Game:
-> Discord
-> Facebook
-> Instagram
-> Bluesky
-> LinkedIn
-> Email: gerald@storyandgame.com
🔗 Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review The Corner of Story and Game. Follow us for updates and bonus content!
NarrativeDesign #GameWriting #StoryAndGame #KellyBender #CharacterVoices #PodcastForWriters #VoiceInGames #StorytellingInGames
In this episode of The Corner of Story and Game, I sit down with Whitney Beltrán, a talented narrative designer and writer with deep expertise in myth-inspired storytelling. We dive into the fascinating intersection of mythology and games, exploring how mythic narratives resonate with players on a psychological level. Whitney shares insights on how myths serve as mirrors for self-discovery, personal growth, and identity exploration.
We also touch on the importance of creating immersive, emotionally engaging stories that draw on archetypal patterns, and how narrative designers can craft worlds and characters that evoke deep emotional responses. From designing cathartic moments to the delicate balance between player agency and mythic structure, this episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in narrative design, game development, or the power of myth in interactive media.
Whitney also shares her exciting work in both the video game and tabletop spaces, giving us a glimpse of the magic she's currently crafting. Don’t miss out on this compelling conversation about the stories that shape us.
💬 Join the conversation on Discord: https://discord.gg/RQtBgWaUT4
🎧 Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and more!
Whitney's Links:
-> LinkedIn
-> Bluesky
-> Website
The Corner of Story and Game:
-> Discord
-> Facebook
-> Instagram
-> Bluesky
-> LinkedIn
-> Email: gerald@storyandgame.com
🔗 Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review The Corner of Story and Game. Follow us for updates and bonus content!
MythInspiredNarratives #GameDesign #NarrativeDesign #StorytellingInGames #PsychologyOfStorytelling #InteractiveStorytelling #ArchetypesInGames #GameNarratives #MythologyInGames #IdentityExploration #ImmersiveWorlds #NarrativeCraftsmanship #WhitneyBeltran #TheCornerOfStoryAndGame
In this episode of The Corner of Story and Game, we return to our exploration of the Lenses of Game Design, looking at the balance between two critical perspectives - Imagination and Elegance.
Joining me is J. Isaac Gadient, a talented game designer whose work bridges narrative design, gameplay mechanics, and immersive world-building. Together, we break down how Imagination fuels creativity and world-building, while Elegance ensures clarity, simplicity, and engaging playability.
How do designers strike the right balance between expansive, imaginative worlds and intuitive, elegant mechanics? What lessons can we learn from games that excel at this delicate dance? Isaac shares insights and offers practical takeaways for game designers, writers, and storytellers.
Tune in for a thought-provoking discussion that will change how you think about crafting compelling game experiences.
💬 Join the conversation on Discord: https://discord.gg/RQtBgWaUT4
🎧 Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and more!
Isaac's Links:
-> LinkedIn
-> Bluesky
-> Website
Things Isaac referenced in this episode:
-
Your Game Has A Message ...
-> Exquisite Corpse
The Corner of Story and Game:
-> Discord
-> Facebook
-> Instagram
-> Bluesky
-> LinkedIn
-> Email: gerald@storyandgame.com
🔗 Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review The Corner of Story and Game. Follow us for updates and bonus content!
GameDesign #NarrativeDesign #StorytellingInGames #GameDevelopment #IndieGameDev #ImaginationVsElegance #GameMechanics #LensesOfGameDesign #Worldbuilding #PlayerExperience #TheCornerOfStoryAndGame #GamingPodcast
In this episode of The Corner of Story and Game, we’re joined by Christie Golden, a master of Transmedia Storytelling. Christie has penned some of the most beloved narratives in World of Warcraft, Star Wars, and Halo, and in this episode, she shares her expertise in crafting stories that span across games, books, and other forms of media.
We explore how interconnected worlds can deepen fan engagement and expand the reach of storytelling, from video game quests to novels and comics. Christie discusses:
- The challenges and rewards of writing stories that live across multiple platforms.
- How a well-crafted game universe can evolve through books and other media, creating a richer experience
- The unique balance between creativity and consistency when working across diverse formats.
Christie also reflects on her personal journey and the fascinating world of narrative cohesion across different formats in the gaming world. If you’ve ever wondered how great stories can transcend boundaries, this episode is for you.
💬 Join the conversation on Discord: https://discord.gg/RQtBgWaUT4
🎧 Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and more!
Christie's Links:
-> LinkedIn
-> Bluesky
The Corner of Story and Game:
-> Discord
-> Facebook
-> Instagram
-> Bluesky
-> LinkedIn
-> Email: gerald@storyandgame.com
🔗 Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review The Corner of Story and Game. Follow us for updates and bonus content!
TransmediaStorytelling #GameNarrative #FanEngagement #StorytellingAcrossMedia #VideoGameStories #ChristieGolden #WorldBuilding #GameDesign #InteractiveStorytelling #NarrativeDesign #CrossPlatformStorytelling #StorytellingInGames #GamingUniverse #StoryCrafting #TheCornerofStoryandGame #WorldOfWarcraft #StarWars #Halo #GameNovels
In this episode of The Corner of Story and Game, we’re diving deep into environmental storytelling with game design veteran Will Shen. Will, a lead designer at Unknown Worlds Entertainment, shares his wealth of experience in open-world narrative design, from his time working on Starfield and Skyrim to his current role.
We explore how the environment itself can tell a story, adding layers of depth and history to the player’s experience. Will discusses the crucial elements of level design, pacing, and set dressing that make environmental storytelling work, and how players engage with spaces to uncover hidden lore.
Whether you’re a narrative designer, level designer, or simply a fan of immersive storytelling in games, this episode is packed with valuable insights into the intersection of worldbuilding, gameplay mechanics, and narrative.
Don’t miss this one!
💬 Join the conversation on Discord: https://discord.gg/RQtBgWaUT4
🎧 Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and more!
Will's Links:
-> LinkedIn
-> Bluesky
-> Unknown Worlds Entertainment
The Corner of Story and Game:
-> Discord
-> Facebook
-> Instagram
-> Bluesky
-> LinkedIn
-> Email: gerald@storyandgame.com
🔗 Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review The Corner of Story and Game. Follow us for updates and bonus content!
GameDesign #NarrativeDesign #PlayerDrivenNarratives #GamingIndustry #TheCornerofStoryandGame #VideoGameDesign #EmotionalGameplay #GamingIndustry #WillShen #EnvironmentalStorytelling #EnvironmentalDesign #LevelDesign #QuestDesign #OpenWorldGames #Worldbuilding
How can games make us feel something real? In this episode of The Corner of Story and Game, we sit down with Kelly Bender, Lead Narrative Designer, to explore the powerful fusion of storytelling and gameplay mechanics. From high-stakes boss battles to subtle emotional beats, we break down how narrative and game design can work together to create unforgettable player experiences.
Kelly shares insights from his career, examples of strong emotional moments in games, and techniques designers can use to craft deeper player connections. If you want to enhance storytelling in your games, this episode is packed with valuable lessons and inspiration!
💬 Join the conversation on Discord: https://discord.gg/RQtBgWaUT4
🎧 Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and more!
Kelly's Links:
-> LinkedIn
-> Bluesky
-> GameDesignSkills.com
The Corner of Story and Game:
-> Discord
-> Facebook
-> Instagram
-> Bluesky
-> LinkedIn
-> Email: gerald@storyandgame.com
🔗 Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review The Corner of Story and Game. Follow us for updates and bonus content!
GameDesign #NarrativeDesign #StorytellingInGames #IndieGames #TelltaleGames #InteractiveNarratives #RPGs #TabletopRPGs #GameWriting #PlayerDrivenNarratives #GamingIndustry #TheCornerofStoryandGame #VideoGameDesign #EmotionalGameplay #GamingIndustry #GameWriting #InteractiveStorytelling #LevelDesign #TTRPGs #KellyBender
How do you design a game where the player's choices truly shape the story? In this episode of The Corner of Story and Game, we sit down with Ryan Kaufman, veteran narrative designer behind The Walking Dead and The Wolf Among Us, to break down the mechanics of player-driven storytelling.
We discuss:
🔥 The challenges of balancing player agency and narrative structure
🧠 How theme and tone shape branching stories
🎭 The role of character development in interactive narratives
🔍 Tools and techniques for crafting meaningful choices
🎲 The impact of tabletop RPGs on video game storytelling
If you’re a narrative designer, game writer, or just love deep storytelling in games, this one’s for you!
💬 Join the conversation on Discord: https://discord.gg/RQtBgWaUT4
🎧 Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and more!
Ryan's Links:
-> LinkedIn
-> Bluesky
The Corner of Story and Game:
-> Discord
-> Facebook
-> Instagram
-> Bluesky
-> LinkedIn
-> Email: gerald@storyandgame.com
🔗 Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review The Corner of Story and Game. Follow us for updates and bonus content!
GameDesign #NarrativeDesign #StorytellingInGames #IndieGames #TelltaleGames #InteractiveNarratives #RPGs #TabletopRPGs #GameWriting #PlayerDrivenNarratives #GamingIndustry #TheWalkingDeadGame #Season3 #TheCornerofStoryandGame #VideoGameDesign #RyanKaufman
We're back with Season Three!
In this season opener, we dive deep into the relationship between UI/UX design and storytelling with Kat Craig, a talented UI/UX designer who has contributed to some major titles in the gaming world. Kat walks us through her career journey—from graphic design to breaking into the gaming industry—and shares how the user interface and user experience impact player immersion, engagement, and emotional connection to the game’s narrative.
We discuss the importance of creating seamless experiences for players, how UI elements can be used to enhance storytelling (think of games like Fallout with diegetic UI elements), and how to balance complexity with accessibility. Kat also shares her insights on collaborating with other disciplines—narrative, art, and design teams—to ensure that the player’s journey through a game is intuitive and enriching.
Key Takeaways:
- The essential role of UI/UX design in enhancing narrative experience.
- How the graphical design elements and environmental design can amplify storytelling.
- Insights into the balance between complexity and accessibility for diverse player bases.
- Real-world examples from Kat’s work, including contributions to Larian Studios' Baldur's Gate 3.
- How networking, internships, and personal projects can help aspiring designers break into the industry.
If you're a storyteller, game designer, or just someone curious about the behind-the-scenes work in game development, this episode will offer valuable insights that bridge the gap between design and narrative.
Kat’s Links:
-> LinkedIn
-> ArtStation
-> Website/Portfolio
The Corner of Story and Game:
-> Discord
-> Facebook
-> Instagram
-> Bluesky
-> LinkedIn
-> Email: gerald@storyandgame.com
🔗 Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review The Corner of Story and Game. Follow us for updates and bonus content!
GameDesign #NarrativeDesign #UXDesign #UIDesign #Storytelling #GamingIndustry #PlayerExperience #GameDevelopment #BaldursGate3 #GameNarrative #InteractiveDesign #UXandStory #Season3 #TheCornerofStoryandGame #VideoGameDesign
🎙️ The Wizard and His Crystal Ball: Looking Ahead to 2025
In the season finale of The Corner of Story and Game, we welcome back Willem Delventhal, the energetic founder of the Indie Game Academy. With 2025 on the horizon, Willem unveils his crystal ball to explore emerging trends in the gaming world, including the rise of AAA-lite titles, the future of user-generated content (UGC), and the push for inclusivity in storytelling.
💡 Willem also shares updates from the Indie Game Academy and the bold new initiatives they’re launching in 2025. Plus, we reveal the games we are most excited about in the coming year.
🌟 This finale is packed with insights, inspiration, and forward-thinking magic.
🔗 Join the conversation on our Discord server and share your predictions for 2025!
Willem’s Links:
-> LinkedIn
-> Instagram
-> The Indie Game Academy
-> GDC Talk: What Cat's Can Teach You About Empathic Game Design
The Corner of Story and Game:
-> Discord
-> Facebook
-> Instagram
-> Bluesky
-> LinkedIn
-> Email: gerald@storyandgame.com
🔗 Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review The Corner of Story and Game. Follow us for updates and bonus content!
WillemDelventhal #GameDesign #IndieGames #Storytelling #GamingCommunity #2025Trends #InclusiveDesign #IndieGameAcademy #TripleALite #UserGeneratedContent #PodcastLife #GamingPodcast #PodcastsForGameDevs #TheCornerOfStoryAndGame
🎲 The Dice Decide 🎥
This week, Joseph Adams joins us to dive into the art of storytelling in tabletop role-playing games. As the creator of The Dice Decide, a cinematic D&D actual-play series, Joe shares his journey from cinematographer to Dungeon Master and community builder.
We explore:
- How Joe combined his passion for filmmaking and TTRPGs.
- The creative process behind crafting immersive worlds and characters.
- Challenges and triumphs of producing a high-quality live-play show.
- Why storytelling in games is a universal connector.
Plus, hear about Joe’s love for building communities, his theatre and film background, and a surprising twist in The Dice Decide series.
🎧 Tune in for a fascinating blend of creativity, passion, and game design insight! Don't miss this episode filled with inspiration for players and creators alike.
Joe's Links:
-> Joseph's Website
-> The Dice Decide YouTube
-> Instagram
-> Patreon
The Corner of Story and Game:
-> Discord
-> Facebook
-> Instagram
-> Bluesky
-> LinkedIn
-> Email: gerald@storyandgame.com🔗 Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review The Corner of Story and Game. Follow us for updates and bonus content!
JosephAdams #LivePlayShow #YouTubeDungeonsAndDragons #TTRPG #DungeonsAndDragons #GameDesign #TheDiceDecide #Storytelling #TabletopGames #CommunityBuilding #Filmmaking #TabletopRPG #PodcastsForGameDevs #TabletopGaming #TheCornerOfStoryAndGame
Welcome back, to The Corner of Story and Game. In this episode we chat about game design philosophy with Lauren Bond, Senior Narrative Game Designer at Wizards of the Coast. We explore two fascinating lenses from Jesse Schell's The Art of Game Design: the Lens of Expected Value and the Lens of Chance.
Lauren shares how these lenses influence her approach to worldbuilding, how randomness can enhance gameplay, and how to create meaningful player interactions through thoughtful design. From balancing skill and luck in RPGs to building immersive narratives in card games, this episode is a treasure trove of insights for creators and players alike.
🎙️ What’s Inside:
- Breaking down the Lens of Expected Value: How interactions shape player experiences.
- The Lens of Chance: Designing unpredictability to enhance fun.
- Insights into Magic: The Gathering’s worldbuilding and storytelling.
- How these lenses overlap to create unforgettable games.
Join us for this thought-provoking conversation, and get inspired to look at games through new perspectives!
🔗 Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review The Corner of Story and Game. Follow us for updates and bonus content!
Lauren's Links:
-> LinkedIn
-> Website
-> BlueSky
-> Twitch
The Corner of Story and Game:
-> Discord
-> Facebook
-> Instagram
-> Bluesky
-> LinkedIn
-> Email: gerald@storyandgame.com
LaurenBond #GameDesign #NarrativeDesign #MagicTheGathering #ArtOfGameDesign #LensOfExpectedValue #LensOfChance #TabletopRoleplayingGames #CardGameDesign #StorytellingInGames #GameDevelopment #TabletopRPGDesign #GameDevTips #PodcastsForGameDevs #TheCornerOfStoryAndGame
Welcome back to The Corner of Story and Game.
In this episode, we dive deep into the power of curiosity with Dan Felder, Game Design Director at Sky Castle Studios. With a rich career spanning Riot Games, Blizzard, and EA, Dan shares how curiosity serves as the cornerstone of effective game design and storytelling.
From exploring how curiosity keeps players engaged to mastering the balance between tension and intrigue, Dan delivers invaluable insights for game designers, DMs, and storytellers alike. Plus, we uncover how tabletop roleplaying games shaped Dan's design philosophy and discuss the lessons that games teach us about creating wonder and immersion.
🕹️ Key Topics:
- How curiosity drives engagement in games
- Narrative design lessons from tabletop RPGs
- Building tension and excitement through design
🔗 Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review The Corner of Story and Game. Follow us for updates and bonus content!
Dan's Links:
-> Dan's Website
-> LinkedIn
-> The GM's Guide
The Corner of Story and Game:
-> Discord
-> Facebook
-> Instagram
-> Bluesky
-> LinkedIn
-> Email: gerald@storyandgame.com
DanFelder #Storytelling #GameDevelopment #CuriosityInGames #DanFelder #NarrativeDesign #TabletopRPG #CuriosityInGameDesign #GameMechanics #GameDevTips #PodcastsForGameDevs #TabletopGaming #TheCornerOfStoryAndGame
Welcome back to The Corner of Story and Game.
In this episode, we dive deep into the intersection of storytelling, game development, and marketing with the talented Galen Scorer, a seasoned expert in crafting compelling narratives that resonate with players.
Galen shares insights on why marketing should be integrated into the development process from the very beginning, how to connect with your audience emotionally, and the secrets behind creating trailers and promotional materials that captivate. He also explores how understanding your game's story can drive player engagement and set your game apart in a crowded market.
Whether you're a game developer, storyteller, or marketer, this episode is packed with actionable advice and thought-provoking discussions to level up your projects.
Key Topics Covered:
- The role of storytelling in marketing a game.
- How to capture a game's emotional core in promotional materials.
- Balancing creativity with the practicalities of game marketing.
- Behind-the-scenes stories from Galen’s experiences in the industry.
Tune in for an engaging conversation that bridges the gap between creativity and strategy in the world of games!
🔗 Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review The Corner of Story and Game. Follow us for updates and bonus content!
Galen's Links:
-> Galen's Website
The Corner of Story and Game:
-> Discord
-> Facebook
-> Instagram
-> Bluesky
-> LinkedIn
-> Email: gerald@storyandgame.com
GalenScorer #GameDevelopment #GameDesign #Storytelling #CreativeDirector #VideoArtDirector #IndieGames #GameMarketing #NarrativeDesign #IndieDev #GameDevs #CreativeMarketing #GamingIndustry #EmotionalEngagement #GameTrailers #GameDesign #StorytellingInGames #GameDevelopment #FantasyGaming #PodcastsForGameDevs #TabletopGaming #TheCornerOfStoryAndGame
Welcome back to The Corner of Story and Game.
In this episode, we dive deep into the complexities of rewards and punishments in gameplay design with Alexander Brazie. From the grand scale of progression loops to the nuanced moment-to-moment decision-making, Alex shares insights into how players’ intrinsic and extrinsic motivations drive their engagement and mastery in games.
We explore:
- The anatomy of a gameplay loop and how rewards and punishments shape player behaviour.
- How game designers can balance challenge and progression to keep players hooked.
- The secret to creating a rewarding experience, whether it’s through moment-to-moment combat or long-term goals.
- The key differences between extrinsic rewards (like loot) and intrinsic rewards (like personal achievement) and how they contribute to game design.
- Why some of the most successful games allow players to forge their own paths and set their own goals.
Alex also touches on his past work at Riot Games, Blizzard, and more, sharing lessons learned from some of the industry’s most influential titles like World of Warcraft and Ori and the Will of the Wisps. Whether you’re a budding game designer or a passionate gamer, this episode is packed with insights that can shape your understanding of the reward-punishment balance in gaming.
Listen now and discover how the best gameplay loops don’t just challenge players—they let them grow, explore, and play in their own way.
Alexander’s Links:
-> GameDesignSkills.com
-> LinkedIn
-> BlueSky
-> Instagram
The Corner of Story and Game:
-> Discord
-> Facebook
-> Instagram
-> Bluesky
-> LinkedIn
-> Email: gerald@storyandgame.com
AlexanderBrazie #WorldOfWarcraft #Riot #GameDesign #GameplayLoops #RewardsAndPunishments #NarrativeDesign #PlayerExperience #VideoGameDesign #GameDesignInsights #GameDevelopmentTips #GameMechanics #LevelDesign #InteractiveDesign #GameRewards #PlayerMotivation #ProgressionSystems #GameBalancing #IndieGameDev #GameDesignPodcast #VideoGames #DesigningGames #TheCornerOfStoryAndGame
Welcome back to The Corner of Story and Game.
In this episode, we sit down with Greg Tito, an author, screenwriter, and producer who served as Communications Manager for Dungeons & Dragons and remains a key figure in live-streamed tabletop gaming. Greg has a unique perspective on blending live events, storytelling, and the gaming experience, making this conversation a must-listen for fans of both tabletop and digital game design.
We dive deep into the magic of creating immersive live events, especially his work with The Stream of Many Eyes and how storytelling impacts player engagement. Greg shares valuable insights on crafting compelling narratives in live settings, how different types of media (from podcasts to video games) shape storytelling, and why understanding your audience is key to creating a meaningful experience.
We also explore the intricacies of balancing narrative and gameplay, touching on how to engage viewers through live content while respecting the narrative's integrity. Whether you’re a game designer, storyteller, or someone who loves immersive experiences, Greg’s behind-the-scenes knowledge and passion for interactive storytelling will inspire you.
Greg’s Links:
-> Re:Engage (Star Trek TNG Podcast)
-> Website
-> LinkedIn
-> BlueSky
-> Instagram
-> Welcome to Dragon Talk
The Corner of Story and Game:
-> Discord
-> Facebook
-> Instagram
-> Bluesky
-> LinkedIn
-> Email: gerald@storyandgame.com
GregTito #LivePlay #EventManagement #MarketingInGames #TTRPG #DragonTalk #DungeonsAndDragons #DnDCommunity #DnD #TabletopRPG #Podcast #GameDesign #StorytellingInGames #DnDStories #Roleplaying #DnDCulture #GameDevelopment #FantasyGaming #PodcastsForGamers #TabletopGaming #TheCornerOfStoryAndGame
Welcome back to The Corner of Story and Game.
In this episode we sit down with Jason Kingsley, co-founder of Rebellion Developments and an accomplished storyteller with a deep passion for history. Jason’s unique approach to game design blends historical research with narrative creativity.
In this episode:
-
How historical moments and details inspire compelling narratives.
-
The balance between historical accuracy and creative freedom.
-
Jason’s personal experiences, including real-life jousting and medieval research.
Jason's Links:
-> LinkedIn
-> BlueSky
-> Instagram
-> Modern History TV YouTube
The Corner of Story and Game:
-> Discord
-> Facebook
-> Instagram
-> Bluesky
-> LinkedIn
-> Email: gerald@storyandgame.com
Storytelling #CreativeWriting #GamingPodcast #TheCornerOfStoryAndGame #HistoricalFiction #CreativeProcess #JasonKingsley #SniperElite #StudyingHistory #LordOfBlackthorne
Welcome back to The Corner of Story and Game!
In this episode I welcome back Richard Dansky, a prolific storyteller whose career spans video game narrative design, tabletop RPGs, and fiction writing. With contributions to iconic franchises like The Division, Splinter Cell, and Rainbow Six, and as the mastermind behind the 20th-anniversary edition of Wraith: The Oblivion, Richard brings unparalleled insights into the balance between creative perfection and practical deadlines.
Join us as we explore the age-old adage, “Done is better than perfect.” Richard shares candid stories of navigating the pressure cooker of game development, the struggle for perfection in personal projects, and the lessons learned from both successes and stumbles.
What We Discuss:
🌟 Balancing Perfection and Deadlines: Richard shares stories of navigating the tension between creative perfectionism and the need to meet deadlines.
🌟 The Power of Collaboration: How trust and teamwork between disciplines can spark unexpected innovations in game development.
🌟 Perfectionism Across Mediums: Insights into managing perfectionism in games, novels, and tabletop RPGs to keep projects moving forward.
🎧 Whether you're a creator battling perfectionism or a fan of the creative process, this episode offers valuable takeaways for everyone.
Richard's Links:
-> BlueSky
-> Website
The Corner of Story and Game:
-> Discord
-> Facebook
-> Instagram
-> TikTok
-> Threads
-> Bluesky
-> LinkedIn
-> Email: gerald@storyandgame.com
RichardDansky #Storytelling #GameDesign #CreativeWriting #GamingPodcast #NarrativeDesign #TheCornerOfStoryAndGame #WritingTips #PodcastForWriters #GameWriters #TabletopRPG #Novelist #WhiteWolf #WraithTheOblivion #PerfectionismInWriting #DoneIsBetterThenPerfect #CreativeProcess #PerfectionVsDone #Worldbuilding #LessonsInStorytelling
Welcome back to The Corner of Story and Game!
In this episode, we’re joined by the brilliant Alina Pete—Canadian author, illustrator, game designer, and storyteller.
Alina’s work masterfully blends Indigenous myths with modern narratives, creating a fresh perspective on storytelling that’s both rooted in tradition and forward-looking.
What We Discuss:
🌟 The concept of Indigenous Futurism: What it means to imagine Indigenous people thriving in the future.
🌟 Challenges and opportunities in weaving traditional myths into modern storytelling.
🌟 Alina’s personal journey from webcomics to preserving elder stories and mentoring young artists.
🌟 The role of Indigenous stories in shaping a hopeful vision for the future.
Alina shares insights into storytelling as a tool for hope, empowerment, and reimagining the world—a must-listen for creators, gamers, and storytellers alike.
🎧 Tune in now and discover how blending old and new narratives can inspire the next generation of stories.
Alina's Links:
-> Website
-> YouTube
-> BlueSky
The Corner of Story and Game:
-> Discord
-> Facebook
-> Instagram
-> TikTok
-> Threads
-> Bluesky
-> LinkedIn
-> Email: gerald@storyandgame.com
AlinaPete #IndigenousFuturism #Storytelling #GameDesign #IndigenousStories #Mythology #RepresentationMatters #CreativeWriting #GamingPodcast #NarrativeDesign #IndigenousArtists #PodcastEpisode #TheCornerOfStoryAndGame #CulturalHeritage #HopefulFutures #IndieGames #PodcastEpisode #Astroneer #WritingTips #GamingPodcast #PodcastForWriters #TheCornerOfStoryAndGame #GameWriters #TabletopRPG #Novelist
Welcome back to The Corner of Story and Game!
In this episode, we dive into the art of creating unforgettable NPCs (Non-Player Characters) with two-time Emmy Award-winning writer Cam Baity. With a rich career spanning animation, television, and video games—including work on Team America, SpongeBob SquarePants, and Astroneer—Cam shares his insights into building characters that resonate deeply with players and audiences alike.
Together, we explore:
🔥 Key Elements of Memorable NPCs: What brings an NPC to life, both in digital games and at your D&D table.
🎭 Lessons from Storytelling Across Media: How Cam’s diverse background informs his approach to crafting characters.
🛠 Practical Tools and Techniques: Using archetypes, biographies, and player feedback to shape compelling narratives.
🌟 Behind the Scenes of Glitch Walkers: A peek into the latest Astroneer DLC and the evolution of its standout NPC, Frank.
Whether you're a game designer, writer, or storyteller at heart, this episode is packed with tips and inspiration to help you create characters that linger in the minds of your players.
🎧 Listen now and let us know what you think! And don't forget to subscribe.
Cam's Links:
-> Astroneer
-> Astroneer on Steam
-> LinkedIn
The Corner of Story and Game:
-> Discord
-> Facebook
-> Instagram
-> TikTok
-> Threads
-> Bluesky
-> LinkedIn
-> Email: gerald@storyandgame.com
CamBaity #NPCDesign #GameDesign #StorytellingInGames #NarrativeDesign #PodcastEpisode #Astroneer #CharacterDevelopment #CreativeWriting #DND #GameNarratives #WritingTips #GamingPodcast #TheCornerOfStoryAndGame #GameWriters #TabletopRPG #Astroneer #Glitchwalkers
Welcome back to The Corner of Story and Game!
This time around, I get to sit down and chat with the legendary Joe Morrissey, a narrative design veteran with a career spanning iconic studios like Rockstar Games, Blizzard, and Sucker Punch. Known for his work on groundbreaking titles such as Diablo II, Infamous: Second Son, and Ghost of Tsushima, Joe dives deep into the art of crafting unforgettable game stories.
Join us as we explore:
- Narrative Channels Explained: What they are, why they matter, and how to select the right one for your game.
- Behind the Scenes of Game Development: Joe’s inspiring career journey from IT support to game director.
- Storytelling Lessons from Tabletop Games: How early experiences with RPGs like Cyberpunk and World of Darkness shaped his narrative philosophy.
- Industry Insights: Examples of masterful storytelling techniques from titles like The Last of Us II and Firewatch.
Whether you're a game developer, narrative designer, or just someone who loves the magic of storytelling in games, this episode offers a treasure trove of advice and inspiration.
🎧 Tune in now and discover how the right narrative channel can elevate your gaming experience! Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share the love.
Joe's Links:
-> Believer
-> LinkedIn
The Corner of Story and Game:
-> Discord
-> Facebook
-> Instagram
-> TikTok
-> Threads
-> Bluesky
-> LinkedIn
-> Email: gerald@storyandgame.com
JoeMorrissey #GameDesign #NarrativeDesign #StorytellingInGames #GamingIndustry #PodcastEpisode #GameDevelopment #DigitalStorytelling #GhostOfTsushima #DiabloII #InfamousSecondSon #TabletopRPG #GameNarratives #GamingPodcast #TheCornerOfStoryAndGame
Welcome back to The Corner of Story and Game!
This time around, we are joined by John Ryan, an accomplished game writer and narrative designer. With extensive experience in the gaming industry, John brings invaluable insights into what it takes to build a successful writing career in game development. We'll explore the importance of strong writing foundations, the significance of curiosity in understanding the game-making process, and how to navigate feedback and personal identity in this ever-evolving field.
John's Links:
-> Website
-> LinkedIn
-> Bluesky
-> Stop Killing Games
The Corner of Story and Game:
-> Discord
-> Facebook
-> Instagram
-> Twitter
-> TikTok
-> Threads
-> Bluesky
-> LinkedIn
-> Email: gerald@storyandgame.com
JoshuaRubin #StrangelandComics #WritingForComics #LanguagesOfWriting #Novelist #Screenwriter #GameWriter #GameDesign #NarrativeDesign #PodcastRecommendations #Storytelling #CreativeProcess #GameWriting #StorytellingInGames #TheCornerOfStoryAndGame
Welcome back to The Corner of Story and Game!
Today, I am thrilled to welcome Joshua Rubin back.
Joshua has an impressive two-decade-long career in film, television, video games, and XR, and he's here to share his insights on the craft of storytelling across various mediums.
We'll explore Joshua's love for classic comic books and his journey into writing comics, including the unique challenges and skills it entails. We'll also discuss his new venture, Strangeland Comics, and its innovative approach. Joshua will share his thoughts on blending genres, the importance of emotional narratives, and how these concepts shape his upcoming projects.
As an extra treat, Joshua dives into his involvement with the ambitious new video game "Orion Drift," revealing the intricate process of world-building and narrative creation in gaming. Plus, we'll touch on the mystical thread that connects all forms of storytelling—the magical realm of ideas.
So sit back, relax, and join us as we traverse the fascinating intersections of story and game with our esteemed guest, Joshua Rubin. Get ready for an episode filled with creativity, inspiration, and a glimpse into the mind of a master storyteller. Don't forget to check the show notes for links to Joshua's work and follow-ups to stay connected with us!
Joshua’s Links:
-> Strangeland Comics
-> Another Axiom
-> Orion Drift Discord
The Corner of Story and Game:
-> Discord
-> Facebook
-> Instagram
-> Twitter
-> TikTok
-> Threads
-> Bluesky
-> LinkedIn
-> Email: gerald@storyandgame.com
JoshuaRubin #StrangelandComics #WritingForComics #LanguagesOfWriting #Novelist #Screenwriter #GameWriter #GameDesign #NarrativeDesign #PodcastRecommendations #Storytelling #CreativeProcess #GameWriting #StorytellingInGames #TheCornerOfStoryAndGame
In this exciting episode of The Corner of Story and Game, we welcome Yuri Guzon Mainka, a talented Narrative Designer at Inflexion Games. We delve into the fascinating topic of the "Lens of Imagination," a concept from The Art of Game Design by Jesse Schell that explores how storytelling and player engagement intersect in video games.
Yuri shares his journey from a young gamer in Brazil to a narrative designer, highlighting the challenges he faced along the way. He discusses his work on the recently released Nightingale: Realms Rebuilt and how it exemplifies innovative storytelling in gaming. Throughout the conversation, we explore the balance between providing details and allowing players' imaginations to fill in the gaps, emphasizing how this balance can enhance the overall gaming experience.
Come along to gain some insights into the creative processes behind game design, the importance of player imagination in crafting immersive narratives, and practical examples from Yuri's work.
Whether you're a game developer or a storytelling enthusiast, this episode offers valuable perspectives on the art of engaging players through imaginative storytelling.
And be sure to stay tuned for more deep dives into game design and storytelling on The Corner of Story and Game. Remember to subscribe, rate, and review to keep up with our latest episodes!
Yuri’s Links:
-> Website
-> LinkedIn
-> Inflexion Games
The Corner of Story and Game:
-> Discord
-> Facebook
-> Instagram
-> TikTok
-> Threads
-> Bluesky
-> LinkedIn
-> Email: gerald@storyandgame.com
YuriGazonMainka #InflexionGames #Nightingale #GameDesign #NarrativeGaming #ImaginationLens #CreativeStorytelling #YuriMainka #GamingInnovation #InteractiveNarratives #GameDevelopment #DesignPhilosophy #GameDesign #NarrativeDesign #TheArtOfGameDesign #GameDevelopment #Podcast #Storytelling #GameWriter #GameWriter #TheLensOfImagination #TheLensesOfGameDesign #FindTheFun #TheStoryStack #GameDesignTheory #Narratology #Ludology
Welcome back to The Corner of Story and Game!
Join me for an insightful conversation with Gregory A. Wilson, acclaimed author of the Gray Assassin Trilogy. We will delve into his journey from writing dark fantasy novels to developing them into an immersive tabletop role-playing game.
In this episode, we explore:
Gregory's Origin Story: Discover how his upbringing as the son of an English professor and his love for fantasy literature shaped his passion for storytelling and gaming.
The Gray Assassin Trilogy: Gregory shares the inspiration behind his dark fantasy world, drawing parallels to renowned figures like Jason Bourne and discussing the complex themes of faith and redemption that run through his work.
Bringing Novels to Life: We dive into the challenges and creative processes involved in adapting a narrative-driven novel into a dynamic tabletop experience, including the importance of mechanics that enhance storytelling.
Game Design Insights: Gregory discusses the innovative gameplay mechanics, such as the Faith system, and how they reflect the thematic depth of his novels, providing players with opportunities for rich storytelling.
Collaborative Storytelling: Learn about the unique relationship between writing and gaming, and how Gregory's experiences as a game master have informed his narrative style and character development.
Future Endeavours: Get a sneak peek at what’s next for Gregory, including plans for live play sessions on Twitch and the potential for expanding the Gray Assassin universe.
Whether you're a seasoned tabletop gamer, a budding writer, or simply curious about the art of storytelling, this episode offers a treasure trove of insights and inspiration. Tune in to discover how the threads of narrative and gameplay intertwine in Gregory's remarkable work!
Greg’s Links:
-> Greyshade TTRPG Pre-Orders
-> Gregyshade Trilogy
-> GenGMs
-> Main Author Website
-> Twitch Persona Website
-> Twitch Channel
-> YouTube
-> BlueSky
-> Patreon
The Corner of Story and Game:
-> Discord
-> Facebook
-> Instagram
-> Twitter
-> TikTok
-> Threads
-> Bluesky
-> LinkedIn
-> Email: gerald@storyandgame.com
GregoryAWilson #Greyshade #TabletopRoleplayingGameDesign #WritingForTTRPGs #GameDesign #NarrativeDesign #WritingCommunity #TabletopRPG #SpeculativeFiction #PodcastRecommendations #Storytelling #CreativeProcess #GameWriting #StorytellingInGames #TheCornerOfStoryAndGame
The Lenses of Game Design: Part 15
Welcome back to another exciting episode of The Corner of Story and Game! This week, I’m thrilled to have Willem Delventhal join us to discuss the intriguing topic of The Lens of Time from "The Art of Game Design."
Willem is a seasoned game designer and founder of the Indie Game Academy.
In this episode, we dive deep into how the concept of time can shape gameplay and storytelling. We explore how designers can manipulate time to enhance player experience, the challenges and opportunities that arise when incorporating time as a mechanic, and how to strike a balance between engaging gameplay and narrative flow.
Whether you’re a game designer, writer, or just a fan of immersive storytelling, this conversation is packed with insights and practical advice. Join us as we unravel the layers of time in game design and discover how it can transform the player experience.
And be sure to stay tuned for more deep dives into game design and storytelling on The Corner of Story and Game. Remember to subscribe, rate, and review to keep up with our latest episodes!
Willem’s Links:
-> LinkedIn
-> Twitter
-> The Indie Game Academy
-> GDC Talk: What Cat's Can Teach You About Empathic Game Design
The Corner of Story and Game:
-> Discord
-> Facebook
-> Instagram
-> Twitter
-> TikTok
-> Threads
-> Bluesky
-> LinkedIn
-> Email: gerald@storyandgame.com
WillemDelventhal #TheIndieGameAcademy #ThePurpleWizard #TheWizardOfJoy #GameDesign #NarrativeDesign #TheArtOfGameDesign #GameDevelopment #Podcast #Storytelling #GameWriter #GameWriter #TheLensOfTime #TheLensesOfGameDesign #FindTheFun #TheStoryStack #GameDesignTheory #Narratology #Ludology
Welcome back to The Corner of Story and Game!
In this episode, I’m thrilled to welcome back the incredible Susan O’Connor, a veteran game writer and narrative designer behind some of gaming's most iconic titles, including BioShock, Far Cry, and Tomb Raider.
Join us as we explore the evolution of narrative design, its core responsibilities, and the essential skills aspiring designers need to succeed.
Discover how narrative designers influence the player experience, hear about the exciting initiatives at The Narrative Department, and get a glimpse into the future of storytelling in games.
Join us for a fun and inspiring conversation at The Corner of Story and Game. 🔥🕹️
Susan's Links:
-> The Narrative Department
-> LinkedIn
The Corner of Story and Game:
-> Discord
-> Facebook
-> Instagram
-> Twitter
-> TikTok
-> Threads
-> Bluesky
-> LinkedIn
-> Email: gerald@storyandgame.com
WhatIsNarrativeDesign #NarrativeDesignerDefinition #GameWriting #SusanOConnor #StorytellingInGames #GameDevelopment #BioShock #TombRaider #TheCornerOfStoryAndGame #TheNarrativeDepartment
Welcome back to The Corner of Story and Game!
In this episode, we welcome Sam Cast, a passionate storyteller who loves game writing and narrative design. Sam, who is currently transitioning into this field, shares his journey from early gaming influences like Pokemon and Skyrim to taking the plunge into writing and game development.
This episode dives deep into:
- Sam’s gaming origin story and how Halo: Reach introduced him to tragedy in storytelling.
- His experience working in marketing before shifting his focus entirely to writing and narrative design.
- Practical advice on finding valuable resources, taking courses (like The Narrative Department’s Master Class), and navigating the sea of opinions online.
- The importance of putting in the work, staying focused, and continuously learning—whether through courses, self-study, or real-world experience.
With a mix of humour, wisdom, and practical tips, Sam also opens up about his creative projects, including his first novel draft and a first-person game, The Bureau of Fantastical and Arcane Affairs, giving listeners an exclusive peek behind the curtain.
Whether you're a budding game writer or just curious about the process, this episode is packed with valuable takeaways!
Tune in, grab a drink, and join us for a fun and inspiring conversation at The Corner of Story and Game. 🔥🕹️
Sam's Links:
-> Website
-> LinkedIn
-> Unreal Sensei YouTube
-> GDC Talks
The Corner of Story and Game:
-> Discord
-> Facebook
-> Instagram
-> Twitter
-> TikTok
-> Threads
-> Bluesky
-> LinkedIn
-> Email: gerald@storyandgame.com
SamCast #GameWriting #NarrativeDesign #IndieGameDev #StorytellingInGames #CreativeJourney #UnrealEngine #LevelUpYourSkills #PodcastLife #GameDevCommunity #GamingIndustry #SelfTaught #WritersOfLinkedIn #Podcast #TheCornerOfStoryAndGame
The Lenses of Game Design: Part 14
Welcome back to The Corner of Story and Game!
After a summer break from our Lens series, we're excited to return with a deep dive into the Lens of the Venue from Jesse Schell’s The Art of Game Design.
No more cramming four lenses into one episode—we’re taking our time to explore the lenses in detail.
This week, I'm thrilled to welcome Aoife Gleeson, a renowned narrative designer known for her work on the award-winning interactive drama As Dusk Falls, the Cartomancy Anthology, and her involvement in Code Coven and Facebook Gaming’s incubator program.
🔍 What We Cover:
- Understanding the Lens of the Venue: What it is and why it’s essential for game design.
- Designing for Evolving Platforms: How shifting platforms impact game design and venue considerations.
- Private vs. Public Venues: Key differences and considerations for each type of space.
- Hybrid Venues: How mixed spaces affect narrative and gameplay experiences.
- Game-Venue Harmony: How to ensure a venue complements your game’s design and examples of mismatches.
- Case Study: Insights from Aoife’s work on As Dusk Falls and how the venue shaped its interactive narrative.
Join us as we unravel the connection between venue and game design with Aoife Gleeson. Whether you're a game designer, narrative creator, or just a fan of interactive storytelling, this episode is packed with valuable insights and inspiration.
Stay tuned for more deep dives into game design and storytelling on The Corner of Story and Game. Remember to subscribe, rate, and review to keep up with our latest episodes!
Aoife’s Links:
-> LinkedIn
-> Twitter
-> Int./Night
-> Code Coven
-> GDC Talk – Before Your Eyes
The Corner of Story and Game:
-> Discord
-> Facebook
-> Instagram
-> Twitter
-> TikTok
-> Threads
-> Bluesky
-> LinkedIn
-> Email: gerald@storyandgame.com
AoifeGleeson #GameDesign #NarrativeDesign #AsDuskFalls #TheArtOfGameDesign #GameDevelopment #Podcast #Storytelling #AsDuskFalls #InteriorNight #GameWriter #GameWriter #TheLensOfVenue #TheLensesOfGameDesign #FindTheFun #TheStoryStack #GameDesignTheory #Narratology #Ludology
Welcome back to The Corner of Story and Game! In this captivating episode, we’re thrilled to host Andrea Saravia Peréz, a multilingual narrative designer whose expertise in emergent narratives has shaped some of the most engaging experiences in video gaming.
Andrea shares her journey from a passion for storytelling to a career influencing game narratives and delves deep into the concept of emergent narrative.
🚀 In this episode, you’ll discover:
- What emergent narrative is and how it contrasts with traditional storytelling in games.
- Key design elements that make player choices impactful.
- Challenges and strategies for balancing player freedom with a cohesive story.
- The role of player feedback and testing in refining emergent narratives.
- Advice for developers and new designers interested in emergent storytelling.
- Emerging trends in narrative design and their potential impact on future games.
Don't miss this deep dive into how emergent narratives transform player experiences and the art of interactive storytelling.
Andrea's Links:
-> LinkedIn
-> Kofi
-> Small Loan Studio
-> Zenva Academy Courses
The Corner of Story and Game:
-> Discord
-> Facebook
-> Instagram
-> Twitter
-> TikTok
-> Threads
-> Bluesky
-> LinkedIn
-> Email: gerald@storyandgame.com
GameDesign #NarrativeDesign #EmergentNarrative #VideoGames #Storytelling #GameDevelopment #InteractiveStorytelling #Podcast #TheCornerOfStoryAndGame #AndreaPeréz
Welcome back to The Corner of Story and Game! In this episode, we're joined by the brilliant Ruty Rutenberg, a game writer and producer with a rich history in AAA and tabletop projects. Ruty delves into his theory of Mavericks vs. Mandarins—two distinct paths creatives take in the industry.
🔍 Highlights:
- Ruty’s journey from a gaming enthusiast to a seasoned industry expert
- Definitions and implications of Mavericks and Mandarins in creative careers
- Insights into narrative design and how it differs from other creative disciplines
- The role of hands-on learning and personal agency in shaping a career
- Balancing the Maverick and Mandarin approaches and finding career fulfillment
Plus, Ruty shares his thoughts on the common thread that binds games, fiction, and other forms of entertainment.
Tune in for a thought-provoking discussion that explores the multifaceted paths to success in the creative industry!
Ruty's Links:
-> Unreal Fellowship
The Corner of Story and Game:
-> Discord
-> Facebook
-> Instagram
-> Twitter
-> TikTok
-> Threads
-> Bluesky
-> LinkedIn
-> Email: gerald@storyandgame.com
GameDesign #NarrativeDesign #CreativeCareers #Podcast #GamingIndustry #Storytelling #RutyRutenberg #TheCornerOfStoryAndGame
The Art of Tie-In Fiction with Jennifer Brozek
Welcome back to another engaging episode of The Corner of Story and Game! This week, we’re thrilled to be joined by the exceptionally talented Jennifer Brozek, an award-winning author, editor, and media tie-in writer. Jennifer has made her mark with compelling narratives in both original fiction and tie-in worlds, including notable works like Never Let Me Sleep and The Last Days of Salton Academy, as well as award-winning tie-in novels for BattleTech and Shadowrun.
In this episode, Jennifer takes us behind the scenes of writing tie-in fiction. We explore the nuances of crafting stories within established intellectual properties, the challenges and creative freedoms involved, and how to maintain a strong voice while aligning with existing worlds. From her experiences editing acclaimed anthologies to her recent spotlight as the Media Tie-in Author at the Written in the Northwest Bookfair, Jennifer shares invaluable insights into the craft of tie-in writing.
Highlights include:
- The art of balancing creativity with established worlds
- Strategies for maintaining narrative consistency within tie-in fiction
- Jennifer's journey through award-winning projects and her role in the writing community
- The importance of collaboration and understanding the source material
Whether you’re a writer, editor, or simply a fan of tie-in fiction, this episode offers a treasure trove of knowledge and inspiration. Jennifer’s expertise and passion shine through as she discusses her journey and the craft behind some of the most exciting projects in the industry.
Tune in to gain a deeper understanding of the world of tie-in fiction and discover what makes it such a dynamic and rewarding field.
Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review the podcast to stay updated on future episodes!
Jennifer's Links:
-> Zombies Need Brains Themed Anthologies Year 12
-> Shadowrun: Magic, Machines, and Mayhem
-> Eberron Twitch Game
-> Website
-> BlueSky
-> Facebook
The Corner of Story and Game:
-> Discord
-> Facebook
-> Instagram
-> Twitter
-> TikTok
-> Threads
-> Bluesky
-> LinkedIn
-> Email: gerald@storyandgame.com#TieInFiction #JenniferBrozek #WritingCraft #MediaTieIn #BattleTech #Shadowrun #AuthorInterview #WritingTips #Storytelling #BookEditorship #CreativeWriting #NarrativeDesign #FictionWriting #AwardWinningAuthor #WritingCommunity
Welcome, fellow adventurers, to another enchanting episode of The Corner of Story and Game! Today, we’re thrilled to be joined by the incredibly talented Kat Richardson. Renowned for her captivating Greywalker series and the acclaimed sci-fi novel Blood Orbit (written under the name K. R. Richardson), Kat brings a wealth of experience and creativity to our conversation.
In this episode, we dive deep into Kat's diverse storytelling journey across urban fantasy, sci-fi, and dark fantasy. Discover how her background in music and theatre has profoundly influenced her writing, and explore the innovative aspects of her work that blend genres and challenge conventions.
We also discuss her experiences writing for role-playing and video games, and how these mediums have shaped her approach to novel writing. From the intricacies of Greywalker to the innovative twists in Blood Orbit, Kat shares insights into her creative process and the art of blending genres while maintaining a cohesive voice.
Plus, we’ll touch on the magical space where games, fiction, and other forms of entertainment intersect, and hear what Kat is most excited about in her writing career.
Join us as we explore the realms of storytelling with Kat Richardson, and don’t miss out on our quick-fire questions for a fun and revealing look into her world!
🔮 Tune in to this episode for a journey through imagination and creativity with one of the most versatile authors in the genre!
Kat's Links:
-> Storm Waters (New Book!)
-> Website
-> Twitter
The Corner of Story and Game:
-> Discord
-> Facebook
-> Instagram
-> Twitter
-> TikTok
-> Threads
-> Bluesky
-> LinkedIn
-> Email: gerald@storyandgame.com
KatRichardson #GreywalkerSeries #BloodOrbit #SciFiAuthor #UrbanFantasy #WritingJourney #GenreBlending #GameWriting #TheCornerOfStoryAndGame #AuthorInterview
Welcome to another episode of "The Corner of Story and Game"! Join us as we embark on an insightful journey with Jason Bulmahn, the Director of Games at Paizo Inc. and a renowned game design consultant. With his extensive experience in both tabletop RPGs and board games, Jason offers a deep dive into the narrative strategies that define these different formats.
In this episode, we explore:
- Comparative Design Strategies: How do narrative approaches differ between tabletop RPGs like Pathfinder and board games such as Pathfinder Quest?
- Unique Limitations & Opportunities: What are the specific challenges and possibilities of crafting stories in each format?
- Balancing Player Agency: How does the freedom in tabletop RPGs compare to the more structured narratives in board games?
- Personal Highlights: Jason's favourite aspects of narrative design and standout moments in his career.
🎧 Don’t miss this episode packed with expert insights and storytelling wisdom from one of the leading figures in game design!
Subscribe now and join us for an engaging conversation that bridges the worlds of RPGs, board games, and beyond!
Jason's Links:
-> Website
-> Instagram
-> LinkedIn
-> YouTube
Games!:
Hellfinder: https://www.backerkit.com/call_to_action/3392da67-300c-44f3-bbc3-84214a5a669c/landingHopefinder: https://www.drivethrurpg.com/en/product/417702/hopefinder-apocalypse-bundle-bundlePathfinder Quest: https://www.backerkit.com/call_to_action/a5b27499-9fc3-433a-a9bf-6753d5f0a7f8/landingOther Minotaur Games Stuff: https://www.drivethrurpg.com/en/publisher/5266/minotaur-gamesElemental Stones: https://paizo.com/products/btq02eh8?Pathfinder-Elemental-Stones
The Corner of Story and Game:
-> Discord
-> Facebook
-> Instagram
-> Twitter
-> TikTok
-> Threads
-> Bluesky
-> LinkedIn
-> Email: gerald@storyandgame.com
JasonBulmahn #Hellfinder #Paizo #GameDesign #NarrativeDesign #TabletopRPG #BoardGames #Pathfinder #Storytelling #GameNarratives #DesignStrategies #GameDevelopment #TheCornerOfStoryAndGame
Welcome, fellow adventurers, to another exciting episode of "The Corner of Story and Game." We’re thrilled to have Raven Oak joining us! Raven is an award-winning SF/F author and artist whose journey weaves through captivating narratives and vibrant gaming communities. From their acclaimed novels like Amaskan’s Blood to their upcoming memoir Voices Carry, Raven's work reflects their rich experiences as a disabled, queer individual.
In this episode, we'll dive deep into how Raven's diverse career in writing and game design has been shaped by their unique perspective. We’ll explore the intersection of identity and storytelling, and how representation and inclusivity influence the worlds they create. Raven will also share insights into their creative process, the impact of gaming culture on their work, and the challenges they've faced along the way.
Plus, we’ll discuss their upcoming memoir, Voices Carry, and what future projects have them excited. Whether you're a writer, a gamer, or simply someone interested in the magic of storytelling, this conversation promises to be both inspiring and enlightening.
Tune in for a journey into the heart of creativity and identity.
Episode Highlights:
- The journey from acclaimed novels to memoirs
- The influence of personal identity on storytelling
- Navigating and thriving in the gaming and writing communities
- Insights into Raven's creative process and future projects
Raven's Links:
-> Website
-> Instagram
-> LinkedIn
-> Bluesky
The Corner of Story and Game:
-> Discord
-> Facebook
-> Instagram
-> Twitter
-> TikTok
-> Threads
-> Bluesky
-> LinkedIn
-> Email: gerald@storyandgame.com
RavenOak #SpeculativeFiction #GamingAndWriting #InclusiveStorytelling #VoicesCarry #CreativeJourney #FantasyAuthor #GameDesign #TheCornerOfStoryAndGame #StorytellingPodcasts #NarrativeDesign
Get ready for an exciting journey into the heart of GenCon with our latest episode featuring the incredibly talented Mark Meer! Known for his iconic roles in the Mass Effect series and his vibrant presence in the world of improv and live play, Mark joins us once again to discuss his upcoming adventures at this year’s convention.
In this special episode, recorded and edited last minute to catch the Gen Con wave, Mark shares:
- His history with Gen Con and what makes it such a unique experience.
- Insights into his roles this year, including running a thrilling D&D game, participating in a live-action Call of Cthulhu event, and stepping into the spotlight as the Keeper of Arcane Lore for a Call of Cthulhu game.
- The magic of Gen Con for both players and game masters, and how it offers unparalleled opportunities to experience and run amazing games.
- His favourite parts of the convention and what he’s most excited about this year.
- Tips for those who can’t make it to the con on how to stay connected and avoid FOMO.
Don’t miss this episode as we dive deep into the convention’s essence with one of its most dynamic guests!
Tune in now and join us as we explore the vibrant world of Gen Con through the eyes of a true gaming and improv legend!
Gen Con Links:
-> Website
-> Twitch
-> Instagram
-> Facebook
Mark's Links:
-> Facebook
-> Instagram
-> Twitter
-> D&D In A Castle
-> Chaosium YouTube
The Corner of Story and Game:
-> Discord
-> Facebook
-> Instagram
-> Twitter
-> TikTok
-> Threads
-> Bluesky
-> LinkedIn
-> Email: gerald@storyandgame.com
MarkMeer #GenCon2024 #RolePlayingGames #LivePlay #CallOfCthulhu #DungeonsAndDragons #GamingConvention #Podcast #DAndDInACastle #Chaosium
Gen Con is only a few days away now, and I was lucky enough to get at least one more guest in the studio to talk about the big convention. Today it's our old friend, Jim Zub!
Jim is best known for his work in the comic book industry, which he has been creating since he self-published Makeshift Miracle in 2001. Over the past 21 years, he has created a vast library of titles ranging from creator-owned books like Wayward, Skullkickers, Glitterbomb, and Stone Star - to big-name properties such as Samurai Jack, Dungeons and Dragons, Pathfinder, Uncanny Avengers, Wolverine, and even a Rick and Morty / D&D crossover. These days Jim is writing for Conan the Barbarian and continues to work away at more upcoming A Young Adventurer's Guide books.
So please, grab a seat and join in.
Gen Con Links:
-> Website
-> Twitch
-> Instagram
-> Facebook
Jim's Links:
-> Facebook
-> Twitter
-> Patreon
-> Website
-> YouTube
The Corner of Story and Game:
-> Discord
-> Facebook
-> Instagram
-> Twitter
-> TikTok
-> Threads
-> Bluesky
-> LinkedIn
-> Email: gerald@storyandgame.com
Please let me know if you have any questions or comments on this or any other episode. Be sure to subscribe to the podcast to hear more conversations with professionals in the video game, tabletop, and fiction industries.#GenCon #JimZub #ComicBookWriter #GameWriter #DungeonsAndDragons #WritingAdvice #ConanTheBarbarian #PathfinderComics #D&DComics #TheCornerOfStoryAndGame #PodcastsToListenTo #Narratology #Ludology
Gen Con is racing towards us, and I have a couple more convention-related interviews in the can, so let's keep rolling! This time, Richard Dansky is returning to the mic.
Richard is a distinguished Franchise Narrative Director at Crytek, renowned for his exceptional contributions to game narrative and worldbuilding. We are going to explore his history and involvement with the big show.
So please, grab a seat and join in.
Gen Con Links:
-> Website
-> Twitch
-> Instagram
-> Facebook
Richard's Links:
-> Facebook
The Corner of Story and Game:
-> Discord
-> Facebook
-> Instagram
-> Twitter
-> TikTok
-> Threads
-> Bluesky
-> LinkedIn
-> Email: gerald@storyandgame.com
Please let me know if you have any questions or comments on this or any other episode. Be sure to subscribe to the podcast to hear more conversations with professionals in the video game, tabletop, and fiction industries.#GenCon #RichardDansky #NarrativeDesigner #WhiteWolf #WorldOfDarkness #Wraith #NarrativeDirector #GDC #GameDevelopersConference #Writer #WritingAdvice #WritingForDigitalGame #GameDesign #TheCornerOfStoryAndGame #PodcastsToListenTo #FindTheFun #GameDesignTheory #Narratology #Ludology
Welcome back, wanderer.
Ever wonder how to make a game's narrative keep working even after the players, or the writers, have completely screwed it up - like killing off a main character? Well, today's guest has some thoughts.
Meet Lucas Loredo, a writer and narrative designer currently working at WolfEye Studios as the narrative lead for the main storyline on Weird West! If anyone knows about throwing curveballs into the narrative, it's this guy!
Grab a seat and join in.
Lucas's Links:
-> Website (a fantastic example of a strong portfolio site!)
-> Weird West
-> WolfEye Studios
The Corner of Story and Game:
-> Discord
-> Facebook
-> Instagram
-> Twitter
-> TikTok
-> Threads
-> Bluesky
-> LinkedIn
-> Email: gerald@storyandgame.com
Please let me know if you have any questions or comments on this or any other episode. Be sure to subscribe to the podcast to hear more conversations with professionals in the video game, tabletop, and fiction industries.#LucasLoredo #NarrativeDesigner #GameWriter #WriterLife #Storytelling #NarrativeStructure #KillingMainCharacters #DigitalGameDesign #WritingAdvice #StorytellingInGames #TheCornerOfStoryAndGame
Welcome back, wanderer.
We're shaking things up a bit here! With Gen Con just around the corner, I've snagged some time with folks deeply involved in the event. First in line is Matt Forbeck!
Matt is an award-winning author and game designer renowned for his ongoing contributions to the Marvel Multiverse Role-Playing Game. With a rich history at Gen Con spanning many years, he's brimming with tips and insights to share.
Grab a seat and join in.
Gen Con Links:
-> Website
-> Twitch
Matt's Links:
-> Website
The Corner of Story and Game:
-> Discord
-> Facebook
-> Instagram
-> Twitter
-> TikTok
-> Threads
-> Bluesky
-> LinkedIn
-> Email: gerald@storyandgame.com
Please let me know if you have any questions or comments on this or any other episode. Be sure to subscribe to the podcast to hear more conversations with professionals in the video game, tabletop, and fiction industries.#GenCon #DianaJonesAward #WriterLife #GamingCommunity #CreativeInsights #Storytelling #TableTopRoleplayingGameDesigner #WritingAdvice #StorytellingInGames #TheCornerOfStoryAndGame
The Lenses of Game Design: Part 13
Welcome back, wanderer.
Today, we delve deeper into the art of game design with our esteemed guest, Alan Moore. Alan is an Emmy Award-winning writer and narrative designer, celebrated for his work across over 250 games at Cartoon Network and beyond. His expertise spans from revitalizing established franchises to crafting innovative narratives for new IPs. Join us as we explore four pivotal lenses from "The Art of Game Design" by Jesse Schell, focusing on characters and their intricate relationships within digital games.
Grab a seat and join in!
Alan:
-> LinkedIn
-> Dark Ages
-> Small Loan Studio
The Corner of Story and Game:
-> Discord
-> Facebook
-> Instagram
-> Twitter
-> TikTok
-> Threads
-> Bluesky
-> LinkedIn
-> Email: gerald@storyandgame.com
Please let me know if you have any questions or comments on this or any other episode. Be sure to subscribe to the podcast to hear more conversations with professionals in the video game, tabletop, and fiction industries.
AlanMoore #GameDesigner #GameWriter #NarrativeDesigner #SmallLoanStudio #TheNarrativeDepartment #TheLensOfInterpersonalCircumplex #TheLensOfTheCharacterWeb #TheLensOfStatus #TheLensOfCharacterTransformation #TheArtOfGameDesign #TheLensesOfGameDesign #GameMechanics #TabletopRoleplayingGames #VideoGames #TheCornerOfStoryAndGame #PodcastsToListenTo #NarrativeDesign #FindTheFun #TheStoryStack #GameDesignTheory #Narratology #Ludology
Welcome back, wanderer.
Today, we're joined by Emily Leonick. With seven years of experience in the gaming and tech industries, Emily is a seasoned Narrative Game Producer and Content Strategist known for her exceptional storytelling prowess and project management skills.
Join us as we explore 'The Resurgence of Text-Based Games and Visual Novels' and uncover the evolving landscape of immersive storytelling in gaming.
Grab a seat and join in.
Emily's Links:
-> LinkedIn
-> Twitter
-> Website
The Corner of Story and Game:
-> Discord
-> Facebook
-> Instagram
-> Twitter
-> TikTok
-> Threads
-> Bluesky
-> LinkedIn
-> Email: gerald@storyandgame.com
Please let me know if you have any questions or comments on this or any other episode. Be sure to subscribe to the podcast to hear more conversations with professionals in the video game, tabletop, and fiction industries.#EmilyLeonick #GameProducer #Writer #WritingAdvice #DigitalGameDesigner #NarrativeDesign #TextBasedGames #StorytellingInGames #VideoGameStories #TheCornerOfStoryAndGame
Welcome back, wanderer.
Today, we're once again joined by Brady Sadler, a prolific author, game writer, and designer whose creative journey has been profoundly shaped by the power of music.
From his immersive board games to the rich fantasy worlds of his novels like "The Withered Roots" and "Relic Myers and The Rhythms of Ruin," Brady intertwines melody and narrative to weave compelling tales.
Grab a seat and join in.
Brady's Links:
-> LinkedIn
-> Twitter
-> Instagram
-> Facebook
-> Website
The Corner of Story and Game:
-> Discord
-> Facebook
-> Instagram
-> Twitter
-> TikTok
-> Threads
-> Bluesky
-> LinkedIn
-> Email: gerald@storyandgame.com
Please let me know if you have any questions or comments on this or any other episode. Be sure to subscribe to the podcast to hear more conversations with professionals in the video game, tabletop, and fiction industries.#BradyJSadler #Writer #WritingAdvice #BoardGameDesigner #Novelist #StorytellingInGames #VideoGameStories #TheCornerOfStoryAndGame
Welcome back, wanderer.
Today, we're diving into the world of video game development and advocacy for smaller studios. Joining us is Madison Côté, a seasoned professional in marketing, communications, and the gaming industry.
Madison wears multiple hats, from her role as Executive Director at Interactive Arts Alberta to her work as a Marketing and Business Development Consultant.
She's also deeply involved in promoting inclusivity as a Women in Games Ambassador.
Grab a seat and join in.
Madison:
-> LinkedIn
-> Twitter
-> Cozy Comet Games
-> GDX (Interactive Arts Alberta)
The Corner of Story and Game:
-> Discord
-> Facebook
-> Instagram
-> Twitter
-> TikTok
-> Threads
-> Bluesky
-> LinkedIn
-> Email: gerald@storyandgame.com
Please let me know if you have any questions or comments on this or any other episode. Be sure to subscribe to the podcast to hear more conversations with professionals in the video game, tabletop, and fiction industries.
MadisonCôté #GDX #GameDiscoveryExhibitionCanada #InteractiveArtsAlberta #GameDevelopment #IndieStudios #SupportingSmallStudios #FosterVideoGames #AlbertaGameCommunity #TheCornerOfStoryAndGame
Welcome back, wanderer.
In this episode I sit back down with Scott Rogers to discuss the hard-earned lessons he has learned working in games, and the even harder-earned lessons he has learned from teaching other designers!
With a rich background spanning video games, board games, VR, and even theme park experiences, Scott's insights will surely enlighten and inspire. He has been a Disney Imagineer, has taught game design at the New York Film Academy and the University of Southern California, was a regular feature on the award-winning Ludology Podcast, and has contributed to the creation of numerous board games and video games.
Grab a seat and join in.
Scott:
-> Facebook
-> Instagram
-> LinkedIn
-> Twitter
The Corner of Story and Game:
-> Discord
-> Facebook
-> Instagram
-> Twitter
-> TikTok
-> Threads
-> Bluesky
-> LinkedIn
-> Email: gerald@storyandgame.com
Please let me know if you have any questions or comments on this or any other episode. Be sure to subscribe to the podcast to hear more conversations with professionals in the video game, tabletop, and fiction industries.
ScottRogers #BoardGameDesign #TabletopRoleplayGameDesign #VideoGameDesign #DesignFundementals #GameDesignSkills #TabletopRoleplayingGames #ExperienceDesign #GameDesign #DisneyImagineer #Gamification #CreativeWork #LifeOfACreative #TheCornerOfStoryAndGame
The Lenses of Game Design: Part 12
Welcome back, wanderer.
Today, we're diving into the intricate world of game design lenses with our guest, Stephen Pero. Stephen wears many hats, serving as the Technical Narrative Lead at Small Loan Studio, as well as a Writer and Senior Editor at Industry Intelligence Inc. He's also an alumnus of both the Indie Game Academy's Level 3 Video Game Design course and The Narrative Department's Masterclass. With his unique blend of writing prowess and game design expertise, Stephen promises to offer fascinating insights into our discussion on community and competition in digital games.
This episode in the series will examine the lenses of Friendship, Expression, Community, and Griefing – all of which can be applied to the general concept of building communities and competition in games.
Grab a seat and join in!
Stephen:
-> LinkedIn
-> Twitter
-> BlueSky
-> Small Loan Studios
The Corner of Story and Game:
-> Discord
-> Facebook
-> Instagram
-> Twitter
-> TikTok
-> Threads
-> Bluesky
-> LinkedIn
-> Email: gerald@storyandgame.com
Please let me know if you have any questions or comments on this or any other episode. Be sure to subscribe to the podcast to hear more conversations with professionals in the video game, tabletop, and fiction industries.
StephenPero #GameDesigner #GameWriter #NarrativeDesigner #SmallLoanStudios #TheNarrativeDepartment #TheLensOfFriendship #TheLensOfExpression #TheLensOfCommunity #TheLensOfGriefing #TheArtOfGameDesign #TheLensesOfGameDesign #GameDesign #GameMechanics #TabletopRoleplayingGames #VideoGames #TheCornerOfStoryAndGame #PodcastsToListenTo #NarrativeDesign #FindTheFun #TheStoryStack #GameDesignTheory #Narratology #Ludology
Welcome back, wanderer.
Today, we're joined by Emmett Furey, a seasoned writer, narrative designer, and transmedia producer. Emmett’s background includes impressive work such as Niantic's mobile game Ingress, writing for a live stream RPG series on Geek & Sundry Alpha, and serving as an instructor in the Screenwriting Department at the New York Film Academy.
This conversation focuses on the essence of storytelling, exploring narrative correlationism and participatory storytelling.
Join us as we explore:
- What elements are essential to make a "story"
- The significance of storytelling in human evolution,
- Emmett's philosophy of narrative correlationism and how it impacts his work,
- The importance of creating with the final audience experience and participation in mind from the start,
- The elements of participatory art and what makes that narrative experience unique,
- The roots of participatory storytelling,
- Where participatory storytelling might go in the future,
- And much more!
Join us as we dive into a topic way over my head but so damn interesting!
(The Nine Inch Nails album/game I refer to but couldn't remember is "Year Zero").
Emmett:
-> Website
-> Twitter
-> LinkedIn
The Corner of Story and Game:
-> Discord
-> Facebook
-> Instagram
-> Twitter
-> TikTok
-> Threads
-> Bluesky
-> LinkedIn
-> Email: gerald@storyandgame.com
Please let me know if you have any questions or comments on this or any other episode. Be sure to subscribe to the podcast to hear more conversations with professionals in the video game, tabletop, and fiction industries.
EmmettFurey #ParticipatoryArt #NarrativeCorrelationism #CreatingNarratives #Storytelling #AudienceAndCreator #NarrativeDesigner #WritingAdvice #DesignAdvice #TheCornerOfStoryAndGame #PodcastsToListenTo #Narratology #Ludology
Welcome back, wanderer.
Today, we explore the captivating realm of narrative digital games, exploring the intricate art and science of pacing. Our guest, Nessa Cannon, a seasoned game writer and narrative designer, shares her wealth of experience and insights.
From indie projects to collaborations with industry giants like Ubisoft, Nessa's expertise spans a broad spectrum, making her the perfect guide for our discussion on pacing in gaming narratives.
Join us as we explore:
- Strategies for maintaining player engagement through pacing,
- The parallels between pacing in tabletop and digital games,
- Balancing player agency and narrative demands,
- Leveraging branching narrative to establish pacing,
- Collaboration with audio teams for immersive storytelling,
- And much more!
Join us on this exciting journey to unlock the secrets of pacing in gaming narratives! Tune in to discover the art and science behind captivating storytelling in digital games.
Nessa:
-> Portfolio
-> Itch.io
-> GDC Talk
-> Wishlist Star Trucker
The Corner of Story and Game:
-> Discord
-> Facebook
-> Instagram
-> Twitter
-> TikTok
-> Threads
-> Bluesky
-> LinkedIn
-> Email: gerald@storyandgame.com
Please let me know if you have any questions or comments on this or any other episode. Be sure to subscribe to the podcast to hear more conversations with professionals in the video game, tabletop, and fiction industries.
NessaCannon #VideoGameDesigner #DigitalGameWriter #PacingInVideoGames #TwineGames #NarrativeDesigner #WritingAdvice #DesignAdvice #NarrativePacing #TheCornerOfStoryAndGame #PodcastsToListenTo #Narratology #Ludology
The Lenses of Game Design: Part 11
Welcome back, wanderer.
Today, we embark on another insightful journey through game design. Joining us once again is Will Shen, Lead Content Designer at Something Wicked Games and former Design Director at Bethesda Game Studios. Will has contributed to iconic titles such as Starfield, The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim, Fallout 4, and Fallout: 76. Today, we'll delve into the intricacies of digital game level design and quest design using four more of the lenses from "The Art of Game Design.”
This episode in the series will examine the lenses of Endogenous Value, Problem Solving, The Eight Filters, and Functional Space – all of which can be brought to bear on Will’s specialty.
Grab a seat and join in!
Will:
-> LinkedIn
-> Twitter
-> 2024 GDC Talk
The Corner of Story and Game:
-> Discord
-> Facebook
-> Instagram
-> Twitter
-> TikTok
-> Threads
-> Bluesky
-> LinkedIn
-> Email: gerald@storyandgame.com
Please let me know if you have any questions or comments on this or any other episode. Be sure to subscribe to the podcast to hear more conversations with professionals in the video game, tabletop, and fiction industries.
WillShen #GameDesigner #LeadContentDesigner #QuestDesign #LevelDesign #Starfire #Skyrim #Fallout #Bethesda #SomethingWickedGames #TheLensOfEndogenousValue #TheLensOfProblemSolving #TheLensOfTheEightFilters #TheLensOfFunctionalSpaces #TheArtOfGameDesign #TheLensesOfGameDesign #GameDesign #GameMechanics #TabletopRoleplayingGames #VideoGames #TheCornerOfStoryAndGame #PodcastsToListenTo #NarrativeDesign #FindTheFun #TheStoryStack #GameDesignTheory #Narratology #Ludology
Welcome back, wanderer.
Join us on an exhilarating journey through the wild and immersive world of survival gaming as we delve into the depths of environmental storytelling with industry veteran Bill Roper. With a legendary career spanning decades, Bill has made his mark on gaming history with iconic titles such as Warcraft, Diablo, and Starcraft. Now, as the CEO of Lunacy Games, he leads the charge into uncharted territory with an upcoming survival game.
In this captivating conversation, we explore the intricacies of environmental storytelling while also uncovering fascinating anecdotes from Bill's illustrious career. From his time at Disney to his contributions to Hellgate: London, and the unexpected journey from musician to writing and producing for Warcraft: Orcs & Humans, no stone is left unturned.
Tune in as we unravel the secrets behind crafting immersive gaming experiences and discover the untold tales behind some of the industry's most beloved games.
Bill:
-> Lunacy Games
-> Severed Studios Twitch
The Corner of Story and Game:
-> Discord
-> Facebook
-> Instagram
-> Twitter
-> TikTok
-> Threads
-> Bluesky
-> LinkedIn
-> Email: gerald@storyandgame.com
Please let me know if you have any questions or comments on this or any other episode. Be sure to subscribe to the podcast to hear more conversations with professionals in the video game, tabletop, and fiction industries.
BillRoper #VideoGameProducer #VideoGameDesigner #DigitalGameWriter #Warcraft #Starcraft #Diablo #HellgateLondon #LunacyGames #SurvivalGames #WritingAdvice #DesignAdvice #EnvironmentalStorytelling #TheCornerOfStoryAndGame #PodcastsToListenTo #Narratology #Ludology
The Lenses of Game Design: Part 10
Welcome back, wanderer.
It's been a couple weeks since our last peek into the lenses from The Art of Game Design, so let's jump into four more.
This time Crowe Whitney returns to sit down and examine the Lens of Action, the Lens of Goals, the Lens of Rules, and the Lens of Skill. These lenses can be used to examine the mechanics that shape various gaming experiences - whether they be tabletop adventures, board gamequests, or digital odysseys.
Grab a seat and join in!
Crowe:
-> Website
-> LinkedIn
-> Twitter
-> Twitch
The Corner of Story and Game:
-> Discord
-> Facebook
-> Instagram
-> Twitter
-> TikTok
-> Threads
-> Bluesky
-> LinkedIn
-> Email: gerald@storyandgame.com
Please let me know if you have any questions or comments on this or any other episode. Be sure to subscribe to the podcast to hear more conversations with professionals in the video game, tabletop, and fiction industries.
CroweWhitney #NarrativeDesigner #Writer #TheLensOfActions #TheLensOfGoals #TheLensOfRules #TheLensOfSkill #TheArtOfGameDesign #TheLensesOfGameDesign #GameDesign #GameMechanics #TabletopRoleplayingGames #VideoGames #TheCornerOfStoryAndGame #PodcastsToListenTo #NarrativeDesign #FindTheFun #TheStoryStack #GameDesignTheory #Narratology #Ludology
Welcome back, wanderer.
Today, we set sail on a journey through the realms of imagination with the esteemed Chris A. Jackson. A master of the written word, Chris has regaled us with tales of high seas and daring adventures in his acclaimed Pathfinder Tales novels and captivating readers with his vivid depictions of pirate lore and nautical escapades. But his literary prowess extends far beyond the confines of the ocean, as he has also delved into the realms of apocalyptic fiction, exploring the depths of human resilience in the face of cataclysmic events.
Hailing from the shores of Oregon, Chris's affinity for the sea runs deep, rooted in a childhood spent amidst the rolling waves and salt-laden air. Trained as a marine biologist, he eventually found his true calling as a storyteller, setting sail with his wife Anne aboard a 45-foot sailboat to traverse the azure waters of the Caribbean. His acclaimed Scimitar Seas series has garnered accolades aplenty, earning three consecutive Gold Medals in the ForeWord Reviews Book of the Year Awards.
Join us as we delve into the intricacies of setting and genre in long fiction, with a particular focus on the evocative worlds of pirate and sailing settings and the haunting landscapes of apocalyptic narratives.
Chris:
-> Website
-> Twitter
The Corner of Story and Game:
-> Discord
-> Facebook
-> Instagram
-> Twitter
-> TikTok
-> Threads
-> Bluesky
-> LinkedIn
-> Email: gerald@storyandgame.com
Please let me know if you have any questions or comments on this or any other episode. Be sure to subscribe to the podcast to hear more conversations with professionals in the video game, tabletop, and fiction industries.
ChristopherAJackson #ChrisJackson #JaxBooks #Author #Novelist #PathfinderTales #Golarion #TheWarOfSouls #DragonsOfBoston #ScimitarSeas #AFiveFoldUniverse #WeaponsOfFlesh #BloodSeaTales #WritingAdvice #CraftingSetting #TheCornerOfStoryAndGame #PodcastsToListenTo #Narratology
Welcome back, wanderer.
In game design, where creativity meets strategy, one name shines brightly: Alexander Brazie. A luminary figure in the industry, Brazie's journey is as legendary as the worlds he's helped create. From the hallowed halls of Blizzard Entertainment, where he left his thumbprint on titles like World of Warcraft, to his pioneering work at Riot Games, Brazie has been a guiding force in shaping immersive gaming experiences.
But Alex's legacy extends beyond the pixels and polygons of virtual worlds. As the founder of gamedesignskills.com, he's on a quest to democratize game design knowledge, empowering aspiring developers to navigate the treacherous waters of game development with wisdom gleaned from years of industry experience.
Join us as we unravel the secrets behind player-centric game development, exploring the intricate dance between creators and players that defines the essence of gaming.
Alex:
-> gamedesignskills.com
-> Twitter
-> LinkedIn
-> Bluesky
The Corner of Story and Game:
-> Discord
-> Facebook
-> Instagram
-> Twitter
-> TikTok
-> Threads
-> Bluesky
-> LinkedIn
-> Email: gerald@storyandgame.com
Please let me know if you have any questions or comments on this or any other episode. Be sure to subscribe to the podcast to hear more conversations with professionals in the video game, tabletop, and fiction industries.
AlexanderBrazie #GameDesigner #GameDesignAdvice #GameDesignSkills #Blizzard #Riot #WorldOfWarcraft #LeagueOfLegends #Arcane #TheCornerOfStoryAndGame #PodcastsToListenTo #FindTheFun #GameDesignTheory #Narratology #Ludology
Welcome back, wanderer.
Today, we return to the table with the illustrious Erik Scott de Bie. A master of the written word, Erik has graced our tavern not once, but twice before - each time weaving tales that linger long after the final word is spoken.
Erik's creative journey has led him down countless literary paths as a novelist, fiction writer, editor, game designer, and devoted gamer. However, in this episode, we wander down the side roads of exploring the power and allure of short stories.
Erik:
-> Website
-> LinkedIn
-> Twitch (Dungeon Scrawlers)
-> Bluesky
The Corner of Story and Game:
-> Discord
-> Facebook
-> Instagram
-> Twitter
-> TikTok
-> Threads
-> Bluesky
-> LinkedIn
-> Email: gerald@storyandgame.com
Please let me know if you have any questions or comments on this or any other episode. Be sure to subscribe to the podcast to hear more conversations with professionals in the video game, tabletop, and fiction industries.
ErikScottDeBie #Writer #Novelist #ShortStories #ShortFiction #WritingAdvice #HowToWriteShortStories #BrevityInWriting #FocusYourNarrative #TheCornerOfStoryAndGame #PodcastsToListenTo #FindTheFun #GameDesignTheory #Narratology #Ludology
The Lenses of Game Design: Part 09
Welcome back, wanderer. It's time to peer through four more lenses from The Art of Game Design.
Today, we embark on a journey into the realms of imagination and storytelling, guided by the insightful mind of Katelynn Kenney. As a seasoned podcast writer, playwright, actor, and game writer - Katelynn provides a wealth of experience from the world of theatre, game running, and narrative direction.
Today's quest delves into the intricate art of worldbuilding, illuminated by four lenses from Jesse Schell's "The Art of Game Design": the Lens of Fantasy, the Lens of World, the Lens of Avatar, and the Lens of Atmosphere. With Katelynn's background and expertise, we seek to uncover the secrets of crafting immersive and captivating game worlds.
Grab a seat and join in!
Katelynn:
-> LinkedIn
The Corner of Story and Game:
-> Discord
-> Facebook
-> Instagram
-> Twitter
-> TikTok
-> Threads
-> Bluesky
-> LinkedIn
-> Email: gerald@storyandgame.com
Please let me know if you have any questions or comments on this or any other episode. Be sure to subscribe to the podcast to hear more conversations with professionals in the video game, tabletop, and fiction industries.
KatelynnKenney #NarrativeDesigner #Writer #TheLensOfFantasy #TheLensOfWorld #TheLensOfAvatar #TheLensOfAtmosphere #TheArtOfGameDesign #TheLensesOfGameDesign #TheatreArts #TabletopRoleplayingGames #VideoGames #TheCornerOfStoryAndGame
Welcome back, wanderer.
In today’s episode, we will explore the realm of board game design with the ingenious James Hudson.
As a board game publisher and designer, James is the creative force behind Druid City Games, where he orchestrates memorable gaming experiences that prioritize authentic connections and shared enjoyment. With acclaimed titles like Tidal Blades - Heroes of the Reef and Sorcerer City under his belt, James is a master at crafting immersive worlds that transport players to fantastical realms.
So please join us as we explore the art of worldbuilding for board games and uncover the secrets behind James' innovative designs.
James:
-> LinkedIn
-> YouTube
-> Druid City Games
-> Madcala on Kickstarter
The Corner of Story and Game:
-> Discord
-> Facebook
-> Instagram
-> Twitter
-> TikTok
-> Threads
-> Bluesky
-> LinkedIn
-> Email: gerald@storyandgame.com
Please let me know if you have any questions or comments on this or any other episode. Be sure to subscribe to the podcast to hear more conversations with professionals in the video game, tabletop, and fiction industries.
JamesHudson #DruidCityGames #TidalBlades #Madcala #SorcererCity #BoardGameDesign #WonderlandsWar #TheGrimmForest #Bloodstone #Worldbuilding #BoardGameArtists #GameDesign #TheCornerOfStoryAndGame #PodcastsToListenTo #FindTheFun #GameDesignTheory #Narratology #Ludology
The Lenses of Game Design: Part 08
Welcome back, wanderer. It's time to peer through four more lenses from The Art of Game Design.
Today, we have the pleasure of diving into the captivating world of game design and storytelling with the incredibly talented TJ Mota. TJ brings experience as a game writer and narrative designer, with an impressive portfolio spanning various genres, from horror to romance.
Join us as we explore four more lenses from 'The Art of Game Design' by Jesse Schell: The Lens of Needs, The Lens of Novelty, The Lens of Motivation, and The Lens of Judgment. Working together, these lenses provide us with an understanding of player motivation and how to engage them further in the narrative and gameplay.
Grab a seat and join in!
TJ:
-> Website
-> LinkedIn
The Corner of Story and Game:
-> Discord
-> Facebook
-> Instagram
-> Twitter
-> TikTok
-> Threads
-> Bluesky
-> LinkedIn
-> Email: gerald@storyandgame.com
Please let me know if you have any questions or comments on this or any other episode. Be sure to subscribe to the podcast to hear more conversations with professionals in the video game, tabletop, and fiction industries.
TJMota #NarrativeDesigner #Writer #TheLensOfNeeds #TheLensNovelty #TheLensOfMotivation #TheLensOfJudgment #TheArtOfGameDesign #TheLensesOfGameDesign #VideoGames #TheCornerOfStoryAndGame
Welcome back, wanderer.
Today, we're diving into the depths of storytelling across media within established IPs, and who better to guide us through this fascinating terrain than the esteemed Richard Dansky?
With a storied career spanning narrative direction, fiction writing, game design, and game writing, Richard's insights will illuminate our discussion on 'What We Learned In The Dark,' exploring storytelling within the rich tapestry of the World of Darkness and beyond.
Grab a seat and join in.
Richard:
-> Facebook
-> LinkedIn
The Corner of Story and Game:
-> Discord
-> Facebook
-> Instagram
-> Twitter
-> TikTok
-> Threads
-> Bluesky
-> LinkedIn
-> Email: gerald@storyandgame.com
Please let me know if you have any questions or comments on this or any other episode. Be sure to subscribe to the podcast to hear more conversations with professionals in the video game, tabletop, and fiction industries.
RichardDansky #NarrativeDesigner #WhiteWolf #WorldOfDarkness #Wraith #NarrativeDirector #GDC #GameDevelopersConference #Writer #WritingAdvice #WritingForDigitalGame #GameDesign #TheCornerOfStoryAndGame #PodcastsToListenTo #FindTheFun #GameDesignTheory #Narratology #Ludology
The Lenses of Game Design: Part 07
Welcome back, wanderer. It's time to peer through four more lenses from The Art of Game Design.
Today, we're diving deep into the heart of game design with the talented Cameron Daxon. A multifaceted writer, producer, and marketer, Cameron's passion for video games fuels his quest to master the art of narrative design and game writing. With his recent contributions to Small Loans Studio's project, 'The Ouroboros Express,' and his extensive experience in writing and event management, Cameron brings unique insights to our discussion.
Join us as we explore four more lenses from Jesse Schell's "The Art of Game Design" - The Lens of The Toy, The Lens of The Player, The Lens of Pleasure, and The Lens of Flow. These lenses offer invaluable perspectives on creating immersive and enjoyable gaming experiences that captivate players and induce the coveted state of flow.
Grab a seat and join in!
Cam:
-> LinkedIn
The Corner of Story and Game:
-> Discord
-> Facebook
-> Instagram
-> Twitter
-> TikTok
-> Threads
-> Bluesky
-> LinkedIn
-> Email: gerald@storyandgame.com
Please let me know if you have any questions or comments on this or any other episode. Be sure to subscribe to the podcast to hear more conversations with professionals in the video game, tabletop, and fiction industries.
CameronDaxon #NarrativeDesigner #Writer #Editor #Producer #SmallLoanStudios #TheLensOfThePlayer #TheLensOfTheToy #TheLensPleasure #TheLensOfFlow #TheArtOfGameDesign #TheLensesOfGameDesign #VideoGames #TheCornerOfStoryAndGame
Welcome back, wanderer.
Today, we're embarking on an exhilarating journey through the vast realms of sci-fi storytelling and video game narratives with the extraordinary Justin Sloan.
A seasoned creative passionate about all things sci-fi and fantasy, Justin's illustrious career spans over a decade, leaving an indelible mark on the literary and gaming landscapes. He has contributed to iconic franchises like Game of Thrones and The Walking Dead - crafting compelling narratives for blockbuster video games.
Join us as we delve deep into the fascinating intersection of sci-fi novels and video game narratives.
Grab a seat and join in.
Justin:
-> Website
-> Twitter
The Corner of Story and Game:
-> Discord
-> Facebook
-> Instagram
-> Twitter
-> TikTok
-> Threads
-> Bluesky
-> LinkedIn
-> Email: gerald@storyandgame.com
Please let me know if you have any questions or comments on this or any other episode. Be sure to subscribe to the podcast to hear more conversations with professionals in the video game, tabletop, and fiction industries.
JustinSloan #Writer #WritingAdvice #WritingScienceFiction #NarrrativeDesign #WritingForDigitalGames #GameDesign #TheCornerOfStoryAndGame #Screenwriter #TelevisionWriter #Author #Novelist #CreativeWriting
The Lenses of Game Design: Part 06
Welcome back, wanderer. It's time to peer through four more lenses from The Art of Game Design.
Today, we have the pleasure of diving into the world of narrative design and lore creation with the incredibly talented Liv Peelan. As a Narrative Designer, Writer, and Lore Master for video games, Liv brings a wealth of expertise and creativity to the table. Currently shaping the immersive world of Synced at NExT Studios, Liv is known for her ability to craft surreal interactive experiences that captivate players.
Join us as we explore 'The Art of Game Design' through four lenses: The Lens of the Elemental Tetrad, The Lens of Holographic Design, The Lens of Unification, and The Lens of Resonance, and discover how Liv's worldbuilding prowess shapes the macro view of gaming universes.
Grab a seat and join in!
Liv:
-> Website
-> LinkedIn
-> Synced
The Corner of Story and Game:
-> Discord
-> Facebook
-> Instagram
-> Twitter
-> TikTok
-> Threads
-> Bluesky
-> LinkedIn
-> Email: gerald@storyandgame.com
Please let me know if you have any questions or comments on this or any other episode. Be sure to subscribe to the podcast to hear more conversations with professionals in the video game, tabletop, and fiction industries.
LivPeelen #NarrativeDesigner #Synced #NExTStudios #TheLensOfElementalTetrad #TheLensOfHolographicDesign #TheLens of Unification #TheLensOfResonance #TheArtOfGameDesign #TheLensesOfGameDesign #VideoGames #TheCornerOfStoryAndGame
Welcome back, wanderer.
Today, we have the pleasure of delving into the art of weaving story into live-action spaces with the multitalented Vince Caso. You may recognize Vince from his iconic role as Bladezz in the beloved web series 'The Guild,' but his talents span a variety of media! As an actor, writer, streamer, voice actor, and seasoned game master, Vince brings a wealth of experience to our conversation.
Today’s topic is "Weaving Story in Live Action Spaces," and Vince shares not only amazing tidbits of advice and hard-earned experience but also some absolutely amazing stories.
I want to note that a couple of times in the interview, I mistakenly called "We're Alive: Frontier" (the brilliant live-play campaign run by Ivan Van Norman) by the name "Still Alive!" (a zombie sourcebook for Monte Cook Game's Cypher System). I apologize for the confusion—I've just been playing too many different zombie systems.
Anywhos, grab a seat and join in.
Vince:
-> Website
-> PixelCircus
The Corner of Story and Game:
-> Discord
-> Facebook
-> Instagram
-> Twitter
-> TikTok
-> Threads
-> Bluesky
-> LinkedIn
-> Email: gerald@storyandgame.com
Please let me know if you have any questions or comments on this or any other episode. Be sure to subscribe to the podcast to hear more conversations with professionals in the video game, tabletop, and fiction industries.
VinceCaso #Bladezz #TheGuild #LivePlay #StreamedTableTopGaming #TwichStreaming #YouTubeStreaming #ExperienceDesign #GameDesign #GamerMastery #DungeonMasters #TTRPG #TabletopRoleplayingGames #TheCornerOfStoryAndGame
The Lenses of Game Design: Part 05
Welcome back, wanderer. It's time to peer through four more lenses from The Art of Game Design.
Today, we have the pleasure of embarking on a journey through more of the game design lenses with the dynamic Zachary Roush. A seasoned writer with nearly a decade of experience spanning various industries, Zach's adventurous spirit and creative fervour have propelled him across the globe to pursue his passion for storytelling.
Currently honing his skills in narrative design, Zach is a proud alum of the Narrative Department and a valued member of Small Loan Studios. Join me in extending a warm welcome to Zach as we explore four more lenses from 'The Art of Game Design' and unravel their impact on crafting immersive narratives!
We explore:
- The Lens of Infinite Inspiration. Zach shares how his experiences travelling the globe and living abroad have impacted his writing.
- The Lens of The Problem Statement. We explore how constraints foster creativity.
- The Lens of Character Function. Zach shares his thoughts on the roles that characters play in games and his belief that all characters CAN have arcs.
- The Lens of Character Traits. Finally, we chat about fleshing out the characters to fulfill their roles.
Grab a seat and join in!
Zach:
-> Website
-> LinkedIn
-> Instagram
-> Substack
-> Kursed Kreatures
-> Small Loan Studios
The Corner of Story and Game:
-> Discord
-> Facebook
-> Instagram
-> Twitter
-> TikTok
-> Threads
-> Bluesky
-> LinkedIn
-> Email: gerald@storyandgame.com
Please let me know if you have any questions or comments on this or any other episode. Be sure to subscribe to the podcast to hear more conversations with professionals in the video game, tabletop, and fiction industries.
NajmahSalam #NarrativeDesigner #SmallLoanStudios #TheOuroborosExpress #TheLensOfCuriosity #TheLensOfPassion #TheLensOfRiskMitigation #TheLensOfTheClient #TheArtOfGameDesign #TheLensesOfGameDesign #VideoGames #TheCornerOfStoryAndGame
Welcome back, wanderer.
Dr. Diana Leonard, Associate Professor and Chair of Psychology at Lewis & Clark College, is joining us today. Dr. Leonard's research expertise lies at the intersection of psychology and gaming, where she applies classic models of group dynamics to study conflict and change in live-action role-playing (LARP) groups. Her current scholarship specifically delves into the psychological benefits of regaining agency through roleplay via indie TTRPGs.
Today’s topic is "The Psychology of Characters and Communities in Roleplaying Games.” With Dr. Leonard’s help, we will unravel the profound psychological dimensions of character development in RPGs and its impact on players' self-perception and empathy.
Grab a seat and join in.
Diana:
-> Instagram
-> LinkedIn
-> Inclusivity Games
-> Buy Her Book!
The Corner of Story and Game:
-> Discord
-> Facebook
-> Instagram
-> Twitter
-> TikTok
-> Threads
-> Bluesky
-> LinkedIn
-> Email: gerald@storyandgame.com
Please let me know if you have any questions or comments on this or any other episode. Be sure to subscribe to the podcast to hear more conversations with professionals in the video game, tabletop, and fiction industries.
DrDianaLeonard #SocialPsychologyInGames #CharacterIdentity #CommunitiesInGameing #LARP #LiveActionRoleplayingGame #TTRPG #TabletopRoleplayingGames #GamePsychology #TheCornerOfStoryAndGame
The Lenses of Game Design: Part 04
Welcome back, wanderer. It's time to peer through four more lenses from The Art of Game Design.
Today, we have the pleasure of delving into the fascinating world of game design lenses—this time with the multitalented Najmah Salam. A marketing alchemist with over a decade of experience across diverse industries, Naj brings a unique blend of creativity and technical expertise. As a narrative designer and producer at Small Loan Studios, she infuses her passion for gaming and storytelling into every project.
We explore:
- The Lens of Curiosity. Naj shares how her experiences living all over the globe fires her curiosity - and how that translates into her writing.
- The Lens of Passion. We talk about how to find the drive to keep going even when the passion runs low.
- The Lens of Risk Mitigation. Naj brings her marketing and communications insights to bear on this topic.
- The Lens of The Client. Finally, we get to chat marketing and compare the "persona" process from marketing to communication pipelines inside game development.
Grab a seat and join in!
Naj:
-> Website
-> LinkedIn
-> YouTube
-> Bluesky
-> Small Loan Studios
The Corner of Story and Game:
-> Discord
-> Facebook
-> Instagram
-> Twitter
-> TikTok
-> Threads
-> Bluesky
-> LinkedIn
-> Email: gerald@storyandgame.com
Please let me know if you have any questions or comments on this or any other episode. Be sure to subscribe to the podcast to hear more conversations with professionals in the video game, tabletop, and fiction industries.
NajmahSalam #NarrativeDesigner #SmallLoanStudios #TheOuroborosExpress #TheLensOfCuriosity #TheLensOfPassion #TheLensOfRiskMitigation #TheLensOfTheClient #TheArtOfGameDesign #TheLensesOfGameDesign #VideoGames #TheCornerOfStoryAndGame
Welcome back, wanderer.
Today, we have the immense pleasure of delving into the world of storytelling techniques in Action Roleplaying Games (ARPGs) with the incredibly talented Rebecca Harwick.
With over fifteen years of experience in narrative design and game writing, Rebecca brings a wealth of expertise from her work with renowned studios like Wooga, ZeniMax Online Studios, and Bioware Austin. Currently serving as the Lead Narrative Designer for Grimlore Games, she's spearheading the creation of Titan Quest II, an ARPG steeped in the rich tapestry of Greek mythology.
Grab a seat and join in.
Rebecca:
-> Instagram
-> LinkedIn
-> Twitter
-> Website
-> Buy Her Book!
The Corner of Story and Game:
-> Discord
-> Facebook
-> Instagram
-> Twitter
-> TikTok
-> Threads
-> Bluesky
-> LinkedIn
-> Email: gerald@storyandgame.com
Please let me know if you have any questions or comments on this or any other episode. Be sure to subscribe to the podcast to hear more conversations with professionals in the video game, tabletop, and fiction industries.
RebeccaHarwick #NarrativeDesigner #VideoGameWriting #ARPG #ActionRoleplayingGame #NarrativeTechniques #WritingAdvice #BioWare #ZenimaxOnline #GrimloreGames #TitansQuestTwo #CreativeWork #LifeOfACreative #TheCornerOfStoryAndGame
The Lenses of Game Design: Part 03
Welcome back, wanderer. It's time to peer through four more lenses from The Art of Game Design.
Today, we have the pleasure of delving into the fascinating world of game design lenses with the exceptionally talented Philip Balli. As a freelance game writer and narrative designer, Philip brings a wealth of experience from his work at OrionGames and his involvement in running The Narrative Department Master Class.
We dive into:
- The Lens of Meaningful Choices. Phil explains what he learned by rewriting branching dialogue for Arto.
- The Lens of Character. We discuss how bugs can give a game character.
- The Lens of Feedback. How can the feedback loop impact the player's emotional state - and what does that mean for the designer?
- The Lens of Documentation. Phil shares what he has learned about documentation, including the importance of asking the right questions.
Grab a seat and join in!
Phil:
-> Portfolio (If you haven't read Phil's essay on Hades, you HAVE to!)
-> LinkedIn
The Corner of Story and Game:
-> Discord
-> Facebook
-> Instagram
-> Twitter
-> TikTok
-> Threads
-> Bluesky
-> LinkedIn
-> Email: gerald@storyandgame.com
Please let me know if you have any questions or comments on this or any other episode. Be sure to subscribe to the podcast to hear more conversations with professionals in the video game, tabletop, and fiction industries.
PhilipBarri #NarrativeDesigner #OrionGames #Arto #TheLensOfMeaningfulChoices #TheLensofCharacter #TheLensOfFeedback #TheLensOfDocumentation #TheArtOfGameDesign #TheLensesOfGameDesign #VideoGames #TheCornerOfStoryAndGame
Welcome back, wanderer.
Today, we're embarking on a thrilling journey through the intricacies of game design, from epic video game battles to the nuanced mechanics of tabletop experiences. And who would guide us through this adventure better than the esteemed Scott Rogers?
With a rich background spanning video games, board games, VR, and even theme park experiences, Scott's insights will surely enlighten and inspire. He has been a Disney Imagineer, has taught game design at the New York Film Academy and the University of Southern California, was a regular feature on the award-winning Ludology Podcast, and has contributed to the creation of numerous board games and video games.
And he's a pretty fun guy to hang out with!
Grab a seat and join in.
Scott:
-> Facebook
-> Instagram
-> LinkedIn
-> Twitter
The Corner of Story and Game:
-> Discord
-> Facebook
-> Instagram
-> Twitter
-> TikTok
-> Threads
-> Bluesky
-> LinkedIn
-> Email: gerald@storyandgame.com
Please let me know if you have any questions or comments on this or any other episode. Be sure to subscribe to the podcast to hear more conversations with professionals in the video game, tabletop, and fiction industries.
ScottRogers #BoardGameDesign #TabletopRoleplayGameDesign #VideoGameDesign #DesignFundementals #GameDesignSkills #TabletopRoleplayingGames #ExperienceDesign #GameDesign #DisneyImagineer #Gamification #CreativeWork #LifeOfACreative #TheCornerOfStoryAndGame
The Lenses of Game Design: Part 02
Welcome back, wanderer. It's time to peer through four more lenses from The Art of Game Design.
Our guide this time is narrative design virtuoso Bárbara Framil. With a distinguished career in the entertainment industry, Bárbara's expertise in immersive worldbuilding and player-centric storytelling has left an indelible mark on critically acclaimed projects such as Hunt: Showdown and the Crysis franchise.
We dive into:
- The Lens of Emotion. How keeping the desired emotions in mind helps create better games, and how to playtest for emotions.
- The Lens of The Story Machine. The importance of crafting systems that can lead to emergent stories and experiences.
- The Lens of The Hero's Journey. Bárbara shares her thoughts on this narrative structure, and brings a couple different ones to the table for comparison.
- The Lens of Story. Creating game experiences that resonate and impact the player - via story.
- Bárbara's holistic view of creating video games! Seriously, this topic comes up over and over again.
Grab a seat and join in!
Bárbara:
-> Twitter
-> Website
The Corner of Story and Game:
-> Discord
-> Facebook
-> Instagram
-> Twitter
-> TikTok
-> Threads
-> Bluesky
-> LinkedIn
-> Email: gerald@storyandgame.com
Please let me know if you have any questions or comments on this or any other episode. Be sure to subscribe to the podcast to hear more conversations with professionals in the video game, tabletop, and fiction industries.
BarbaraFramil #NarrativeDesigner #InflexionGames #Nightingale #TheLensOfEmotion #TheLensOfTheStoryMachine #TheLensOfTheHerosJourney #TheLensOfStory #TheArtOfGameDesign #TheLensesOfGameDesign #VideoGames #TheCornerOfStoryAndGame
Welcome back, wanderer.
This time around, we dive into the dynamic world of cross-platform narratives and multi-media execution with Ryan Omega.
With a diverse background as a show and event host, producer, interactive game designer, and experienced game master, Ryan brings a wealth of creativity and expertise to our discussion. From immersive live-action roleplaying experiences to interactive Twitch shows and beyond, Ryan's innovative storytelling approach spans many mediums.
Join us as we explore the art of crafting narratives that transcend traditional boundaries and resonate across platforms.
We dive into:
- Designing experiences for live-action roleplaying and tabletop games.
- His experience bringing an interactive element to the famous Labyrinth of Jareth Masquerade Ball.
- The importance of putting in the work as a creative.
Grab a seat and join in.
Ryan:
-> GeekPublic
The Corner of Story and Game:
-> Discord
-> Facebook
-> Instagram
-> Twitter
-> TikTok
-> Threads
-> Bluesky
-> LinkedIn
-> Email: gerald@storyandgame.com
Please let me know if you have any questions or comments on this or any other episode. Be sure to subscribe to the podcast to hear more conversations with professionals in the video game, tabletop, and fiction industries.
RyanOmega #LiveActionRolePlay #TabletopRoleplayingGames #LivePlay #StreamedGames #ExperienceDesign #GameDesign #Gamification #CreativeWork #LifeOfACreative #TheCornerOfStoryAndGame
The Lenses of Game Design: Part 01
Welcome back, wanderer. It's time to really dive into examining the lenses from The Art of Game Design. To help us get started, we are joined by Jessica Sliwinksi!
Currently serving as the Lead Narrative Designer at Something Wicked Games, Jessica's illustrious career spans a myriad of prestigious studios and renowned titles. With lead narrative design positions at Tilting Point and Disruptor Beam, senior writing roles on a variety of licensed games from Star Wars to SpongeBob, and skills forged in the crucible of industry giants like Zynga and BioWare, Jessica's expertise is unmatched. Her creative contributions have left an indelible mark on beloved games such as Star Wars: The Old Republic and Star Trek Timelines.
We dive into:
- The Lens of Essential Experience. Paper prototyping to find that core experience.
- The Lens of Surprise. Surprising the player without losing their trust.
- The Lens of Fun. The importance of story in creating fun and keeping the player front-and-centre.
- The Lens of Challenge. Creating challenges in the narrative part of a game.
Grab a seat and join in!
Jessica:
-> Facebook (Something Wicked Games)
-> Twitter (Something Wicked Games)
-> Website (Jessica)
-> Website (Something Wicked Games)
-> YouTube (Something Wicked Games)
-> LinkedIn (Jessica)
-> LinkedIn (Something Wicked Games)
The Corner of Story and Game:
-> Discord
-> Facebook
-> Instagram
-> Twitter
-> TikTok
-> Threads
-> Bluesky
-> LinkedIn
-> Email: gerald@storyandgame.com
Please let me know if you have any questions or comments on this or any other episode. Be sure to subscribe to the podcast to hear more conversations with professionals in the video game, tabletop, and fiction industries.
JessicaSliwinski #NarrativeDesigner #SomethingWickedGames #EssentialExperience #SurpriseInGames #FindingTheFun #ChallengeInNarrative #TheArtOfGameDesign #TheLensesOfGameDesign #VideoGames #TheCornerOfStoryAndGame
Welcome back, wanderer.
One of the best things I have discovered about having a podcast where I talk to people passionate about writing is that the conversations can often become just friendly explorations of shared interests and similar life paths. This is certainly the case when I sat down with my buddy Mario Mergola and comparednotes on writing, video games, and life. We may also end up gushing about Susan and her The Narrative Department Master Class.
We dive into:
- Coming from a journalistic background. We swap old war stories and talk about how deadlines can keep you writing
- The writing habits that have helped him succeed. I especially like his 750words.com recommendation.
- How life can be a branching narrative. Mario gets super deep!
Grab a seat and join in.
Mario:
-> Website
The Corner of Story and Game:
-> Discord
-> Facebook
-> Instagram
-> Twitter
-> TikTok
-> Threads
-> Bluesky
-> LinkedIn
-> Email: gerald@storyandgame.com
Please let me know if you have any questions or comments on this or any other episode. Be sure to subscribe to the podcast to hear more conversations with professionals in the video game, tabletop, and fiction industries.
MarioMergola #NarrativeDesign #TheNarrativeDepartment #WritingHabits #TheLifeOfAWriter #BranchingNarratives #VideoGames #TheCornerOfStoryAndGame
The Lenses of Game Design: Part 00
Welcome back, wanderer. This episode kicks off something a little different for The Corner of Story & Game - a series of episodes exploring the lenses from The Art of Game Design.
But before we dig into the lenses individually, why not introduce them with the professor himself, Jesse Schell?
Jesse is a luminary in the game design cosmos, with his book and further work influencing both board and video game landscapes. He is an esteemed professor at Carnegie Mellon University and stands at the forefront of game design evolution. Beyond his groundbreaking textbook, his visionary insights have left an indelible mark on the gaming world. He continues to shape the future of interactive experiences with Schell Games, steering projects that seamlessly merge education and entertainment.
Grab a seat and join in!
Jesse / Schell Games:
-> Facebook
-> Twitter
-> Website
-> YouTube
-> LinkedIn (Jesse)
-> LinkedIn (Schell Games)
The Corner of Story and Game:
-> Discord
-> Facebook
-> Instagram
-> Twitter
-> TikTok
-> Threads
-> Bluesky
-> LinkedIn
-> Email: gerald@storyandgame.com
Please let me know if you have any questions or comments on this or any other episode. Be sure to subscribe to the podcast to hear more conversations with professionals in the video game, tabletop, and fiction industries.
JesseSchell #SchellGames #TheArtOfGameDesign #TheLensesOfGameDesign #VideoGames #TheCornerOfStoryAndGame
Welcome back, wanderer. In today's episode, we sit down at the table with Nick Sampson of Epic Realms to talk about the unique intersection of TTRPGs and the streaming world.
Nick is a fellow podcast creator, a Twitch streamer, and a general lover of games, fiction, and storytelling. He brings a unique perspective to the discussion with a background steeped in the arts and performance.
Grab a seat and join in!
Nick / Epic Realms:
-> Twitch
-> LinkTree (with podcast platforms)
-> YouTube
-> TikTok
-> Bluesky
The Corner of Story and Game:
-> Discord
-> Facebook
-> Instagram
-> Twitter
-> TikTok
-> Threads
-> Bluesky
-> LinkedIn
-> Email: gerald@storyandgame.com
Please let me know if you have any questions or comments on this or any other episode. Be sure to subscribe to the podcast to hear more conversations with professionals in the video game, tabletop, and fiction industries.
TwitchStreamer #EpicRealms #PodcasterToPodcaster #ContentCreation #LivePlay #TTRPGs #Gamemastery #VideoGames #TheCornerOfStoryAndGame
Welcome to a special Valentine's Day episode of "The Corner of Story and Game." Today's chat by the fire is with Heidi McDonald, and we dive into discussing romance in video games.
With over 12 years of experience in narrative design, game development, and creative direction, Heidi has left an indelible mark on the industry. Her illustrious career includes collaborations with renowned IPs like Star Trek and Love Island, alongside esteemed companies such as Netflix, Pixelberry, and Schell Games.
Grab a sit and join in!
Heidi:
-> BlueSky
The Corner of Story and Game:
-> Discord
-> Facebook
-> Instagram
-> Twitter
-> TikTok
-> Threads
-> Bluesky
-> LinkedIn
-> Email: gerald@storyandgame.com
Please let me know if you have any questions or comments on this or any other episode. Be sure to subscribe to the podcast to hear more conversations with professionals in the video game, tabletop, and fiction industries.
GameDesign #Writer #RomanceInVideoGames #Relationships #ValentinesDay #GameIndustry #VideoGames #NarrativeDesign #TheCornerOfStoryAndGame
We are in for a treat in this episode of The Corner of Story and Game as we are graced by TWO brilliant writers/designers! Xalavier Nelson Jr. and Winter Mullenix stop by to explore the vital topic of inclusion and diversity as it applies to the craft of storytelling. It is a topic that I have wanted to create some space to explore for quite awhile now, and I am extremely honoured that these two masters of their craft were gracious enough to share their thoughts and experiences with me.
With dozens of games under his belt, Xalavier is renowned for titles like "Hypnospace Outlaw,” “Stranger Things VR,” and "An Airport for Aliens Currently Run by Dogs." Winter is an experienced writer and narrative designer with a whole swath of credentials, including over four years as Senior Narrative Designer at Cryptic Studios, working on the Neverwinter MMO.
Give it a listen!
Xalavier:
-> Game Studio (Strange Scaffold)
-> LinkedIn
-> Twitter
-> TikTok
Winter:
The Corner of Story and Game:
-> Discord
-> Facebook
-> Instagram
-> Twitter
-> TikTok
-> Threads
-> Bluesky
-> LinkedIn
-> Email: gerald@storyandgame.com
Please let me know if you have any questions or comments on this or any other episode. Be sure to subscribe to the podcast to hear more conversations with professionals in the video game, tabletop, and fiction industries.
GameDesign #Writer #DiversityAndInclusion #VoicesInStorytelling #WinterMullenix #XalavierNelsonJr #StrangeScafford #GameIndustry #VideoGames #NarrativeDesign #TheCornerOfStoryAndGame
In this episode of The Corner of Story and Game I get a chance to talk with another one of the superstars at Something Wicked Games - Will Shen!
Will is the Lead Content Designer at SWG, and is the former Design Director at Bethesda Game Studios - having worked on such massive titles at Elder Scrolls Skyrim and Fall Out 4's add-on Far Harbor.
Will and I chat about:
- How he got into gaming,
- Things he learned from his time at Bethesda,
- How he envisions worldbuilding and how he tackles the technical aspects,
- Managing lore,
- Advice for aspiring game designers,
- and much more.
Give it a listen!
And if you are at GDC this March, check out Will's talk on Level Design.
Will's Links:
-> LinkedIn
-> Twitter
-> Upcoming GDC Talk
The Corner of Story and Game:
-> Discord
-> Facebook
-> Instagram
-> Twitter
-> TikTok
-> Threads
-> Bluesky
-> LinkedIn
-> Email: gerald@storyandgame.com
Please let me know if you have any questions or comments on this or any other episode. Be sure to subscribe to the podcast to hear more conversations with professionals in the video game, tabletop, and fiction industries.
GameDesign #Writer #DigitalRoleplayingGames #Skyrim #FallOut #SomethingWickedGames #WillShen #ContentDesign #GameIndustry #VideoGames #NarrativeDesign #TheCornerOfStoryAndGame
Season Two kicks off strong with Crowe Whitney joining me to discuss the highlights of 2023 and what is ahead in 2024.
Crowe is not just a dream chaser armed with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Game Design but a narrative designer, tabletop roleplayer, Twitch streamer, and game writer. At their core, Crowe is a storyteller who thrives on collaboration and the art of improvisation. As a proud graduate of The Narrative Department's Masterclass One and the pilot of Masterclass Two, he brings a wealth of knowledge and a unique perspective to the intersection of storytelling and gaming.
Crowe and I chat about:
- Their journey into game design,
- Completing The Narrative Department's Master Class,
- Balancing character agency and cultivated narrative experiences, and
- Of course we tackle the year behind us and the year ahead of us.
Give it a listen!
Crowe's Links:
-> Website
-> LinkedIn
-> Twitch
The Corner of Story and Game:
-> Facebook
-> Instagram
-> Twitter
-> TikTok
-> Threads
-> Bluesky
-> LinkedIn
-> Email: gerald@storyandgame.com
Please let me know if you have any questions or comments on this or any other episode. Be sure to subscribe to the podcast to hear more conversations with professionals in the video game, tabletop, and fiction industries.
Writer #Streamer #Twitch #GameDesigner #TheNarrativeDepartment #CroweWhitney #WritingAdvice #GameWriter #GameIndustry #VideoGames #NarrativeDesign #TheCornerOfStoryAndGame
Well, it has been a fun wandering through Season One, trying different things and talking with a wide variety of folks - BUT, it is finally time to put and endcap on it and get ready for Season Two!
The Corner of Story and Game:
-> Facebook
-> Instagram
-> Twitter
-> TikTok
-> Threads
-> Bluesky
-> LinkedIn
-> Email: gerald@storyandgame.com
Please let me know if you have any questions or comments on this or any other episode. Be sure to subscribe to the podcast to hear more conversations with professionals in the video game, tabletop, and fiction industries.
GameDesign #StoryAndGame #ComicBooks #FilmAndTV #VoiceActing #Novelists #TabletopRoleplayingGames #WritingAdvice #GameWriter #GameIndustry #VideoGames #NarrativeDesign #TheCornerOfStoryAndGame
If you are a fan of The Onion, specifically between 2008 and 208, there is a good chance you are a fan of Dave's work. Aside from his time working on the well-known satire and comedy paper, he has contributed to television, haunted house experiences, VR games, and most recently Marvel Snap and Lord of the Rings: Moira.
Dave and I chat about:
- Moving into comedy writing coming out of school,
- His time at The Onion and some of his most well-known work there,
- His time as Barack Obama's body double,
- His writing process and just "getting it out of the way",
- The importance of stories,
- Bringing humour into games, and
- The importance, power, and challenges of comedy.
Give it a listen!
Dave's Links:
-> Website
-> Autumn Man
-> LinkedIn
-> The Visionary
-> Barack Obama Body Double Photo
The Corner of Story and Game:
-> Facebook
-> Instagram
-> Twitter
-> TikTok
-> Threads
-> Bluesky
-> LinkedIn
-> Email: gerald@storyandgame.com
Please let me know if you have any questions or comments on this or any other episode. Be sure to subscribe to the podcast to hear more conversations with professionals in the video game, tabletop, and fiction industries.
Writer #DaveKornfeld #Humour #ComedyWriting #WritingAdvice #GameWriter #GameIndustry #VideoGames #NarrativeDesign #TheCornerOfStoryAndGame
Welcome back to The Corner of Story and Game! This time around I get the chance to pick the brain of the founder and CEO of Story City - Emily Craven. She is a published author, a speaker, and a storyteller with a degree in Astrophysics but a love for interactive experiences.
Story City is a social enterprise that believes local stories and storytellers matter and that connecting places with stories can create compelling real-world experiences.
Some of the specific topics we cover include:
- Her very first physical location "choose your own adventure" project using QR codes and zip ties,
- Learning about a region through interactive storytelling,
- Dealing with writer's block and loneliness,
- What she learned from Monty Python sketches,
- Where Story City came from and what Narrative Mapping is,
- How fiction can educate or inform, and
- How anchoring an interactive experience in a specific location can help communities.
Give it a listen!
Emily's Links:
-> Story City
-> Emily's Website
-> LinkedIn
The Corner of Story and Game:
-> Facebook
-> Instagram
-> Twitter
-> TikTok
-> Threads
-> Bluesky
-> LinkedIn
-> Email: gerald@storyandgame.com
Please let me know if you have any questions or comments on this or any other episode. Be sure to subscribe to the podcast to hear more conversations with professionals in the video game, tabletop, and fiction industries.
EmilyCraven #CravenStories #StoryCity #NarrativeMapping #NarrativeDesign #AugmentedReality #InteractiveEntertainment #InteractiveExperiences #TheCornerOfStoryAndGame
Welcome back to The Corner of Story and Game! In this episode, I sit down with Susan O'Connor. She is the founder and CEO of The Narrative Department, an award-winning game writer, and an all-around fantastic person.
Join us as we discuss the importance of story in games, narrative design concepts, and life in general as a creative person.
Some of the specific topics we cover include:
- The Narrative Department - where it came from and where it is going,
- Finding and sharing the emotional heart of a story or game,
- Drawing from your own emotional life,
- Crafting a story and then hiding it from the player,
- The fact that the story is not always important,
- Putting the player first, and
- Susan's love of Big Fat Adventures!
Give it a listen!
Susan's Links:
-> The Narrative Department
-> BlueSky
The Corner of Story and Game:
-> Facebook
-> Instagram
-> Twitter
-> TikTok
-> Threads
-> Bluesky
-> LinkedIn
-> Email: gerald@storyandgame.com
Please let me know if you have any questions or comments on this or any other episode. Be sure to subscribe to the podcast to hear more conversations with professionals in the video game, tabletop, and fiction industries.
SusanOConnor #TheNarrativeDepartment #NarrativeDesign #Writer #WritingAdvice #VideoGameWriting #StorytellingInGames #VideoGameStories #TheCornerOfStoryAndGame
Welcome to the latest episode of The Corner of Story and Game! In this episode, I have the pleasure of chatting with legendary Canadian writer and game designer Ed Greenwood. Ed is the mastermind behind the beloved Forgotten Realms universe, and he shares some fascinating insights on world-building, game writing, and so, so much more.
Join us as we explore the creative process and learn how Ed has brought his imaginative worlds to life over the years. Don't miss this exciting episode!
We dig into, amongst other things:
- Ed's youth and the crazy things he got up to,
- Where the Forgotten Realms came from, long before D&D existed,
- The roots of Mirt (which Ed sees more of a representation of himself than Elminster),
- Bringing the Realms to TSR,
- Baldur's Gate and how the Realms have changed,
- Writing for various mediums, and
- Worldbuilding!
Give it a listen!
Ed's Links:
-> YouTube
-> Discord
-> Twitter
-> Patreon
-> Facebook
-> Website
The Corner of Story and Game:
-> Facebook
-> Instagram
-> Twitter
-> TikTok
-> Threads
-> Bluesky
-> LinkedIn
-> Email: gerald@storyandgame.com
If you have any questions or comments on this or any other episode, please let me know. Be sure to subscribe to the podcast to hear more conversations with professionals in the video game, tabletop, and fiction industries.
EdGreenwood #ForgottenRealms #DungeonsAndDragons #GameDesign #Writer #WritingAdvice #Novelist #Elminster #TheCornerOfStoryAndGame
For Brady Sadler, the life and career of a creative has taken a winding road. He has been the drummer in a label-signed metal band, has designed numerous board games, and recently released his second published novel, The Acrid Sky. Not content with that, he has also set his eyes on breaking into the video game industry.
Brady and I discuss the narrative design masterclass we are in, the importance of stories in board games and video games, and what it is like to follow the creative drive.
We dig into, amongst other things:
- Brady's origin story,
- What translates from music to fiction and game writing,
- Self-publishing,
- His routine and creative process, and
- Balancing life and being a creative.
Give it a listen!
Brady's Links:
-> LinkedIn
-> Twitter
-> Website
The Corner of Story and Game:
-> Facebook
-> Instagram
-> Twitter
-> TikTok
-> Threads
-> Bluesky
-> LinkedIn
-> Email: gerald@storyandgame.com
If you have any questions or comments on this or any other episode, please let me know. Be sure to subscribe to the podcast to hear more conversations with professionals in the video game, tabletop, and fiction industries.
BradyJSadler #Writer #WritingAdvice #BoardGameDesigner #Novelist #StorytellingInGames #VideoGameStories #TheCornerOfStoryAndGame
This week, I come at the theme from a different angle – gaming (and stories) from the POV of a game-related content creator. WintersWolfcry (Evan in the physical world) has been building community and playing games since 2018, going from talking to himself with an empty chat to the engaged and friendly community he has now. Along the way, he has played a LOT of different games in pretty much every genre, although these days, he has found a home amongst the narrative-driven and lore-heavy worlds of role-playing games. Naturally, Baldur’s Gate 3 and Starfield have kept him busy, but right now, it’s the new Angry Earth expansion for New World that is eating up his hours.
Come along as Evan and I discuss our shared addiction, building online communities, and the impact of stories in streamed games.
We dig into, amongst other things:
- Evan's early games in gaming and streaming,
- How Baldur's Gate 3 might pull him into tabletop roleplaying for the first time,
- The importance of building community,
- The challenges and fears around putting yourself out there and creating content, and
- The importance of stories in games and the impact a story has on streaming a game.
Give it a listen!
WintersWolfcry's Links:
-> Twitch
-> YouTube
-> Merch
The Corner of Story and Game:
-> Facebook
-> Instagram
-> Twitter
-> TikTok
-> Threads
-> Bluesky
-> LinkedIn
-> Email: gerald@storyandgame.com
If you have any questions or comments on this or any other episode, please let me know. Be sure to subscribe to the podcast to hear more conversations with professionals in the video game, tabletop, and fiction industries.
WinterswolfCry #Twitch #Streamer #ContentCreator #StorytellingInVideoGames #VideoGameStories #StorytellingContentCreator #TheCornerOfStoryAndGame
This week, I am excited to present my interview with David Gaider, a veteran writer and narrative designer who has made significant contributions to the gaming industry.
David started his career as part of the BioWare team, working on some of the most iconic games of our time, including Baldur's Gate II, Neverwinter Nights, and Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic. As the lead writer for Dragon Age: Origins, he helped create the complex world of Thedas, which has captivated gamers worldwide. David's work on Dragon Age: Inquisition also earned the studio numerous awards and recognition from the industry.
So, come on in, grab your seat by the fire, and let's hear what David has to say about his journey and experiences in the worlds of gaming and writing.
We dig into, amongst other things:
- How David "stumbled" into the gaming industry,
- His history and experience creating games for tabletop rpgs and LARPs,
- Starting out at BioWare,
- How to craft a story without controlling the protagonist,
- The struggles of moving from prose writing to creating branching narratives,
- The importance of looking after yourself as a writer and avoiding burnout,
- Focusing on creating characters first and plot second, and
- The challenges and excitement of creating a branching narrative musical!
Give it a listen!
David's Links:
-> Twitter
-> LinkedIn
-> Bluesky
-> Summerfall Studios
-> Stray Gods on Steam
The Corner of Story and Game:
-> Facebook
-> Instagram
-> Twitter
-> TikTok
-> Threads
-> Bluesky
-> LinkedIn
-> Email: gerald@storyandgame.com
If you have any questions or comments on this or any other episode, please let me know. Be sure to subscribe to the podcast to hear more conversations with professionals in the video game, tabletop, and fiction industries.
DavidGaider #Writer #GameDesigner #NarrativeDesigner #BranchingNarratives #StrayGods #RoleplayingMusical #SummerfallStudios #BioWare #DragonAge #WritingAdvice #CreativeLiving #Storytelling #Storycraft #TheCornerOfStoryAndGame
British author and editor Marc Gascoigne is back to finish off the conversation we were having previously.
With over fifty books and gaming-related titles under his belt, Marc is a true veteran in the industry. Best known for his work on the Fighting Fantasy series, Marc has also contributed to some of the biggest names in gaming, including Shadowrun, Earthdawn, Judge Dredd, and Call of Cthulhu.
The second half of our conversation is very much what Marc calls a "pub chat" - wandering down some side paths and exploring more esoteric topics. Along the way, he makes sure to set me in my place with his biting, but congenial, British sarcasm.
We dig into, amongst other things:
- Board games and card games,
- Tips for writers and designers submitting to editors,
- A bit on the history of fanzines, and specifically DragonLords,
- The changing landscapes of fiction publishing and game design,
- Crafting original mythologies,
- What good can come out of the A.I. frontier (glitch kids?),
- Marc's thoughts on (and rejection of) my "shared space" theory, and
- Knowing why you want to be a writer and what you hope to achieve - and making sure that is realistic.
Give it a listen!
Marc's Links:
-> Facebook
-> Twitter
-> LinkedIn
Aconyte Books:
-> Facebook
-> Twitter
-> LinkedIn
-> Website
Find The Corner of Story and Game:
-> Facebook
-> Instagram
-> Twitter
-> TikTok
-> Threads
-> Bluesky
-> LinkedIn
-> Email: gerald@storyandgame.com
If you have any questions or comments on this, or any other, episode, please let me know. Be sure to subscribe to the podcast to hear more conversations with professionals in the video game, tabletop game, and fiction industries.
MarcGascoigne #Writer #Editor #GameDesigner #FightingFantasy #GamesWorkshop #AconyteBooks #Novelization #GameWorlds #Worldbuilding #WritingAdvice #CreativeLiving #Storytelling #Storycraft #TheCornerOfStoryAndGame
This week on The Corner of Story and Game, I am thrilled to welcome British author and editor Marc Gascoigne to the show.
With over fifty books and gaming-related titles under his belt, Marc is a true veteran in the industry. Best known for his work on the Fighting Fantasy series, Marc has also contributed to some of the biggest names in gaming, including Shadowrun, Earthdawn, Judge Dredd, and Call of Cthulhu.
I'm honoured to have him join me for the first half of a two-part conversation.
Join us as we sit by the fire and discuss Marc's impressive career, his experience bringing us Games Workshop's Black Library, the Angry Robot sci-fi imprint, Asmodee's Aconyte fiction imprint, the Fighting Fantasy series of books, and much more.
We dig into, amongst other things:
- Marc's origin story, including what it was like growing up as a gamer in Britain,
- Coming up as a freelancer in the industry,
- The various companies he has worked with,
- The differences between American fantasy and European fantasy,
- Finding the freshness and avoiding repetition,
- Making balance in your life while working as an ambitious creative, and
- The challenges and nuances around creating fiction based on game worlds.
Give it a listen! As I mention, this is the first half of two-part interview.
Marc's Links:
-> Twitter
-> LinkedIn
Aconyte Books:
-> Facebook
-> Twitter
-> LinkedIn
-> Website
Find The Corner of Story and Game:
-> Facebook
-> Instagram
-> Twitter
-> TikTok
-> Threads
-> Bluesky
-> LinkedIn
-> Email: gerald@storyandgame.com
If you have any questions or comments on this, or any other, episode, please let me know. Be sure to subscribe to the podcast to hear more conversations with professionals in the video game, tabletop game, and fiction industries.
MarcGascoigne #Writer #Editor #GameDesigner #FightingFantasy #GamesWorkshop #AconyteBooks #Novelization #GameWorlds #Worldbuilding #WritingAdvice #CreativeLiving #Storytelling #Storycraft #TheCornerOfStoryAndGame
This week, we have the pleasure of interviewing Trent Oster, a BAFTA Award-winning veteran of the games industry. Trent's impressive career includes co-founding BioWare and leading the development of the award-winning Neverwinter Nights. He also co-founded Beamdog after leaving BioWare in 2009.
In this episode, we dive into Trent's experiences in the industry, his insights into the creative process, and much more. Join us for an engaging and enlightening conversation that's sure to inspire both gamers and storytellers alike.
We dig into, amongst other things:
- When, and how, Trent fell into the world of gaming,
- The creation of BioWare by the six co-founders,
- The birth of Beamdog,
- The power (and over-valuation) of Capital,
- Why it is so hard to break into games right now,
- What he wants Mythforce to be (and not be),
- The hardest lesson he has learned along the way,
- Oster's Magical Five-Second Moment - what it is and how to craft one, and
- Trent's mission to empower other people to be creative!
Give it a listen
Trent's Links:-> Beamdog
-> LinkedIn
Find The Corner of Story and Game:
-> Facebook
-> Instagram
-> Twitter
-> TikTok
-> Threads
-> Bluesky
-> LinkedIn
-> Email: gerald@storyandgame.com
If you have any questions or comments on this, or any other, episode, please let me know. Be sure to subscribe to the podcast to hear more conversations with professionals in the video game, tabletop game, and fiction industries.
For Divya Dias, chasing the dream of making games for a living meant leaving her home in India and coming to Canada - but she'll be the first to tell you it was worth it. She now is a Narrative Designer at Amazon Games, working on the hit MMO New World.
In this episode, we dig into, amongst other things:
- Her journey into game design and playing games,
- Cutting her teeth in the game industry in India,
- Coming to North America to work in the game industry,
- Advice to people immigrating to chase their dream job,
- The challenges of breaking in,
- Tips on writing for games and narrative design,
- Matching the writing to the mechanics of a game, and
- Finding the fun in the little moments of life!
Give it a listen
Divya's Links: -> New World
Find The Corner of Story and Game:
-> Facebook
-> Instagram
-> Twitter
-> TikTok
-> Threads
-> LinkedIn
-> Email: gerald@storyandgame.com
If you have any questions or comments on this, or any other, episode, please let me know. Be sure to subscribe to the podcast to hear more conversations with professionals in the video game, tabletop game, and fiction industries.
This week's interview is a bucket-list chat for me, as I get to talk to Mark Meer! To any gamer growing up in Alberta, especially one with a love for theatre and performance arts, Mark has been a bit of legend since he stepped into the voice booth for BioWare.
Mark is a voice actor, writer, and improv artist - and he is best known for bringing life to the male version of Commander Shepard in the Mass Effect franchise. He has voiced many, many other characters for video games.
In this episode, we dig into, amongst other things:
- Mark's journey into gaming through Dungeons and Dragons (filling in a cleric role), and later video games,
- Moving from small-town Alberta to the city and getting into gaming and acting,
- The Citadel Theatre's Teen Festival of the Arts and working with Three Dead Trolls in a Baggie,
- Auditioning for, and working with, BioWare,
- Being a guest at conventions (and what is is up to at Gen Con this weekend),
- His various experiences with Live Play and streamed games,
- D&D In A Castle hard core mode? (and DMing for D&D In A Castle),
- Where he will be at the Edmonton Fringe this year, and
- What improv can offer you as a game writer, designer, or even just as a player!
Give it a listen
Mark's Links: -> Instagram
-> Threads
-> Gordon's Big Bald Head
-> Black Dice Society
-> Chaosium YouTube (Bookshops of Arkham)
-> Graveyards of Arkham Kickstarter
-> Tiny Plastic Men
-> Gordon: A Batman Fan Film
Find The Corner of Story and Game:
-> Facebook
-> Instagram
-> Twitter
-> TikTok
-> Threads
-> Email: gerald@storyandgame.com
If you have any questions or comments on this, or any other, episode, please let me know. Be sure to subscribe to the podcast to hear more conversations with professionals in the video game, tabletop game, and fiction industries.
This week's guest is none other than Emmy-winning Joshua Rubin. He is a writer, producer, director, and veteran of the entertainment industry, with 20 years of experience in Film, TV, Video Games, and XR.
Joshua is best known for co-writing Assassin's Creed 2, and for his work as part of the core creative team at Bungie responsible for building the world of Destiny. Recently, Joshua was Lead Writer on OUTRIDERS. These days he is kept busy as the Chief Creative Officer at Subverse Narrative Consulting, working with studios and experience makers around the world.
In this episode, we dig into, amongst other things:
- How Joshua found his way from Hollywood to video games,
- What it is like doing story consulting work on other companies' games,
- Keys to engaging dialogue and the importance of consequences,
- How branching narrative IS the gameplay in RPGs,
- Working on Destiny (including Joshua's story about Dead Ghosts and how they helped him find joy in his work),
- Outriders and world-building,
- The importance of stories in helping people escape and explore other worlds, and
- Developing your bullshit detector so you can write better games!
Give it a listen
Joshua's Links:
-> Website
Find The Corner of Story and Game:
-> Facebook
-> Instagram
-> Twitter
-> Email: gerald@storyandgame.com
If you have any questions or comments on this, or any other, episode, please let me know. Be sure to subscribe to the podcast to hear more conversations with professionals in the video game, tabletop game, and fiction industries.
Paul Reed joins us this week to let us peek into his mind and learn from his journey. Paul is a writer and game designer that started out as a Nintendo Game Counsellor, and has worked his way up from there. He has worked at studios like Retro Studios and Sony Online Entertainment - and today he is working at Cryptic Studios.
In this episode, we dig into, amongst other things:
- Breaking into the video game industry, why it is so difficult, and what we could do to the education system to help,
- The application of screenwriting skills in video game writing,
- What he learned from creating Shadow Madness,
- Finding the voices of the characters and letting them be heard,
- Working on Star Trek Online and DC Universe Online,
- Tomatoes in Hobbiton?,
- Making a world memorable through characterization of settings, and
- The importance of finding and telling authentic stories.
Give it a listen
Paul's Links:
-> Star Trek Online
-> Spectaculars
-> Sentinels of the Multiverse
Find The Corner of Story and Game:
-> Facebook
-> Instagram
-> Twitter
-> Email: gerald@storyandgame.com
If you have any questions or comments on this, or any other, episode, please let me know. Be sure to subscribe to the podcast to hear more conversations with professionals in the video game, tabletop game, and fiction industries.
Doug Levandowski takes a chair at the table this week, discussing all sorts of game design and writing topics. Doug is a board game and tabletop roleplaying game designer/writer (as well as an English teacher). He is best known for his work on Kids On Bikes, Kids on Brooms, Kids in Spaces, and currently is working on Kids In Capes.
In this episode, we dig into, amongst other things:
- Giving people the tools to tell stories with their friends,
- How Doug found his way into game design,
- Where Kids on Bikes came from,
- Hard-earned advice for younger designers (hint: don't be an asshole),
- Choosing what is important in order to maintain work-life balance,
- Measuring success,
- Creating mechanics that support story development at the table,
- Why story is important to Doug, and
- Tricking people into being as wildly creative as they actually are!
Give it a listen
You can find Doug at:
-> Twitter
-> Kids On Bikes Facebook
-> Kids On Bikes Website
Find The Corner of Story and Game:
-> Facebook
-> Instagram
-> Twitter
-> Email: gerald@storyandgame.com
If you have any questions or comments on this, or any other, episode, please let me know. Be sure to subscribe to the podcast to hear more conversations with professionals in the video game, tabletop game, and fiction industries.
Shanna Germain joins us this week to discuss a wide range of topics! Shanna is an award-winning author, editor, and game designer. She is one of the co-founders of Monte Cook Games and was the Lead Designer on No Thank You, Evil! and has contributed to dozens of other game products, including the upcoming Old Gods of Appalachia RPG.
In this episode, we dig into, amongst other things:
- The choices we make on our journey as creatives,
- Finish the thing! Just finish it,
- Her number one creativity tip - embrace the mess,
- Being a designer and writer at the same time,
- Worldbuilding as a designer versus as a writer,
- Remember, as a designer you are not the storyteller, the GM is,
- Making space for the under-represented, and
- The key to great worldbuilding!
*(Oh, and the movie that Shanna can't remember is Children of Men. And the four people she lists in the quickfire question round are Mary Oliver, Amy Bloom, Junot Díaz, and Pedro Pascal.)
Give it a listen
You can find Shanna at:
-> Monte Cook Games
-> Shanna's Website
-> Shanna's Patreon
Find The Corner of Story and Game:
-> Facebook
-> Instagram
-> Twitter
-> Email: gerald@storyandgame.com
If you have any questions or comments on this, or any other, episode, please let me know. Be sure to subscribe to the podcast to hear more conversations with professionals in the video game, tabletop game, and fiction industries.
Winter Mullenix joins us this week to chat about writing for video games, her time as a model and a musician, and, as always, the importance of storytelling. Winter is an experienced writer and narrative professional with a whole swath of credentials - currently working as Narrative Director at Cryptic Studios.
In this episode, we dig into, amongst other things:
- Her time as a model and musician,
- Moving into video games,
- The Ladder of Abstraction as a tool for crafting stories,
- Writing powerful dialogue,
- Responsible storytelling,
- Getting more diverse voices in the video game industry,
- Creating memorable and cohesive game worlds,
- Working with R.A. and Geno Salvatore,
- Working with voice actors, and
- How being a transgender youth influenced her development as a storyteller.
Give it a listen!
Find The Corner of Story and Game:
-> Facebook
-> Instagram
-> Twitter
-> Email: gerald@storyandgame.com
If you have any questions or comments on this, or any other, episode, please let me know. Be sure to subscribe to the podcast to hear more conversations with professionals in the video game, tabletop game, and fiction industries.
Chris Pramas joins us this week to discuss the challenges of publishing in the game design, and many of the things he has learned along the way. Chris is a game designer and writer who is best known as the founder of Green Ronin Publishing and the designer of the Dragon Age RPG. He has worked on a lot of different games, including Warhammer Fantasy Roleplay and Freeport: The City of Adventure.
In this episode, we dig into, amongst other things:
- The story of how Chris started out as a freelancer, moved into TSR, and eventually started his own company.
- Breaking in as a writer to the game industry.
- Advice for writers or designers looking to get in, as well as for those thinking of starting a company.
- The frustrations of the failed Chainmail game.
- Dragon Fist and creating a Wuxia game.
- Freeport and the timing around d20's emergence.
- Finding balance as a driven creative.
- What he is playing these days.
Give it a listen!
Chris can be found:
-> Green Ronin Publishing
-> Twitter
Find The Corner of Story and Game:
-> Instagram
-> Email: gerald@storyandgame.com
If you have any questions or comments on this, or any other, episode, please let me know. Be sure to subscribe to the podcast to hear more conversations with professionals in the video game, tabletop game, and fiction industries.
This week I am joined by Jonathan Gilmour at The Corner of Story and Game. Jonathan has been working on board games for almost a decade now, but in those short 10 years, he has amassed credits on almost 60 games! He is likely best known for the acclaimed board game Dead of Winter, but he has well-known for his design work on the tabletop role-playing game Kids on Bikes.
In this episode, we dig into, amongst other things:
- The tale of Jonathan's journey into the board game industry from his previous career in industrial robotics,
- Where the design for Dead of Winter came from,
- The role of stories in board games,
- The secret origin behind the characters in Dead of Winter (Jonathan says this is the first time he's told this story!)
- A bit of advice for up-and-coming board game designers,
- Adapting video games to board games,
- What he is up to now at Maestro Media,
- Why stories and games are important in general, and
- The power of experiencing a story.
Jonathan also shares the games he playing right now and the books he is reading (he's a big comic book fan!)
Give it a listen!
Jonathan can be found:
-> Board Game Geek: https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgamedesigner/12679/jonathan-gilmour
-> Twitter: https://twitter.com/JonGilmour
-> LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathan-gilmour-96160b1a/
-> Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jonathan.gilmour.18
Find The Corner of Story and Game:
-> Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/storyandgame
-> Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecornerofstoryandgame/
-> Twitter: https://twitter.com/StoryAndGame
-> Email: gerald@storyandgame.com
If you have any questions or comments on this, or any other, episode, please let me know. Be sure to subscribe to the podcast to hear more conversations with professionals in the video game, tabletop game, and fiction industries.
Cam Baity is an Emmy-winning writer who has worked as an animator, animation director, and novelist. He has been a writer at Disney Television Animation, Warner Bros. Animation, Nickelodeon Animation, Hasbro, DreamWorks Animation, and more! Recently he made the leap from writing for the screen into video game writing, first at OnceLost Games working on "Wayward Realms" and now as a Senior Writer at System Era Softworks.
In this episode, we dig into, amongst other things:
- Cam's career journey, and what he has learned along the way,
- What it was like working on Guillermo del Toro's Pinnochio,
- Lessons learned from working on television and movies that are applicable to video game writing,
- Breaking into the video game industry and dealing with gatekeepers,
- The importance of putting yourself out there and meeting people in the industry,
- Showing up, doing good work, and not being a turd,
- His experience writing a novel trilogy with a long-time writing partner,
- And then we go really deep into the importance of stories and the place story creators have in today's world.
Give it a listen!
Cam can be found:
-> Website: https://www.cambaity.com
-> Twitter: https://twitter.com/cambaity
-> LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cam-baity/
Find The Corner of Story and Game:
-> Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/storyandgame
-> Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecornerofstoryandgame/
-> Twitter: https://twitter.com/StoryAndGame
-> Email: gerald@storyandgame.com
If you have any questions or comments on this, or any other, episode, please let me know. Be sure to subscribe to the podcast to hear more conversations with professionals in the video game, tabletop game, and fiction industries.
Who better to dig into creating villains with than Bruce Nesmith - the man behind the Ravenloft Boxed Set?
For those who don't know, Bruce started out in tabletop RPG design at TSR. He worked on MANY different products, but most notable (to me anyway) was his early involvement in the Ravenloft setting. In 1995 he made the switch to computer games by joining Bethesda Game Studios to work on Elder Scrolls II: Daggerfall. He remained with Bethesda until recently, working on Oblivion, The Shivering Isles, and being the lead designer on Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim.
Most recently, he has ventured into novel writing, with his trilogy Loki Redeemed. The final book, Ymir's Return, is released this week!
In this episode we dig into, amongst other things:
- Bruce's starting point when creating a villain,
- Motivations and making believable villains,
- Do you need a great villain for a great story,
- The differences between novel and game villains,
- Bruce's favourite Elder Scrolls Online villain,
- Ravenloft (we talk about Ravenloft a lot) villains, settings, and the great Castle itself,
- And we wrap it all up with Bruce Nesmith's Six Keys to a Great Villain!
Bruce can be found:
-> Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100065304827763
-> Amazon: https://www.amazon.ca/Bruce-Nesmith/e/B08YKG3DM4
And his newest novel can be found at https://a.co/d/fZJKu8f (Canada) | https://a.co/d/iH4Kk8o (USA)
Find The Corner of Story and Game:
-> Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/storyandgame
-> Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecornerofstoryandgame/
-> Twitter: https://twitter.com/StoryAndGame
-> Email: gerald@storyandgame.com
If you have any questions or comments on this, or any other, episode, please let me know. Be sure to subscribe to the podcast to hear more conversations with professionals in the video game, tabletop game, and fiction industries.
Some of the things that are talked about or recommended in our discussion include:
- Boardgame Arena
- Gamma World
- Eclipse Phase
- and of course, everything Ravenloft!
This week's guest at The Corner of Story and Game is once again Matt Forbeck, a talented writer who is equally at home writing fiction as he is designing game systems! He is an award-winning author and game designer, working not only with novels and tabletop RPGs, but also with pick-a-path books, board games, video games, comic books, and screenplays. His list of credits is far too long to list, but he has created content for properties such as Halo, Dungeons and Dragons, Star Wars, and dozens more.
Matt returns to the show to share some of his insights on the differences between worldbuilding for games versus worldbuilding for stories - but we do end up exploring flow state, his recent work on the Marvel Multiverse RPG, and even the new systems being worked on in the aftermath of the OGL issue that happened earlier this year.
Matt can be found:
-> Website: https://www.forbeck.com
-> Twitter: https://twitter.com/mforbeck
-> Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/forbeck
Find The Corner of Story and Game:
-> Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/storyandgame
-> Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecornerofstoryandgame/
-> Twitter: https://twitter.com/StoryAndGame
-> Email: gerald@storyandgame.com
If you have any questions or comments on this, or any other, episode, please let me know. Be sure to subscribe to the podcast to hear more conversations with professionals in the video game, tabletop game, and fiction industries.
This week's guest at The Corner of Story and Game is Jeff Gardiner, the CEO and Founder of Something Wicked Games. Jeff has been producing video games for over 20 years, with credits on such major games as The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion, The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim, Fallout 3, Fallout 4, and Fallout 76. Like many of the other video game creators we have talked to, Jeff's roots start in Dungeons & Dragons - which is one of the first topics we discuss.
We also explore areas relating to working as a creative and the challenges, but mostly focus on what it is like starting a brand new studio and a brand new IP - and what that means as far as writing and worldbuilding. While he doesn't share too many secrets behind their new game, Wyrdsong, he does give some very informative insights into how they came up with the core concepts and where it is leading.
Jeff can be found:
-> Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jeff.gardiner
-> Twitter: https://twitter.com/jg93
-> Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jrg993/
-> LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jefferygardiner/
SWG can be found:
-> Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SomethingWickedGames
-> Twitter: https://twitter.com/SomeWickedGame
-> Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/somethingwickedgames/
-> LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/something-wicked-games/
-> YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@somethingwickedgames6414
Find The Corner of Story and Game:
-> Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/storyandgame
-> Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecornerofstoryandgame/
-> Twitter: https://twitter.com/StoryAndGame
-> Email: gerald@storyandgame.com
If you have any questions or comments on this, or any other, episode, please let me know. Be sure to subscribe to the podcast to hear more conversations with professionals in the video game, tabletop game, and fiction industries.
This week at The Corner of Story and Game, I get to talk with James "Jim" Lowder - one of the earliest editors to work on the Dungeon and Dragons fiction line. In his time there he helped launch the careers of such amazing authors as Elaine Cunningham and Christie Golden.
Jim is also an award-winning author himself - having worked on the Avatar Trilogy that helped usher the Forgotten Realms from 1st Edition D&D to 2nd Edition (is anyone else still bitter about their assassin character dying off-screen?) He is known for his work in fantasy, dark fantasy, and horror - with publications such as Prince of Lies and Knight of the Black Rose, short fiction for such anthologies as Shadows Over Baker Street and Genius Loci, RPG material for Call of Cthulhu and Dungeons & Dragons, and comic book scripts for Image, Moonstone, and DC.
As an editor James Lowder has directed novel lines or series for both large and small publishing houses. He served as executive editor for Green Knight’s Pendragon book line and as line editor for TSR’s Forgotten Realms, Ravenloft, and Dark Sun fiction releases. He’s helmed more than a dozen critically acclaimed anthologies, including the Chaosium release Madness on the Orient Express.
Currently, he is the Executive Editor at Chaosium.
Our conversation explores many aspects of Jim's career, his insights into the editing process, tips on submitting to shared IPs, and much more. We end up going very deep into creator rights and IP holder rights, and how to get the best worldbuilding and storytelling.
Jim can be found:
-> Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/james.lowder
-> GoodReads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/102143.James_Lowder
-> Chaosium: https://www.chaosium.com/
Find The Corner of Story and Game:
-> Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/storyandgame
-> Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecornerofstoryandgame/
-> Twitter: https://twitter.com/StoryAndGame
-> Email: gerald@storyandgame.com
If you have any questions or comments on this, or any other, episode, please let me know. Be sure to subscribe to the podcast to hear more conversations with professionals in the video game, tabletop game, and fiction industries.
Writer and game designer Erik Scott de Bie returns to The Corner of Story and Game, this time to talk specifically about writing in the superhero genre, and what that means to him. He shares his insights into the process as well as what he feels is the core of superhero stories. It's perfect timing as well, as he is in the middle of Kickstarting his own superhero book, Justice/Vengeance! (https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/erikscottdebie/justice-vengeance)
Erik is a fantasy author, game designer, and technical writer. He has written a number of books and stories in the Forgotten Realms setting, as well as numerous other standalone and tie-in novels. Erik is also an avid gamer and is one of the creators and players on the twitch live-play channel Dungeon Scrawlers.
Erik can be found:
-> Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Erik.S.deBie or https://www.facebook.com/erikscottdebie
-> Twitter: https://twitter.com/erikscottdebie
-> Dungeon Scrawlers: https://www.twitch.tv/dungeonscrawlers
-> Website: https://erikscottdebie.com/
-> Femmes Fatal: https://www.defconone.com/book/femmes-fatale/
-> Justice/Vengeance: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/erikscottdebie/justice-vengeance
Find The Corner of Story and Game:
-> Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/storyandgame
-> Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecornerofstoryandgame/
-> Twitter: https://twitter.com/StoryAndGame
-> Email: gerald@storyandgame.com
If you have any questions or comments on this, or any other, episode, please let me know. Be sure to subscribe to the podcast to hear more conversations with professionals in the video game, tabletop game, and fiction industries.
As promised, Jim Zub returns to The Corner of Story and Game - this time to talk about gaming, and how it has helped shape his personal and professional life.
We discuss everything from his early days of gaming as a kid, to his work in the tabletop role-playing game and board game industries.
Jim is best known for his work in the comic book industry, which he has been creating since he self-published Makeshift Miracle in 2001. Over the past 21 years, he has created a vast library of titles ranging from creator-owned books like Wayward, Skullkickers, Glitterbomb, and Stone Star - to big-name properties such as Samurai Jack, Dungeons and Dragons, Pathfinder, Uncanny Avengers, Wolverine, and even a Rick and Morty / D&D crossover. These days Jim is writing for Conan the Barbarian, a Murderworld series, and continues to work away at more upcoming A Young Adventurer's Guide books.
Enjoy!
Find Jim Zub at:
-> Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jimzub
-> Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jim_zub/
-> Twitter: https://twitter.com/JimZub
-> Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/jimzub
-> Website: http://www.jimzub.com/
Find The Corner of Story and Game at:
-> Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/storyandgame
-> Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecornerofstoryandgame/
-> Twitter: https://twitter.com/StoryAndGame
-> Email: gerald@storyandgame.com
If you have any questions or comments on this, or any other, episode, please let me know. Be sure to subscribe to the podcast to hear more conversations with professionals in the video game, tabletop game, and fiction industries.
This year I have made it a priority to publish episodes that bring more focus on the actual crafts of writing, storytelling, narrative design, game design, and so on. To kick this effort off I reached out to my friend, and previous guest, Dave Gross.
Dave Gross is currently working at Beamdog in Edmonton, but has an illustrious history in novels, short stories, tabletop roleplaying games, and magazine editing! He edited Dungeon Adventures, Dragon Magazine, Star Wars Insider, and Amazing Stories - and has written fiction for both Dungeons & Dragons and Pathfinder.
In this episode we dive into the importance of memorable dialogue, writing barks for video games, how a performance can make a line memorable, and much more.
Find Dave at:
-> Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Frabjousdave
-> Website: http://frabjousdave.com/
And be sure to check out Mythforce from Beamdog!
Find The Corner of Story and Game:
-> Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/storyandgame
-> Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecornerofstoryandgame/
-> Twitter: https://twitter.com/StoryAndGame
-> Email: gerald@storyandgame.com
If you have any questions or comments on this, or any other, episode, please let me know. Be sure to subscribe to the podcast to hear more conversations with professionals in the video game, tabletop game, and fiction industries.
With over 40 years in game design, Lawrence Shick is an absolute wellspring of information and wisdom.He is one of the earliest people to work at TSR, joining the company in 1979. While there he published the well-known classic module "White Plume Mountain" as well as worked on core products like the original "Dungeon Masters Guide", "Deities and Demigods", and "Fiend Folio".
He made the move to computer games in 1982, joining Coleco Industries. Lawrence later went on to create games for ColecoVision, Atari 2600, and Intellivision systems. Over the years he has worked on a massive amount of digital games, ranging from working at MicroProse with Sid Meier, to working as Executive Director of Interactive Entertainment at America Online. In 2009 he joined ZeniMax Online Studios to work on The Elder Scrolls Online, where he eventually ended up as Lead Loremaster.
These days he serves as Narrative Design Expert at Larian Studios, working on Baldur's Gate 3. He fills his free time with writing historical fiction under the name Lawrence Ellsworth.
Enjoy!
Find Lawrence Schick at:
-> Historical Fiction as Lawrence Ellsworth: https://swashbucklingadventure.net/
-> Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100013620939701
-> Facebook as Lawrence Ellsworth: https://www.facebook.com/lawrence.ellsworth.1
Find The Corner of Story and Game at:
-> Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/storyandgame
-> Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecornerofstoryandgame/
-> Twitter: https://twitter.com/StoryAndGame
-> Email: gerald@storyandgame.com
If you have any questions or comments on this, or any other, episode, please let me know. Be sure to subscribe to the podcast to hear more conversations with professionals in the video game, tabletop game, and fiction industries.
Things mentioned in this episode:
- Musketeer novels being serialized in weekly episodes: https://musketeerscycle.substack.com/
- Howard Andrew Jones' Ring-Sworn series: https://www.howardandrewjones.com/
One of the giants of the tabletop role-playing industry, Wolfgang Baur, joins me today at The Corner of Story and Game. Wolfgang has an extensive list of products he has worked on for many companies - starting out at TSR in 1991.
He has served as editor on both Dungeon Magazine and Dragon Magazine, was involved in Planescape and Al-Qadim, and created numerous other products while at TSR. Outside of Dungeons and Dragons, he has contributed to such big-name properties as Magic: The Gathering, Pokemon, Legend of the Five Rings, and Pathfinder. These days he is busy running Kobold Press, publishing quality products on a regular basis.
We talk about everything from the challenge of naming things, to editing at the magazines, to running Kobold Press, and so much more. (*Note, this interview took place early in December, prior to the passing of the incredible Kim Mohan - who comes up in one of Wolfgang's anecdotes.)
Enjoy!
Find Wolfgang Baur at:
-> Kobold Press: https://koboldpress.com/
-> Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wolfgang.baur/
-> Twitter: https://twitter.com/monkeyking
-> Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wolfgang.baur
Find The Corner of Story and Game at:
-> Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/storyandgame
-> Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecornerofstoryandgame/
-> Twitter: https://twitter.com/StoryAndGame
-> Email: gerald@storyandgame.com
If you have any questions or comments on this, or any other, episode, please let me know. Be sure to subscribe to the podcast to hear more conversations with professionals in the video game, tabletop game, and fiction industries.
Live streaming veteran Eric Campbell joins me today at The Corner of Story and Game. Eric is a writer, producer, actor, game master, and digital content creator who is currently focusing on tabletop roleplaying games. He started out his professional writing career working for Felicia Day, eventually becoming the Director of Development for Geek & Sundry up until 2019.
Eric has been running games for over two decades and has been fortunate to run a wide variety of games online. Amongst others, this includes Shield of Tomorrow (Star Trek), a Doctor Who campaign, and Callisto 6. He is co-founder of The Streampunks RPG Group and hosts his own Twitch channel where he talks with chat and plays various games.
Our conversation wanders from what it has been like being in the live play scene, key advice for gamers and gamemasters alike, and the overwhelming power of "just play"!
Enjoy!
Find Eric Campbell at:
-> Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/16biteric
-> Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/16biteric/
-> Twitter: https://twitter.com/16BitEric
Find The Corner of Story and Game at:
-> Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/storyandgame
-> Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecornerofstoryandgame/
-> Twitter: https://twitter.com/StoryAndGame
-> Email: gerald@storyandgame.com
If you have any questions or comments on this, or any other, episode, please let me know. Be sure to subscribe to the podcast to hear more conversations with professionals in the video game, tabletop game, and fiction industries.
Our old friend Jim Zub joins me today at The Corner of Story and Game. Jim is best known for his work in the comic book industry, which he has been creating since he self-published Makeshift Miracle in 2001. Over the past 21 years, he has created a vast library of titles ranging from creator-owned books like Wayward, Skullkickers, Glitterbomb, and Stone Star - to big-name properties such as Samurai Jack, Dungeons and Dragons, Pathfinder, Uncanny Avengers, Wolverine, and even a Rick and Morty / D&D crossover. These days Jim has so many books in the works that it is hard to keep up, but I'm pretty sure there is a Conan title in there, as well as another Rick and Morty book (this time with Cthulu!).
This conversation actually turned into a two-parter, as we wandered pretty far down the rabbit hole of writing craft, industry practices, maintaining relationships, and so much more. The next time Jim and I sit down, we will dive into gaming and writing for games (and talk more about Jim's TED talk.)
Enjoy!
Find Jim Zub at:
-> Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jimzub
-> Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jim_zub/
-> Twitter: https://twitter.com/JimZub
-> Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/jimzub
-> Website: http://www.jimzub.com/
Find The Corner of Story and Game at:
-> Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/storyandgame
-> Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecornerofstoryandgame/
-> Twitter: https://twitter.com/StoryAndGame
-> Email: gerald@storyandgame.com
If you have any questions or comments on this, or any other, episode, please let me know. Be sure to subscribe to the podcast to hear more conversations with professionals in the video game, tabletop game, and fiction industries.
Our guest this week at The Corner of Story and Game is David "Zeb" Cook. What is there left to say about Zeb? This is the man who created Planescape, was the lead designer on AD&D 2nd Edition, and created numerous other non-D&D games. In 1994, he departed from TSR and ventured into digital games, most recently working as a designer at ZeniMax Online Studios on the expansive The Elder Scrolls Online.
Zeb was kind enough to take a break from his retirement to venture down memory lane and share some of the wisdom he has picked up in his decades of crafting games. There is a lot of great advice here, from making sure your writing fits the setting of an established IP, to ensuring you tell the story you are passionate about. And of course, I have to pick his brain on Planescape!
Find The Corner of Story and Game:
-> Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/storyandgame
-> Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecornerofstoryandgame/
-> Twitter: https://twitter.com/StoryAndGame
-> Email: gerald@storyandgame.com
If you have any questions or comments on this, or any other, episode, please let me know. Be sure to subscribe to the podcast to hear more conversations with professionals in the video game, tabletop game, and fiction industries.
Our guest this week at The Corner of Story and Game is Amanda Cherry - a Seattle-based author of science fiction, speculative fiction, and urban fantasy. Her extensive background in theatre, both in production and acting, as well as screen acting, makes her perfect to chat with about how performative skills impact fiction craft. She is also an avid gamer (and self-described "massive nerd") who recently started to appear on the Dungeons Scrawlers streamed live play.
Amanda co-wrote the superhero (supervillain?) novella Femmes Fatale with Erik Scott de Bie, and shares her insights into the process of writing with a partner. Be sure to check out their book when it hits the shelves on November 15th! If you are in the area, they will be doing a reading at Main St. Books in Monroe, Washington on November 18th, and again at The Book Rack in Friday Harbour, Washington on November 19th.
Amanda can be found:
-> Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheGingerVillain/
-> Twitter: https://twitter.com/MandaTheGinger
-> TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mandatheginger
-> Discord: @mandatheginer
-> Website: https://www.thegingervillain.com/
Find The Corner of Story and Game:
-> Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/storyandgame
-> Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecornerofstoryandgame/
-> Twitter: https://twitter.com/StoryAndGame
-> Email: gerald@storyandgame.com
If you have any questions or comments on this, or any other, episode, please let me know. Be sure to subscribe to the podcast to hear more conversations with professionals in the video game, tabletop game, and fiction industries.
We have fantasy royalty in the room this week at The Corner of Story and Game! Margaret Weis graciously took the time to sit down and share stories about her journey as a writer, some writing craft tips, and her insights from her career.
Margaret joined TSR in 1984 as a book editor and would be a part of the team that brought Dragonlance into the world. Along with Tracy Hickman, she has penned almost two dozen novels in the Dragonlance setting, with more still coming out in the near future.
She is also the author/co-author of several other New York Times best-selling series, including Darksword, Rose of the Prophet, Star of the Guardians, The Deathgate Cycle, and Dragonships. Weis and her daughter, Lizz, have written two paranormal romance novels and working with Robert Krammes she has created two fantasy trilogies.
If you have any questions or comments on this, or any other, episode, please let me know. Be sure to subscribe to the podcast to hear more conversations with professionals in the video game, tabletop game, and fiction industries.
Margaret can be found:
-> Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/margaret.weis/
-> Twitter: https://twitter.com/WeisMargaret
-> Website: https://margaretweis.com/
Find The Corner of Story and Game:
-> Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/storyandgame
-> Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecornerofstoryandgame/
-> Twitter: https://twitter.com/StoryAndGame
-> Email: gerald@storyandgame.com
This week at The Corner of Story and Game, the ever-entertaining Erik Scott de Bie steals the seat by the fire and talks my ear off. This guy sure can weave a tale, and he shares his history, wisdom, and insights in writing novels for Forgotten Realms, running a live-stream game, and more.
Erik is a fantasy author, game designer, and technical writer. He has written a number of books and stories in the Forgotten Realms setting, as well as numerous other standalone and tie-in novels. Erik is also an avid gamer and is one of the creators and players on the twitch live-play channel Dungeon Scrawlers.
If you have any questions or comments on this, or any other, episode, please let me know. Be sure to subscribe to the podcast to hear more conversations with professionals in the video game, tabletop game, and fiction industries.
Erik can be found:
-> Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Erik.S.deBie or https://www.facebook.com/erikscottdebie
-> Twitter: https://twitter.com/erikscottdebie
-> Dungeon Scrawlers: https://www.twitch.tv/dungeonscrawlers
-> Website: https://erikscottdebie.com/
-> Femmes Fatal: https://www.defconone.com/book/femmes-fatale/
Find The Corner of Story and Game:
-> Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/storyandgame
-> Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecornerofstoryandgame/
-> Twitter: https://twitter.com/StoryAndGame
-> Email: gerald@storyandgame.com
Other items mentioned in this podcast:
-> Archvillian Games: https://archvillaingames.com/
-> Basil and Moebius Setting: https://www.magnetic-press.com/basil-and-moebius/
We're back with a new publication schedule! The Corner of Story and Game will now be coming to you every Thursday morning, so be sure to hit that Subscribe button.
This week I sit down with Bruce Nesmith to discuss what he has learned from his lifelong career in game design as well as what it is like moving into novel writing in his "retirement" years.
For those who don't know, Bruce started out in tabletop RPG design at TSR. He worked on MANY different products, but most notable (to me anyway) was his early involvement in the Ravenloft setting. In 1995 he made the switch to computer games by joining Bethesda Game Studios to work on Elder Scrolls II: Daggerfall. He remained with Bethesda until recently, working on Oblivion, The Shivering Isles, and being the lead designer on Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim.
Most recently, he has ventured into novel writing, with his debut novel being Mischief Maker: Norse Mythology Reimagined. He followed that up with Odin's Escape and is working on the third novel in the series.
If you have any questions or comments on this, or any other, episode, please let me know. Be sure to subscribe to the podcast to hear more conversations with professionals in the video game, tabletop game, and fiction industries.
Bruce can be found:
-> Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100065304827763
-> Amazon: https://www.amazon.ca/Bruce-Nesmith/e/B08YKG3DM4
And his newest novel can be found at https://read.amazon.ca/kp/embed?asin=B09Z9GBG69&preview=newtab&linkCode=kpe&ref_=cm_sw_r_kb_dp_6ZBCYY46TGD8GDYZCVNA
Find The Corner of Story and Game:
-> Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/storyandgame
-> Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecornerofstoryandgame/
-> Twitter: https://twitter.com/StoryAndGame
-> Email: gerald@storyandgame.com
Back in September, just prior to him taking a new position at Zenimax working on Elder Scrolls Online, Jeff Grubb was kind enough to sit down and chat craft with me. This is the man that helped create the Planes as we know them, ushered Spelljamming into the gaming world, and assisted with the births of both Forgotten Realms and Dragonlance!
He has written many, many novels, short stories, and comics - and has been working in video games for decades. His computer game work has been for studios such as Strategic Simulations, ArenaNet (working on Guild Wars), Amazon, and now Zenimax.
In this episode, Jeff shares insights into his creative processes, how working in shared worlds can be both challenging and rewarding, and the simple fact that his wife is a genius.
Be sure to subscribe to the podcast to hear more conversations with professionals in the video game, tabletop game, and fiction industries.
Jeff can be found:
-> Twitter: https://twitter.com/GrubbsTweet
-> Website: http://grubbstreet.blogspot.com/
Find The Corner of Story and Game:
-> Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/storyandgame
-> Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecornerofstoryandgame/
-> Twitter: https://twitter.com/StoryAndGame
-> Email: gerald@storyandgame.com
While the goal of this podcast is to talk with industry insiders and veterans, it's important to take a step back and talk to folks outside of the major industries. In this episode, I talk with Caitlin McVicker, an experienced copywriter who is hoping to someday make the jump from writing for marketing into narrative design. We discuss what drives her to pursue writing for video games, some of her interests and inspirations, and what she is doing to hone her skills for that big break.
Be sure to subscribe to the podcast to hear more conversations with professionals in the video game, tabletop game, and fiction industries.
Caitlin can be found:
-> LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/caitlin-mcvicker/
Find The Corner of Story and Game:
-> Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/storyandgame
-> Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecornerofstoryandgame/
-> Twitter: https://twitter.com/StoryAndGame
-> Email: gerald@storyandgame.com
Drew Karpyshyn has had an incredible writing career! His video game credits range from Lead Writer on the first two Mass Effect games, Senior Writer on Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic, and numerous other titles. He is now working at Archetype Entertainment, a video game studio division of Wizards of the Coast.
He has also penned novels in the Forgotten Realms and Mass Effect worlds as well as his own original series, the Chaos Born trilogy. Recently he ran a successful Kickstarter for his contemporary sci-fi book, Time Kings of Las Vegas.
In this episode, Drew shares his insights and processes in the craft of writing as well as some of the lessons he has learned the hard way over the years.
Be sure to subscribe to the podcast to hear more conversations with professionals in the video game, tabletop game, and fiction industries.
Drew can be found:
-> Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Drew-Karpyshyn-Author-Page-104591192254854
-> Twitter: https://twitter.com/DrewKarpyshyn
-> Website: http://drewkarpyshyn.com/
Find The Corner of Story and Game:
-> Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/storyandgame
-> Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecornerofstoryandgame/
-> Twitter: https://twitter.com/StoryAndGame
-> Email: gerald@storyandgame.com
Currently working at Beamdog in Edmonton, but has an illustrious history in novels, short stories, tabletop roleplaying games, and magazine editing! He edited Dungeon Adventures, Dragon Magazine, Star Wars Insider, and Amazing Stories - and has written fiction for both Dungeons & Dragons and Pathfinder. We sit down and chat about everything from writing dialogue and finding creative inspiration to Dave's favourite drink and the best movies for a gamer to watch.
Be sure to subscribe to the podcast to hear more conversations with professionals in the video game, tabletop game, and fiction industries.
Dave can be found:
-> Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Frabjousdave
-> Twitter: https://twitter.com/frabjousdave
-> Website: http://frabjousdave.com/
And be sure to check out Mythforce from Beamdog!
Find The Corner of Story and Game:
-> Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/storyandgame
-> Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecornerofstoryandgame/
-> Twitter: https://twitter.com/StoryAndGame
-> Email: gerald@storyandgame.com
Gavan Brown fell in love with board games over a friendly game of Carcassonne and has been making games ever since. As an owner, creative director, and game designer at Roxley Games, he has been involved with the creation or publication of a dozen different board games - and has many more designs in his workshop. With a background in branding and package design, he offers an unusual perspective on both the board game industry and the creative process behind game creation.
Pre-order Skyrise here -> https://skyrise.backerkit.com/hosted_preorders
Be sure to subscribe to the podcast to hear more conversations with professionals in the video game, tabletop game, and fiction industries.
Roxley Games can be found:
-> Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/roxleygames
-> Twitter: https://www.facebook.com/roxleygames
-> Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/roxleygames/
-> Website: https://roxley.com/
Find The Corner of Story and Game:
-> Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/storyandgame
-> Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecornerofstoryandgame/
-> Twitter: https://twitter.com/StoryAndGame
-> Email: gerald@storyandgame.com
Rod Oracheski has been gaming since the Atari 2600 days and has been a game reviewer and journalist for decades. In between trading insults and jabs, we take a trip down memory lane and talk about the games that have entertained and influenced us.
Be sure to subscribe to the podcast to hear more conversations with professionals in the video game, tabletop game, and fiction industries.
Rod can be found:
-> Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AntiMacroGaming
-> Twitter: https://twitter.com/AntiMacro
-> TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@rod_oracheski
Find The Corner of Story and Game:
-> Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/storyandgame
-> Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecornerofstoryandgame/
-> Twitter: https://twitter.com/StoryAndGame
-> Email: gerald@storyandgame.com
Brent Knowles is best known for his work at BioWare, where he was a game designer for 10 years - most of that time as a Lead Designer/Creative Director. He has also worked as project manager/director at Beamdog, as well as served as Senior Technical Lead for the Centre for Innovative Media at NAIT. These days Brent can be found furiously hammering away at tabletop game design for his own company Runic Tales Inc., crafting the upcoming Raiders of the Serpent Sea for Arcanum Worlds. He is an accomplished short story writer as well - including published work in Alberta's own OnSpec.
In this episode, Brent shares tales of his time at both BioWare and Beamdog, insights into both his creative and technical processes, and what he is working on these days.
Be sure to subscribe to the podcast to hear more conversations with professionals in the video game, tabletop game, and fiction industries.
Brent can be found:
-> Website: http://blog.brentknowles.com
-> Twitter: https://twitter.com/Brent_Knowles
AND his new project, Raiders of the Serpent Sea, is still available for pre-order HERE
Find The Corner of Story and Game:
-> Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/storyandgame
-> Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecornerofstoryandgame/
-> Twitter: https://twitter.com/StoryAndGame
-> Email: gerald@storyandgame.com
Matt Forbeck is equally at home writing fiction as he is designing game systems, which makes him perfect to sit down and chat story craft with! He is an award-winning author and game designer, working not only with novels and tabletop RPGs, but also with pick-a-path books, board games, video games, comic books, and screenplays. His list of credits is far too long to list, but he has created content for properties such as Halo, Dungeons and Dragons, Star Wars, and dozens more.
In this episode, Matt chats with me about his career journey, the different methods he uses for writing fiction versus game products, and his work with the Diana Jones Award. (*This episode was recorded prior to the Diana Jones Award becoming a non-profit, and the announcement of the Emerging Designer winner, momatoes. Congratulations!)
Be sure to subscribe to the podcast to hear more conversations with professionals in the video game, tabletop game, and fiction industries.
Matt can be found:
-> Website: https://www.forbeck.com
-> Twitter: https://twitter.com/mforbeck
-> Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/forbeck
Find The Corner of Story and Game:
-> Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/storyandgame
-> Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecornerofstoryandgame/
-> Twitter: https://twitter.com/StoryAndGame
-> Email: gerald@storyandgame.com
Our very first episode features Becka Grose, a Master of Arts student in Digital Humanities, with her current research focusing on Games Studies. As a researcher, she has a unique point of view on stories in video games – and as a fellow gamer, she has some fun stories and insights.
Be sure to subscribe to the podcast to hear more conversations with professionals in the video game, tabletop game, and fiction industries.
Becka can be found here
-> https://www.facebook.com/benditlikebecka
-> https://www.instagram.com/benditlikebecka
Find The Corner of Story and Game:
-> Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/storyandgame
-> Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecornerofstoryandgame/
-> Twitter: https://twitter.com/StoryAndGame
-> Email: gerald@storyandgame.com
Let's kick this podcast off!
The Corner of Story and Game aims to speak with professionals from various gaming and fiction industries in the hope of finding gems of wisdom and entertaining stories. We are going to go digging for useful insights from people who make their living creating stories for video games and fiction, and would love for you to come along.
Pull up a table by the fire, and join us at The Corner of Story and Game.
Find The Corner of Story and Game:
-> Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/storyandgame
-> Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecornerofstoryandgame/
-> Twitter: https://twitter.com/StoryAndGame
-> Email: gerald@storyandgame.com