GAME WRITER HUSTLE: The Writing Test
Competition is fierce. Top videogame studios know there's a TON of talent out there vying for that dream game writer gig. (or, in these troubled times, ANY decent work) The solution? A little bit of controversial 'free labour' known as...the WRITING TEST. Now, I've been a game writer and interactive narrative guy since 1997. That's 23 YEARS. Let that sink in for a minute. And even with that slew of storytelling experience, heaps of professional accolades, high-level game writer recommendations, and some acclaimed self-created indie projects? I still get asked, more often than not these days, to 'audition'. Seriously. ..
COVENTRY: A World-Building and Branching Narrative Exercise (GAMES)
Building a world affords a certain creative freedom. You aren't forced to work within established boundaries or strict IP limitations. You can let the imagination run a little wild. You have a chance to throw stuff against the wall and see what sticks. And, quite often, you can incorporate factual research into the world building of a fictional space. Which means you might even learn a thing or two in the process.
TROPHY BINGO (Short Study #2)
When Trophy Bingo was originally presented to me by friends at Roadhouse Interactive, I wasn't sure how I could help; it's a mobile game targeted at middle-aged women who like dogs, have scads of free time, and consider bingo to be the epitome of 'fun'. Quite the challenge for a dude steeped in horror, sci-fi, and CATS...
A B.B. 'BLACK FRIDAY' BONANZA!
The whole 'Black Friday' thing creeps me out something fierce, and is right at the top of my list when it comes to proof of the imminent collapse of civilization. But I USED to be a certifiably crazy collector. A completist. So this post is for you, my fellow 'hunters' — for friends and fans who need to catch 'em all...
REIGNS: 7 Reasons Why It Works
I have a new obsession. By focusing on a dirt-simple style and interface, a slow-burn narrative with deceptive depth, clever mechanics, and intuitive design, REIGNS is a game that dares to be different. In my opinion, all of these risks have added up to an interactive narrative triumph. And in this piece, I'm going to try and understand why...
IRON MAIDEN: Excerpt!!!
Working hand in devil-horned hand with the digital alchemists at Roadhouse Interactive and the heavy metal legends IRON MAIDEN (!!!) I combed through decades of the band's lore, lyrics, and imagery to forge the high-concept story pitch and full-blown narrative treatment for this genre-busting and acclaimed action-RPG for iOS and Android...
PATTERNS = Memos from the Muse
In my creative and my personal life, I see patterns. Something as seemingly random as a rush hour commute with all-green-light intersections takes on prophetic business meaning...
ROADHOUSE INTERACTIVE
I was contracted for text/dialogue creation, cinematic scripts, and ongoing narrative design consultation for this Vancouver studio's diverse mobile game slate. Titles include action/sci-fi (WARHAMMER: Carnage), niche/casual (Trophy Bingo), and a celebrated global music/entertainment IP. (IRON MAIDEN: Legacy of the Beast)
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