Game Writers in the Trenches™ Series
Greetings IMD!
My name is Stephen Erin Dinehart, I like the intro Vince posted and figured I'd follow suite. The IMD is a pretty magical place and I'm sure it's only getting better. My focus, despite the encouragement to have a playcentric approach, was and is on original story-driven IP, transmedia, and narratology. Since leaving the IMD I've gone on to create a position at THQ worldwide called "Narrative Designer", and I'm glad to say the position has taken off. Since leaving THQ this summer I've been developing mobile social networking applications, transmedia IP, and free-to-play MMOs.
My online publication, The Narrative Design Exploratorium, is a recent incantation focusing on transmedia (cross-media), and the convergence of cinema and interactive media. Two series I've created might be of interest to those of you wanting to learn more about real-world game design and game writing.
Masters of Narrative Design™
While 'narrative design' is not a term in common usage, the design of story experiences is nothing new. As game developers are increasingly looking to create meaningful virtual narrative experiences, looking at the lessons learned by these masters becomes increasingly valuable. Bruce Block, USC prof, was one of the early candidates to interview.
http://www.narrativedesign.org/masters-of-narrative-design/
Game Writers in the Trenches™ Series
This, my newest, series focuses on game writers wrestling with game development to create meaningful interactive experiences. As game developers are increasingly looking to create meaningful virtual narrative experiences, listening to the real-world wisdom of these writers can help everyone on the development pipeline understand their trials, tribulations, and needs, in hopes of enabling them to do their job as they know best. Not so strangely the first two interviews have been with fellow Trojans.
http://www.narrativedesign.org/game-writers-in-the-trenches/
I hope some, or all, of you can find this a useful, free, resource for information and inspiration. I will be at this years Austin Game Developers conference, if you'd like to meet up to talk or just have some questions, feel free to contact me: stephen.dinehart@gmail.com
Break a leg!
