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© Gerald Ford
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Stop in at The Corner of Story and Game to listen in on conversations by worldbuilders - gamers and writers. 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.
𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐂𝐨𝐫𝐧𝐞𝐫 𝐨𝐟 𝐒𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐲 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐆𝐚𝐦𝐞 is a podcast about the stories inside of games, the games that writers play, and the writers that create games.
Amongst other things, we sit down with people working in:
🎲 Boardgames
🎲 Videogames
🎲 Novels
🎲 Comic books
Suggestions and requests can be sent to gerald@storyandgame.com
𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐂𝐨𝐫𝐧𝐞𝐫 𝐨𝐟 𝐒𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐲 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐆𝐚𝐦𝐞 is a podcast about the stories inside of games, the games that writers play, and the writers that create games.
Amongst other things, we sit down with people working in:
🎲 Boardgames
🎲 Videogames
🎲 Novels
🎲 Comic books
Suggestions and requests can be sent to gerald@storyandgame.com
147 Episodes
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In this episode of The Corner of Story and Game, I'm joined by Chris Tran - a narrative designer, esports leader, educator, and creative strategist - for a rich conversation about building a resilient career grounded in values, adaptability, and community.Chris shares how his professional journey, from law school to esports management, and eventually narrative design, has been guided by empathy, mentorship, and the desire to create space for others. Together, we explore what it means to design a life that can withstand upheaval, thrive through change, and stay aligned with your creative core.🎯 Topics Include:How storytelling frameworks can shape career decisionsNavigating pivots across disciplines and rolesMentorship as a narrative and professional toolHuman-centered design in games and leadershipDesigning a career that reflects your personal values👤 Guest: Chris Tran, narrative designer, former Head of Esports (SEA, Hong Kong, Taiwan), and mentor/strategist with a focus on education and inclusive design📌 Perfect for: Narrative designers, creative professionals, career changers, and anyone building a values-driven path in the game industry.Where to find Chris:Website: https://www.christran.gg/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrisltran/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ChrisTranCoachBluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/ctcoach.bsky.socialThe Corner of Story and Game:DiscordFacebookInstagramBlueskyLinkedInEmail: gerald@storyandgame.com#WritingForGames #NarrativeDesign #CreativeCareerDesign #StorytellingInGames #EsportsNarrative #MentorshipMatters #GameDevLife #CareerPivot #TheCornerOfStoryAndGamePodcast #ChrisTran
In this episode of The Corner of Story and Game, returning guest Scott Rogers -- game designer, author, and educator -- joins us for a deep dive into the power of prototyping. From his roots in video games to his current focus on board game design, Scott shares how early testing and iteration drive creative clarity, strengthen pitches, and shape player experience.Together, we explore how functional and attractive prototypes are not just tools for refinement, but essential components of storytelling, development, and even day-to-day creative thinking. Whether you’re building your first board game or designing narrative systems for digital worlds, this episode offers valuable lessons on starting early, testing often, and learning fast.🎯 Topics Include:Why prototyping is a storytelling toolLessons from translating ideas into testable formatsMaking prototypes pitch-readyThe emotional value of hands-on iterationHow prototyping influences creative thinking beyond games👤 Guest: Scott Rogers, Game designer (God of War, Pac-Man World), author (Level Up!, Swipe This!), and instructor at the New York Film Academy📌 Perfect for: Narrative designers, indie creators, game developers, and anyone exploring how structure and experimentation shape creative identity.Where to find Scott:Website: https://mightybedbug.blogspot.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scottrogersdesigner/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ScottRogersDesignerInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/mightybedbug/Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/scottrogers.bsky.socialThe Corner of Story and Game:DiscordFacebookInstagramBlueskyLinkedInEmail: gerald@storyandgame.com#WritingForGames #GameNarrativeCraft #GameDesign #NarrativeDesign #GamePrototyping #BoardGameDesign #CreativeProcess #TheCornerOfStoryAndGamePodcast #IndieDev #BuildPlayIterate #ScottRogers
In this episode of The Corner of Story and Game, we sit down with Winter Mullenix and Tormod MacLean to explore what it really means to tell stories in open-world, player-driven spaces. Together, we dig into the challenges and opportunities of crafting narrative in sandbox MMOs, where story doesn’t come from scripted quests alone, but from the players themselves.Winter and Tormod share insights from their work on large-scale projects, unpacking how narrative design can survive (and even thrive) in worlds defined by freedom.Whether you're building your first open-world game or looking for ways to weave narrative meaning into systems-driven experiences, this episode will help you think differently about what “story” really means in a sandbox MMO.Where to find Winter & Tormod:LinkedIn (Winter): https://www.linkedin.com/in/wintermullenix/LinkedIn (Tormod): https://www.linkedin.com/in/tormod-maclean-6b230012/EVE Online: https://www.eveonline.com/The Corner of Story and Game:DiscordFacebookInstagramBlueskyLinkedInEmail: gerald@storyandgame.com#NarrativeDesign #GameWriting #MMORPG #SandboxGames #OpenWorldDesign #EmergentStorytelling #GameDevelopment #StoryInGames #PlayerAgency #InteractiveNarrative #GameDesign #StorytellingInGames #TheCornerOfStoryAndGame #IndieDev #SystemsDesign #WritingForGames #BuildingWorlds #GameNarrative #NarrativeCraft #WorldBuilding
In this episode of The Corner of Story and Game, we sit down with Sagar Beroshi, Principal Narrative Designer at The Chinese Room. Together, we unpack what it really means to write horror when you're working without a blockbuster budget, and why narrative constraints can be an unexpected ally.Sagar shares the realities of writing in a system where your cutscene might get cut, your VO might vanish, and your fallback might be a single line of environmental text. But through all of it, one thing remains: the emotional core of fear and the creativity it takes to build it.From writing on a sliding scale of scope, to finding horror in humanity, to surviving the cascade of shifting narrative tools, this conversation is packed with wisdom for game writers navigating the edge between ambition and reality.Whether you're working on your first indie horror game or juggling narrative priorities in a larger production pipeline, this one’s for you.Where to find Sagar:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sagarberoshi/The Chinese Room: https://www.thechineseroom.co.uk/Website: https://www.hellosagar.com/The Corner of Story and Game:DiscordFacebookInstagramBlueskyLinkedInEmail: gerald@storyandgame.com#GameWriting #NarrativeDesign #HorrorGames #GameDev #StorytellingInGames #IndieDev #WritingForGames #NarrativeTools #EmotionalStorytelling #GameNarrative #CreativeConstraints #MakingGames #EnvironmentalStorytelling #PlayerExperience #HorrorNarrative #NarrativeCraft #VoiceAndTone #NoCutsceneNoProblem #DesigningFear #GamesThatHaunt
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 mediaThis 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.Where to find Joshua:Time Sensitive: https://timesensitive.strangelandcomics.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshuarubinwriter/BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/subversiverse.bsky.socialOrion Drift Discord: discord.gg/oriondriftThe Corner of Story and Game:DiscordFacebookInstagramBlueskyLinkedInEmail: 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 freedomWhat must stay stable when stories cross formatsLessons from AAA games, TTRPGs, and comicsHow to guide a team through narrative complexityThe role of ambiguity in worldbuildingWhere to find Jesse:Dead Money (pre-order on Backerkit): https://jdstudios.backerkit.com/hosted_preorders Substack: https://jessescoble.substack.com/publish/homeLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessescoble/BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/jscoble.bsky.socialNewsletter: https://buttondown.com/Jesse_ScobleThe Corner of Story and Game:DiscordFacebookInstagramBlueskyLinkedInEmail: 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.Why starting small doesn’t mean giving up story.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.socialThe Corner of Story and Game:DiscordFacebookInstagramBlueskyLinkedInEmail: 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 soundThe emotional logic behind leitmotifs and atmosphereCollaboration with game designers and narrative teamsTips for writing music that supports, rather than overshadows, gameplayWhy restraint and silence matter just as much as melodyWhether 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/GeneralReelLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nikitamalkomusic/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nikitamalkomusic/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@nikitamalkomusicFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100006399796886BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/nikitamalko.bsky.socialThe Corner of Story and Game:DiscordFacebookInstagramBlueskyLinkedInEmail: 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:DiscordFacebookInstagramBlueskyLinkedInEmail: 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 settingsThis 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:DiscordFacebookInstagramBlueskyLinkedInEmail: gerald@storyandgame.com#TheDungeonCocktailExperience #Worldbuilding #GameDesign #NarrativeDesign #DungeonsAndDragons #TabletopRPG #DungeonMasterTips #StorytellingInGames #ImprovForGMs #PlayerEngagement #GameWriting #TTRPGDesign #TheCornerOfStoryAndGame #JesseTheiler
🎙 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/ianplynchQuesting: 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.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/mforbeck/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/forbeckLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/forbeck/The Diana Jones Award: https://www.dianajonesaward.org/The Marvel Multiverse RPG: https://www.marvel.com/rpgThe 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.comBluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/mariebilodeau.bsky.socialInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/glitterbomb.bilodeau/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mariebilodeauCan*Con – The Conference on Canadian Content in Speculative Arts and Literature: http://can-con.orgThe 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 storytellingWhether 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 TapasThe 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 toolDesigning challenges with visual hooksManaging emotional safety and creative riskWhy live audiences sharpen storytellingWhat makes a moment rewatchable, and why that mattersWhether 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-> Instagram-> BlueskyThe 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:-> Facebook-> Spectacular Disaster Factory-> LinkedInThe 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-> Facebook-> InstagramThe 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, tooWhether 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 2The 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 designsWhether 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 GamesThe 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
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