In the next episode of Dev to Dev – the podcast about everyday video game developers and why they do what they do every day – I sit down with Leamon Tuttle to explore how his path from philosophy student and artist led him to take on the position of “Loremaster” – a role rarely filled and easily mis-understood.

Leamon’s career in games is a masterclass in embracing the unexpected. A Maryland native who grew up surrounded by couch co-op classics like GoldenEye and Zelda, he followed his passions for Philosophy and Art before ultimately finding his place in game development.

Leamon initially pursued his dream of making games via an animation school, only to realize that the highly technical side of 3D modeling wasn’t for him. But that artistic training, combined with his academic background in philosophy, gave him a unique way of thinking about stories and ideas. When a QA opening at ZeniMax appeared, he took it as a chance to learn more about how games are made and potentially find his way into Concept Art.

Inside ZeniMax, Leamon’s gift for writing quickly became apparent. He began reviewing quests, collaborating with narrative designers, and learning how great stories are built from player interaction. Eventually, he joined the writing team and became a principal writer on major Elder Scrolls Online expansions before stepping into the role of Loremaster.

For Leamon, lore isn’t about limits – it’s about structure and opportunity. He describes how working within an established IP provides creative direction rather than restriction, and how his role often balances protecting canon with supporting gameplay innovation. He also reflects on games’ power to build communities, connect friends across decades, and tell stories that can make players think deeply about the world around them.

Leamon’s story is a testament to creative adaptability. From traditional artist to worldbuilder, his journey proves that every step – even the unexpected ones – can lead to meaningful storytelling. His time as Loremaster highlights the importance of blending narrative depth with interactivity, and the joy of crafting worlds that feel truly alive.

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Chapters

• (00:00:00 ) - Dev to Dev: Leeman Tuttle
• (00:00:54 ) - What First Got You Inspired By Video Games?
• (00:01:42 ) - The Legend of Zelda
• (00:03:09 ) - Growing Up An Indie Video Game Player
• (00:08:43 ) - How To Make a Video Game
• (00:13:09 ) - Making Videogames Was My Passion
• (00:14:53 ) - How To Break Into The Video Game Industry
• (00:17:54 ) - Limits to Video Game Development
• (00:20:41 ) - Getting your foot in the studio with ZeniMax QA
• (00:23:34 ) - Writing Was a Passion of Mine
• (00:25:46 ) - Writing Made in Video Games
• (00:28:19 ) - The Story of The Elder Scrolls Online
• (00:32:35 ) - The Elder Scrolls: Story Writing
• (00:34:58 ) - The Loremaster: Wasn't Planned
• (00:37:20 ) - The difference between the Principal Writer's Role and the Loremaster
• (00:40:13 ) - The Lorax: Constraints
• (00:47:53 ) - How Has Your Role Impact Your Gaming Life?
• (00:53:20 ) - "It's Healthy"
• (00:53:52 ) - Are You Able to Get Your Dad To Play Video Games?
• (00:56:11 ) - Lehman on 'Law and Order': A Personal Experience