Stephen E. Dinehart is transmedia designer, writer, artist and Interactive Narrative Design evangelist. He is currently Creative Director for independent game developer Narrware, LLC. focusing on the development of interactive narrative systems. His work as writer and narrative designer on THQ's "Company of Heroes" franchise lead him to be final Nominee for “Best Writing for a Game Production” for at the 2nd Annual Canadian Awards for the Electronic & Animated Arts (2007); the game won “Nokia Award for Outstanding Innovation in Gaming.” Stephen received his MFA in Interactive Media from the University of Southern California's School of Cinematic Arts in 2006, and his BFA in Digital Media from the College for Creative Studies (Detroit) in 2001. He is an active member of the International Game Developers Association, and the Writers Guild of America.
NarrWare recently launched The Narrative Designer's Network™ and with the help of the growing community we are creating a global movement. Here is a brief call to those which seek to change the face of game design.
When did military individuals start expecting the playing of strategic game systems, specifically war-games, to create narratives which can be used in real life? As a narrative designer and game maker I can't help but wonder.
Do we need gore in video games? Is there a reason for horror? Does it serve a social or psychological purpose? This post addresses potential answers to those questions, and suggests horror game makers have a meaningful place in our cultural lexicon.
For using The Seventh Seal image alone, I kiss your feet. My favorite player death was in Prey, you enter the spirit world and are able to hunt for more mana and health before you get sucked back into the world of the living.
Great insight Gabriel. I suppose it's like old writers adage write what you know. That said, some of the best work comes from novices treading on what's perceived to be sacred ground.
Playing it safe is no model for business anyone foolish enough to place their bets solely on the post-analysis of a competitors product is not a business man. You want to win big, you bet big and take chances. Competitive analysis is always prudent, but mimicry in a experimental medium ...
Holy huge numbers Leigh Congrats to Activision, and the whole team. So I would guestimate that translates to roughly 10 million units, gulp WOW. Though that number would not make sense with a mere 22 engaging in online play. Maybe it speaks to the power of single player campaigns Though ...
