Character Documentation: Arachnid (Dirk Daniels)
Character design document for a video game antagonist modeled after Spiderman.
Narrative, UX, and Game Design Specs
Specs I have used/created to keep thorough records of characters, locations, game mechanics, animations, core loop wireframes, and related assets.
I like to ensure content documentation is clear, concise, and useful for cross-team collaboration.
Content Samples (Game Writing)
Game writing samples with linear paths or branching interactive choices.
Sample: Strategy Game Test
A sample campaign script and cinematic written for Age of Empires 2. Introduces the first battle of The War of the Roses.
Sample: Mystery/Horror
Can a murder mystery game foster empathy for people that use wheelchairs? That is the question one nonprofit gaming studio tried to answer. I wrote a murder mystery script for their game, "Changed".
I worked alongside 4 other writers to develop characters, storylines, and gameplay elements for this game. This particular script serves as an introduction to the game. The script introduced the characters and mystery, encouraged players to make morally grey choices with consequences, established a True-Detective style "Southern Swamp Gothic" tone, and fostered empathy through quick-time events.
I worked alongside 4 other writers to develop characters, storylines, and gameplay elements for this game. This particular script serves as an introduction to the game. The script introduced the characters and mystery, encouraged players to make morally grey choices with consequences, established a True-Detective style "Southern Swamp Gothic" tone, and fostered empathy through quick-time events.
Sample: Dragon Age Inquisition Writing Test (PDF)
A writing test for Bioware. The test asked writers to create an in-universe dramatic quest with morally grey player choices. I chose Dragon Age: Inquisition and focused on matching voices, settings, and tones.
Sample: Guardians of the Galaxy Writing Test
Writing test for an NDA-protected AAA project. I was instructed to write a Guardians of the Galaxy universe scene with a strong comedic tone, some dramatic moments, and a conditional choice.
I wrote a conversation between Drax and Starlord about Tony Stark's death in the MCU. I used the established dynamic between characters and the serious subject matter to strike a balance between strong comedic and light dramatic elements.
I did not know the limitations of the game engine for conditional choices. So, I chose to make the conditionals into personality-themed choices. My goal was to be cost and time-efficient for a theoretical missions team.
I wrote a conversation between Drax and Starlord about Tony Stark's death in the MCU. I used the established dynamic between characters and the serious subject matter to strike a balance between strong comedic and light dramatic elements.
I did not know the limitations of the game engine for conditional choices. So, I chose to make the conditionals into personality-themed choices. My goal was to be cost and time-efficient for a theoretical missions team.
Flavor Text and Barks. (Short-Form UX Copy)
Worldbuilding elements for games. I created codex entries, barks, ambient dialog, and related elements for some of my favorite titles. I love playing through games and matching the voice of an existing universe--while putting my own canon-appropriate twist on the lore.
Shipped Game Content Videos
Published game videos.
Sample: LGBTQ+ Rom-Com (Video)
Video playthrough of my LGBTQ+ interactive romance-comedy game. In Episode 7, the Pledge (Player) wakes up after almost sharing a steamy kiss with Sorority Sister Skylar (Love Interest). The Pledge wants to figure out exactly where she stands with her sexy, blonde, Viking-warrior-giraffe of a roommate--but the two women are too busy participating in Sigma Sorority's chaotic charity carwash to discuss what happened.
I was the narrative designer for this title. I was responsible for coming up with the original pitch, developing high-revenue paid choices, and supervising a contract writer to complete the story. Together, we executed an LGBTQ+ rom-com with a lot of heart.
As a supervisor, I worked to encourage my writer's creativity, helped them structure paid choices in a compelling manner, and edited scripts with one-liners and comedic scenarios. I also created a bank of funny one-liners for use during tight deadlines.
I was the narrative designer for this title. I was responsible for coming up with the original pitch, developing high-revenue paid choices, and supervising a contract writer to complete the story. Together, we executed an LGBTQ+ rom-com with a lot of heart.
As a supervisor, I worked to encourage my writer's creativity, helped them structure paid choices in a compelling manner, and edited scripts with one-liners and comedic scenarios. I also created a bank of funny one-liners for use during tight deadlines.
Sample: Historical RPG (Video)
Video playthrough of a historical romance, One Rogue at a Time.
This game became one of the most popular historical romances on the Chapters: Interactive app. I created the paid choices, adapted the book into a game format, and worked alongside a freelance writer to ship this game. I purposefully looked for a writer whose strengths differed from my own. This dynamic encouraged our team to think critically, pour our best selves into the product, and ship an extremely successful game.
This game became one of the most popular historical romances on the Chapters: Interactive app. I created the paid choices, adapted the book into a game format, and worked alongside a freelance writer to ship this game. I purposefully looked for a writer whose strengths differed from my own. This dynamic encouraged our team to think critically, pour our best selves into the product, and ship an extremely successful game.