🎙 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 dow...
Jun 28, 2025•36 min•Season 3Ep. 17
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....
May 17, 2025•37 min•Season 3Ep. 16
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 feedba...
May 13, 2025•39 min•Season 3Ep. 15
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 ...
May 03, 2025•50 min•Season 3Ep. 14
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 uni...
Apr 27, 2025•55 min•Season 3Ep. 13
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 es...
Apr 18, 2025•32 min•Season 3Ep. 12
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. 🕹️...
Apr 11, 2025•49 min•Season 3Ep. 11
How do you keep a character feeling human when players can change everything? In this episode of The Corner of Story and Game , I am joined by veteran narrative designer Emily Grace Buck for a masterclass in crafting emotionally authentic character arcs within branching RPG narratives. With experience spanning Telltale Games, EA DICE, and a lifetime in storytelling, Emily shares the tools, psychology, and hard-earned wisdom behind creating characters who feel real, even as their paths diverge wi...
Apr 04, 2025•40 min•Season 3Ep. 10
In this episode of The Corner of Story and Game , we dig into the gentle rhythm and thoughtful design of idle games with indie game developer Ayla Derrick . As the founder of Cave Bear Games, a studio built entirely by junior developers, Ayla brings a fresh and inclusive perspective to the gaming landscape. We explore Plantasia , Cave Bear’s debut title, a cozy solarpunk idle game that blends environmental restoration with low-pressure gameplay. Ayla shares insights into designing games for acce...
Mar 28, 2025•34 min•Season 3Ep. 9
In this episode of The Corner of Story and Game , I welcome back narrative designer and comic book writer Kelly Bender for a deep-dive into one of the most crucial skills in storytelling: finding your voice, and your characters' voices! Kelly shares stories from his early days running creative programs for kids, to building dynamic characters in digital games and comics. Whether you’re a narrative designer, an aspiring writer, or just a fan of character-driven storytelling, this conversation off...
Mar 21, 2025•45 min•Season 3Ep. 8
In this episode of The Corner of Story and Game , I sit down with Whitney Beltrán , a talented narrative designer and writer with deep expertise in myth-inspired storytelling. We dive into the fascinating intersection of mythology and games , exploring how mythic narratives resonate with players on a psychological level. Whitney shares insights on how myths serve as mirrors for self-discovery, personal growth, and identity exploration . We also touch on the importance of creating immersive, emot...
Mar 14, 2025•34 min•Season 3Ep. 7
In this episode of The Corner of Story and Game , we return to our exploration of the Lenses of Game Design , looking at the balance between two critical perspectives - Imagination and Elegance . Joining me is J. Isaac Gadient , a talented game designer whose work bridges narrative design, gameplay mechanics, and immersive world-building . Together, we break down how Imagination fuels creativity and world-building, while Elegance ensures clarity, simplicity, and engaging playability. How do desi...
Mar 07, 2025•49 min•Season 3Ep. 6
In this episode of The Corner of Story and Game , we’re joined by Christie Golden , a master of Transmedia Storytelling . Christie has penned some of the most beloved narratives in World of Warcraft , Star Wars , and Halo , and in this episode, she shares her expertise in crafting stories that span across games, books, and other forms of media. We explore how interconnected worlds can deepen fan engagement and expand the reach of storytelling, from video game quests to novels and comics . Christ...
Feb 28, 2025•48 min•Season 3Ep. 5
In this episode of The Corner of Story and Game , we’re diving deep into environmental storytelling with game design veteran Will Shen. Will, a lead designer at Unknown Worlds Entertainment, shares his wealth of experience in open-world narrative design, from his time working on Starfield and Skyrim to his current role. We explore how the environment itself can tell a story, adding layers of depth and history to the player’s experience. Will discusses the crucial elements of level design, pacing...
Feb 21, 2025•27 min•Season 3Ep. 4
How can games make us feel something real ? In this episode of The Corner of Story and Game , we sit down with Kelly Bender , Lead Narrative Designer, to explore the powerful fusion of storytelling and gameplay mechanics . From high-stakes boss battles to subtle emotional beats, we break down how narrative and game design can work together to create unforgettable player experiences. Kelly shares insights from his career , examples of strong emotional moments in games, and techniques designers ca...
Feb 15, 2025•47 min•Season 3Ep. 3
How do you design a game where the player's choices truly shape the story? In this episode of The Corner of Story and Game , we sit down with Ryan Kaufman , veteran narrative designer behind The Walking Dead and The Wolf Among Us , to break down the mechanics of player-driven storytelling . We discuss: 🔥 The challenges of balancing player agency and narrative structure 🧠 How theme and tone shape branching stories 🎭 The role of character development in interactive narratives 🔍 Tools and techn...
Feb 07, 2025•25 min•Season 3Ep. 2
We're back with Season Three ! In this season opener, we dive deep into the relationship between UI/UX design and storytelling with Kat Craig , a talented UI/UX designer who has contributed to some major titles in the gaming world. Kat walks us through her career journey—from graphic design to breaking into the gaming industry—and shares how the user interface and user experience impact player immersion, engagement, and emotional connection to the game’s narrative. We discuss the importance of c...
Jan 31, 2025•28 min•Season 3Ep. 1
🎙️ The Wizard and His Crystal Ball: Looking Ahead to 2025 In the season finale of The Corner of Story and Game , we welcome back Willem Delventhal, the energetic founder of the Indie Game Academy. With 2025 on the horizon, Willem unveils his crystal ball to explore emerging trends in the gaming world, including the rise of AAA-lite titles, the future of user-generated content (UGC), and the push for inclusivity in storytelling. 💡 Willem also shares updates from the Indie Game Academy and the b...
Dec 31, 2024•35 min•Season 2Ep. 69
🎲 The Dice Decide 🎥 This week, Joseph Adams joins us to dive into the art of storytelling in tabletop role-playing games. As the creator of The Dice Decide , a cinematic D&D actual-play series, Joe shares his journey from cinematographer to Dungeon Master and community builder. We explore: How Joe combined his passion for filmmaking and TTRPGs. The creative process behind crafting immersive worlds and characters. Challenges and triumphs of producing a high-quality live-play show. Why story...
Dec 24, 2024•53 min•Season 2Ep. 68
Welcome back, to The Corner of Story and Game . In this episode we chat about game design philosophy with Lauren Bond , Senior Narrative Game Designer at Wizards of the Coast. We explore two fascinating lenses from Jesse Schell's The Art of Game Design : the Lens of Expected Value and the Lens of Chance. Lauren shares how these lenses influence her approach to worldbuilding, how randomness can enhance gameplay, and how to create meaningful player interactions through thoughtful design. From bala...
Dec 20, 2024•47 min•Season 2Ep. 67
Welcome back to The Corner of Story and Game. In this episode, we dive deep into the power of curiosity with Dan Felder , Game Design Director at Sky Castle Studios. With a rich career spanning Riot Games , Blizzard , and EA , Dan shares how curiosity serves as the cornerstone of effective game design and storytelling. From exploring how curiosity keeps players engaged to mastering the balance between tension and intrigue, Dan delivers invaluable insights for game designers, DMs, and storyteller...
Dec 17, 2024•1 hr 23 min•Season 2Ep. 66
Welcome back to The Corner of Story and Game. In this episode, we dive deep into the intersection of storytelling, game development, and marketing with the talented Galen Scorer, a seasoned expert in crafting compelling narratives that resonate with players. Galen shares insights on why marketing should be integrated into the development process from the very beginning, how to connect with your audience emotionally, and the secrets behind creating trailers and promotional materials that captivat...
Dec 13, 2024•44 min•Season 2Ep. 65
Welcome back to The Corner of Story and Game. In this episode, we dive deep into the complexities of rewards and punishments in gameplay design with Alexander Brazie. From the grand scale of progression loops to the nuanced moment-to-moment decision-making, Alex shares insights into how players’ intrinsic and extrinsic motivations drive their engagement and mastery in games. We explore: The anatomy of a gameplay loop and how rewards and punishments shape player behaviour. How game designers can ...
Dec 06, 2024•1 hr 15 min•Season 2Ep. 64
Welcome back to The Corner of Story and Game. In this episode, we sit down with Greg Tito, an author, screenwriter, and producer who served as Communications Manager for Dungeons & Dragons and remains a key figure in live-streamed tabletop gaming. Greg has a unique perspective on blending live events, storytelling, and the gaming experience, making this conversation a must-listen for fans of both tabletop and digital game design. We dive deep into the magic of creating immersive live events,...
Dec 03, 2024•1 hr 13 min•Season 2Ep. 63
Welcome back to The Corner of Story and Game. In this episode we sit down with Jason Kingsley, co-founder of Rebellion Developments and an accomplished storyteller with a deep passion for history. Jason’s unique approach to game design blends historical research with narrative creativity. In this episode: - How historical moments and details inspire compelling narratives. - The balance between historical accuracy and creative freedom. - Jason’s personal experiences, including real-life jousting ...
Nov 27, 2024•1 hr 13 min•Season 2Ep. 62
Welcome back to The Corner of Story and Game ! In this episode I welcome back Richard Dansky, a prolific storyteller whose career spans video game narrative design, tabletop RPGs, and fiction writing. With contributions to iconic franchises like The Division , Splinter Cell , and Rainbow Six , and as the mastermind behind the 20th-anniversary edition of Wraith: The Oblivion , Richard brings unparalleled insights into the balance between creative perfection and practical deadlines. Join us as we ...
Nov 22, 2024•59 min•Season 2Ep. 61
Welcome back to The Corner of Story and Game ! In this episode, we’re joined by the brilliant Alina Pete —Canadian author, illustrator, game designer, and storyteller. Alina’s work masterfully blends Indigenous myths with modern narratives, creating a fresh perspective on storytelling that’s both rooted in tradition and forward-looking. What We Discuss: 🌟 The concept of Indigenous Futurism : What it means to imagine Indigenous people thriving in the future. 🌟 Challenges and opportunities in we...
Nov 16, 2024•41 min•Season 2Ep. 60
Welcome back to The Corner of Story and Game ! In this episode, we dive into the art of creating unforgettable NPCs (Non-Player Characters) with two-time Emmy Award-winning writer Cam Baity . With a rich career spanning animation, television, and video games—including work on Team America , SpongeBob SquarePants , and Astroneer —Cam shares his insights into building characters that resonate deeply with players and audiences alike. Together, we explore: 🔥 Key Elements of Memorable NPCs : What br...
Nov 12, 2024•44 min•Season 2Ep. 59
Welcome back to The Corner of Story and Game ! This time around, I get to sit down and chat with the legendary Joe Morrissey , a narrative design veteran with a career spanning iconic studios like Rockstar Games, Blizzard, and Sucker Punch. Known for his work on groundbreaking titles such as Diablo II , Infamous: Second Son , and Ghost of Tsushima , Joe dives deep into the art of crafting unforgettable game stories. Join us as we explore: Narrative Channels Explained : What they are, why they ma...
Nov 08, 2024•1 hr 17 min•Season 2Ep. 58
Welcome back to The Corner of Story and Game ! This time around, we are joined by John Ryan, an accomplished game writer and narrative designer. With extensive experience in the gaming industry, John brings invaluable insights into what it takes to build a successful writing career in game development. We'll explore the importance of strong writing foundations, the significance of curiosity in understanding the game-making process, and how to navigate feedback and personal identity in this ever-...
Nov 02, 2024•45 min•Season 2Ep. 57
