PinnedA farewell note: Reflecting on five years with IGDA NYCFriends, I hope this New Year finds you safe and well. 2020 has been trying and tragic for many of us, and in 2021, we’re all eager for renewed energy and the potential for positive change. In this time of transition, I’m ready for something new. I determined some time…NYC6 min readNYC6 min read
Jan 4, 2021From the bar to the ice cream parlor: Hosting more inclusive professional meetupsBack in 2017, as IGDA NYC co-chair, I wrote this case study describing how we adopted a new format for social events, passing over the traditional game dev bar mixer in favor of an all-ages, alcohol-free alternative. I repost it here for posterity, and in anticipation of the day when…Community5 min readCommunity5 min read
Oct 21, 2020Lamplight City Narrative Commentary, Part 11: Bohemian attitudesThis is a series of spoiler-free (or -lite) transcripts from my portion of the Lamplight City developer commentary, which includes behind-the-scenes insights and anecdotes about the story writing and editing process. Start with Part 1. One of the things that sets Miles apart is what you might call his rather…Worldbuilding2 min readWorldbuilding2 min read
Jul 2, 2020Lamplight City Narrative Commentary, Part 10: The uses of steampunkThis is a series of spoiler-free (or -lite) transcripts from my portion of the Lamplight City developer commentary, which includes behind-the-scenes insights and anecdotes about the story writing and editing process. Start with Part 1. Steampunk played an important role in the worldbuilding and tone of our alternate Vespuccia. …Game Writing2 min readGame Writing2 min read
Jun 23, 2020Lamplight City Narrative Commentary, Part 9: Subtext!This is a series of spoiler-free (or -lite) transcripts from my portion of the Lamplight City developer commentary, which includes behind-the-scenes insights and anecdotes about the story writing and editing process. Start with Part 1. One of my constant refrains while working on this script was “don’t put the subtext…Game Writing2 min readGame Writing2 min read
Jun 3, 2020Lamplight City Narrative Commentary, Part 8: AnachronismsThis is a series of spoiler-free (or -lite) transcripts from my portion of the Lamplight City developer commentary, which includes behind-the-scenes insights and anecdotes about the story writing and editing process. Start with Part 1. I’m no historical expert, but I do try to keep an eye out for anachronisms…Game Writing4 min readGame Writing4 min read
May 21, 2020Lamplight City Narrative Commentary, Part 7: Punching bigotsThis is a series of spoiler-free (or -lite) transcripts from my portion of the Lamplight City developer commentary, which includes behind-the-scenes insights and anecdotes about the story writing and editing process. Start with Part 1. There are some moments where Miles witnesses racist comments and attitudes directed at his wife…Game Writing2 min readGame Writing2 min read
May 11, 2020Lamplight City Narrative Commentary, Part 6: The history of slavery in New BretagneThis is a series of spoiler-free (or -lite) transcripts from my portion of the Lamplight City developer commentary, which includes behind-the-scenes insights and anecdotes about the story writing and editing process. Start with Part 1. Early drafts of the script made a bigger deal of the status of slavery and…Game Writing2 min readGame Writing2 min read
May 5, 2020Lamplight City Narrative Commentary, Part 5: Gender-swappingThis is a series of spoiler-free (or -lite) transcripts from my portion of the Lamplight City developer commentary, which includes behind-the-scenes insights and anecdotes about the story writing and editing process. Start with Part 1. I. Gender-swapping Connie The character of Connie Upton — perhaps my favorite in the whole…Game Writing3 min readGame Writing3 min read
Apr 27, 2020Lamplight City Narrative Commentary, Part 4: Iterating Mrs. HanbrookThis is a series of spoiler-free (or -lite) transcripts from my portion of the Lamplight City developer commentary, which includes behind-the-scenes insights and anecdotes about the story writing and editing process. Start with Part 1. The proprietor of the flower shop, Cecilia Hanbrook, went through some significant character changes in…Game Writing2 min readGame Writing2 min read
