#184: Narrative Designer Edwin McRae

Edwin McRae – www.edmcrae.com, edwin@edmcrae.com
Harrison Pink – @gilespink, harrisonpink@gmail.com
Dirk Knemeyer – @DKnemeyer

Description

In this episode, Harrison and Dirk speak with Edwin McRae, a narrative designer. They discuss the importance of the narrative line in game design and how it can keep game players engaged throughout a game with immersive details.

Episode Outline

• 00:14 Welcome Edwin
• 00:17 Edwin’s background
• 03:34 What is a narrative designer?
• 05:48 What processes or tools does Edwin use?
• 07:04 What is jigsaw storytelling?
• 08:26 What is Harrison’s background in narrative storytelling?
• 10:54 Information on Edwin’s work on Path of Exile
• 13:40 Edwin’s background in school and professionally
• 17:01 Edwin’s book writing on narrative design for indies
• 20:07 Advice to indies on hiring a narrative designer
• 23:09 What if someone is part way through developing and feels like the narrative is not right
• 27:27 How would a young writer get experience in game design?