Heavy Lifting: Meta-Responsibilities of a Game Writer

Behold, the game writer’s fundamental paradox: Many people don’t play games for story, meaning game writers can’t assume universal interest in the game’s story and must write for multiple audiences.In no other media does a writer…
Photo by Sasha Freemind on Unsplash

Invisible Blockers: Hidden Obstacles to Storytelling in Video Games

Invisible blockers are everywhere in video games. Blockers are designed to prevent you from going somewhere that might get you into trouble. Could be an area you're not leveled-up enough to explore. Or just the edge of a level. We've all had…

Borderlands 3 Narrative Design: Typhon DeLeon, the First Vault Hunter

The following article contains major spoilers for Borderlands 3. I wasn't sure whether fans would love or hate Typhon DeLeon. After all, the Vault Hunter is one of the most pervasive myths in the Borderlands Universe. It's an aspiration.…