As part of the Level Design Workshop at GDC 2016, I spoke about the findamentals of puzzle design, and how to use puzzles as part of the macro pacing at any scope, from single level to an entire game.
Knowledge Sharing
This is a hub for my public talks, slides, and podcasts. I believe strongly about sharing what I’ve learned, both with the teams I work with and the larger game development community. Teaching and open conversation help us all get better at what we do.
Video Lectures
Talks on design and production topics.
As part of the Level Design Workshop at GDC 2017, I spoke about how to analyze narratives from non-games media and apply their pillars to game design, be it a single level or a whole game.
As part of the Narrative Summit at GDC 2024, I spoke with actor Phillipe Bosher on the basics of voice acting for games, and how developers can best support their talent to get the best performances for their games. Our bibliography contains links to many resources on acting, as well as example documentation for use in development and voice recording pipelines.
Slide Decks
Presentations designed to be read.
A brief primer to Character, Camera, Control in game design to educate teams on what they are and their importance in the early development of a video game.
Podcasts
I appeared on Script Lock in 2016 to chat with Teddy Dief about narrative expression in games, and how a team's composition can change their game's shape.
I returned to Script Lock in 2025 to chat with Adam Dolin about various topics related to Narrative Design and writing on games.
Mentorship
I've benefited greatly from mentors in varying stages of my career, so I pay it forward whenever I have the bandwidth to do so. These are organizations I have worked with in the past - if you are a developer, consider volunteering your time to these worthy causes! If you are looking for a mentorship, check my contact page to see my current mentorship status.
I've been a mentor for Gameheads' Summer Accelerator Program (SAP) for more than 5 years, and occassionally do guest lectures for the students. As a mentor, I am paired with a junior game developer with interests that are aligned with my skills. As they they work on a team with other students to create a game over the course of the summer, I have weekly check-ins with them to give them guidance on working with a team and honing their craft, as well as providing career guidance.
When I lived in the Bay Area, I had the wonderful opportunity to act as a Camp Mentor and Demo Day Judge for the San Francisco area Girls Make Games Summer Camp. I interacted with 8-18 year old game developers to give them creative guidance in their interactive work and answer questions about what it's like to work professional in the games industry.