Episode 26: Interview with Graeme Davis

https://www.routledge.com/Building-Fantasy-Worlds-A-Hands-On-Guide-to-Creating-Fantasy-Settings-for-Games-And-More/Davis/p/book/9781041331940 https://www.patreon.com/c/MonsteroftheMonthClub The episode features Graeme Davis, a narrative designer and world builder, discussing his career in the gaming industry, the evolution of Warhammer Fantasy Roleplay, and the challenges of writing narrative stories for games. The conversation also delves into the complexities of game design and development, aligning story with lore and visual language, and the challenges of project management and outsourcing. The conversation covers topics such as customization and technology, writing for unknown characters, an upcoming project on building fantasy worlds, creating fantasy settings, Warhammer and technology, adapting to project changes, Mythwalker and cryptids, academic integration of a book, the Monster of the Month Club, and challenges with large monsters and technical limitations in production. The conversation covers various themes, including the approach to new writing, interactive storytelling, favorite projects, the impact of lore on imagination, artistic interpretation of backstory, advice for writers, and the importance of maintaining professional relationships in the industry. Takeaways - Evolution of Warhammer Fantasy Roleplay - Challenges of Game Design and Development Customization and technology play a significant role in game development and character design. - Adapting to project changes and technical limitations are common challenges in the gaming industry. Approach to new writing varies - Interactive storytelling involves braiding storylines Chapters - 00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction - 00:49 Graeme Davis's Background and Early Career - 02:59 Evolution of Warhammer Fantasy Roleplay - 07:42 Writing Narrative Stories for Games - 08:59 Challenges of Game Design and Development - 11:38 Writing Linear Stories vs. Interactive Game Stories - 13:12 Aligning Story with Lore and Visual Language - 15:45 Challenges of Project Management and Outsourcing - 20:38 Customization and Technology - 21:26 Writing for Unknown Characters - 22:03 Upcoming Project: Building Fantasy Worlds - 23:25 Creating Fantasy Settings - 24:23 Warhammer and Technology - 25:15 Adapting to Project Changes - 26:32 Mythwalker and Cryptids - 30:20 Academic Integration of Book - 32:28 Monster of the Month Club - 36:39 Challenges with Large Monsters - 39:56 Technical Limitations and Production - 40:42 Approaching New Writing - 43:04 Choose Your Own Adventure - 43:49 Favorite Project - 46:28 Terrifying Lore - 50:03 Art and Backstory - 54:10 Advice for Writers - 55:24 Staying Connected