Locked no more! NANCY DREW: MYSTERY OF THE SEVEN KEYS launches today!

Today’s the day! NANCY DREW: MYSTERY OF THE SEVEN KEYS launches today for Windows and Mac! I read as many Nancy Drew books as I could get my hands on as a little girl, but I could never have imagined I’d actually get the chance to write for her. I am so pleased to have written for the 34th (!) installment of the Her Interactive Nancy Drew puzzle adventure game series. In MYSTERY OF THE SEVEN KEYS, join Nancy Drew as she visits Prague to uncover the truth behind a missing necklace. Check out the trailer, and if you pick it up today, you get a free strategy guide as well! Adventure and mystery await here!

Nancy Drew®: Mystery of the Seven Keys™️

Get ready for a thrilling blend of adventure, mystery, and history in the latest in the award-winning Nancy Drew game series – Nancy Drew®: Mystery of the Seven Keys™! This all-new 3D game experience transports players to the heart of the historic city of Prague as they assume the role of famous detective Nancy Drew. Tasked with uncovering the truth behind the theft of a client’s heirloom necklace, players will navigate and sleuth through the beautiful city’s mysterious old-world environments. Encounter challenging puzzles, decode riddles, and discover clues entwined with medieval legends, alchemy, and lore. As the investigation deepens, Nancy uncovers a sinister web of cybercrime. Players must outwit devious suspects and use their detective skills to unravel a mystery threatening the city’s Bohemian heritage. Danger and intrigue at every turn add to the suspense as the criminals stop at nothing to prevent you from bringing the truth to light. Your investigative and critical thinking skills are crucial to solving the case and discovering the real mystery behind the legend of the seven keys!

If you like adventure, if you like mystery, if you like to hear Nancy Drew say, “It’s locked,” then hop on over to Her Interactive to get your copy of NANCY DREW: MYSTERY OF THE SEVEN KEYS!

Roundtable on Navigating Layoffs at GDC 2024

Layoffs have hit the game industry in the last year, and we’re going to talk about it at GDC. I’ll be leading the annual IGDA Women in Games SIG’s roundtable, focusing on how to navigate layoffs and the impact they’ve had on more than just those affected. It’s open to all badges! Add the session to your GDC schedule by clicking here. If you’re joining in the annual pilgrimage to San Francisco next week, I hope to see you there!

Staying in Play Roundtable: Gender-Specific Strategies Amidst Game Industry Layoffs (Presented by the IGDA)

When: Thursday, March 21st, 10am
Where: Moscone Convention Center, Room 203, South Hall

The game industry’s layoffs in the last year has surpassed 17,250 people, posing unique challenges for non-binary individuals, women, and trans men, all often disproportionately affected by job instability. This discussion explores effective strategies for career longevity, recognizing the distinct hurdles faced by these groups. We explore networking tailored to the needs of underrepresented genders, mastery of cutting-edge skills, and establishing a standout professional identity. Attendees share insights and strategies for resilience amidst uncertainty and how to persevere during a long job search. This session is dedicated to empowering all marginalized genders with the tools to navigate and thrive within the industry, ensuring their talents are recognized and retained. The roundtable also offers the opportunity to generate ideas on what the industry can do as a whole.

Add the session to your GDC schedule by clicking here.

10/10! Writing for Asgard’s Wrath 2, now on Meta Quest 3!

Blown away by the amazing reviews! Asgard’s Wrath 2, the VR open-world RPG that I wrote for, comes out today! It has already raked in the accolades, including a 10/10 on IGN. In this fantasy adventure, you play in a mythological Ancient Egypt as a fledgling Norse god, who possesses mortals fulfilling their destiny, all the while chasing after your betrayer, Loki. From the Norse realms to the Egyptian underworld, you will find plenty of adventures, enemies, and mysteries. I had a ton of fun writing on this game, and once you play, you’ll be able to see the dev team over at Sanzaru Games had a blast as well. You can buy Asgard’s Wrath 2 now, or get it free when you buy the Meta Quest 3!

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DETAILS!

The award-winning creators of Asgard’s Wrath return with their most immersive VR experience yet in Asgard’s Wrath 2.

60+ hour narrative-driven campaign

Godscale puzzles & physics-based combat

Free-roaming, living worlds

Rogue-lite dungeon mode

Playable on: Meta Quest 3, Meta Quest Pro, Meta Quest 2

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FEATURING!

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REVIEWS!

IGN

NPR

“Virtual reality enthusiasts have been begging for a longform AAA title made specifically for VR headsets like the Meta Quest, and here it is.”

GameRant – 4.5/5

“Asgard’s Wrath 2 is without a doubt one of the best VR games and a surefire system seller for Quest 3.” “If there is a game to showcase how VR can match the scope and the scale of games like God of War and Zelda, Asgard’s Wrath 2 makes the strongest case yet.”

Mirror – 5/5

“If you’re seeking a Skyrim-level RPG primed to keep you busy in VR, look no further than Asgard’s Wrath 2.”

The Escapist

“The world is wonderful, the story is great, and the gameplay is exquisite.”

Siliconera – 9/10

“It’s a genuinely cool, well-crafted endeavor”

Android Central

“This isn’t just the best VR game of the year; it’s in the top 3 best games of the year on all platforms. Only Baldur’s Gate 3 and The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom fit in the same category of content-packed RPGs.”

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I hope you have as much fun playing Asgard’s Wrath 2 as I had fun writing it!

Speaking on Diversity in Gaming tomorrow at UCLA

Sports don’t take place entirely on a physical playing field, and tomorrow I’m fixing to talk about one of those other playing fields. In the ever-evolving landscape of video games, the Global Sports Business Forum at UCLA’s Anderson School of Management is setting the stage for a crucial conversation: Diversity in Gaming. As the industry grows, so does the importance of inclusive representation, and I’m honored to contribute to this dialogue.

When: Friday, October 6, 2023, 2:05-2:45pm
Where: UCLA Pauley Pavilion
Who:

• Kevin Winston from Digital LA, who will be guiding our discussion as the host. His expertise in the digital realm promises a structured and insightful conversation.
• Shana Douglass (Diamond Doll), representing NFTCLT and Y3K Innovation Summit, will share her experiences from the innovative world of NFTs.
• Darion Lowenstein, with a rich background from Electronic Arts to Rockstar, will offer a seasoned perspective on the gaming industry’s shifts and turns.
• NathanLIVE, a familiar face from TikTok and Twitch, will provide a glimpse into the world of streaming and its impact on gaming culture.
• Torian Bracket, the voice behind iconic game characters, will shed light on the nuances of voice acting in gaming.

I’ll be there too, sharing snippets of my journey as a writer promoting diversity.

The gaming industry’s narrative is continually being rewritten, and discussions like these shape its future chapters. If you’re in the vicinity, consider joining the conversation.

Winning an ENNIE Award at Gen Con 2023!

We won! Moonlight on Roseville Beach: A Queer Game of Disco and Cosmic Horror, a tabletop role-playing game, won a Judges Award earlier this month at Gen Con! I wrote a spooky adventure, joining a plethora of writers who contributed rules, worldbuilding, and, of course, adventures to the world of Roseville Beach. The Judges Award puts us literally and figuratively on the page with a bunch of other winning tabletop games, including the Bladerunner and Vaesen RPGs and Avatar Legends.

Judges’ Spotlight Winner

Judge Candace McAfee – Moonlight on Roseville Beach: A Queer Game of Disco and Cosmic Horror, R. Rook Studio

Authors: Richard Ruane, Rob Abrazado, Bendi Barrett, Sharang Biswas, Rick Chia, Alison Cybe, Ezakur, Ethan Harvey, Maxwell Lander, Catherine Ramen, Erin Roberts, Ennis Rook Bashe, Noora Rose, R.J. Ryan, Sean F. Smith, Anne Toole, Preston Leslie, Logan Rollins

So what’s the deal with Roseville Beach? Here’s a blurb:

 It’s 1979, and you’re spending the summer working in Roseville Beach, the queerest little town on Rose Island. You might have come here looking for an escape, some fun, a little extra money, or even love, but now people are seeing phantasms, strange animals—and stranger old gods—wander the woods, mysterious monoliths appear randomly, and that strange music is coming from somewhere.

Ready to check out your own copy, solve supernatural mysteries in the LGBTQ+ community, and have a good time? Check out Moonlight on Roseville Beach by R. Rook Studio (itch.io) to order a print or digital copy.

Check here for a list of all of this year’s ENNIE Award winners!

Speaking on Games Tech at UCLA

Today! Get ready for the Digital LA – Game Tech: VR, XR, AI panel, a tech extravaganza hosted by the Tech Business Association at UCLA Anderson. Dive head-first into the dynamic world of gaming technology. Get on board by registering at dlagamestech.eventbrite.com.

Level Up with VR, XR, AI

Join us as we explore Virtual Reality (VR), Extended Reality (XR), and Artificial Intelligence (AI) – the technological game-changers transforming the gaming realm. We’re talking about immersive gaming experiences, blurring the lines between the real and virtual, and intelligent game characters that evolve with you!

Learn from Industry Mavericks

Industry experts are gearing up to share their insights and experiences on these emerging technologies. Expect fascinating stories and vivid projections of the future of gaming.

When: May 25, 2023 3:30pm
Where: UCLA Anderson School of Management
Who: Kevin Winston, Digital LA, Moderator
Raymond Mosco, HTC Vive
Yasmine Lee, Survios
Myself!

If you’ve got questions, we’ve got answers. We might actually be right!

Your Gateway to the Future

Whether you’re a tech pro, an aspiring game designer, or a gaming enthusiast wanting to stay on top of trends, this panel is for you. Experience the transformative potential of VR, XR, AI, and more at the Digital LA – Game Tech panel.

Secure your spot by registering at dlagamestech.eventbrite.com and join us at UCLA Anderson on May 25. Be part of the conversation shaping the future of gaming. See you there!

Speaking on trends in games at UCLA!

Monetizing, licensing and inclusion, oh my! Last week I was honored to join a panel for UCLA Anderson School of Management’s Pulse conference to speak about games. We discussed the latest trends in games (AI and live games), monetization (hoping loot boxes are behind us), and transmedia storytelling. We rounded it out with ways to improve inclusion and representation both behind and on the screen.

Moderated by Digital LA’s Kevin Winston, I was joined by:

Rickey Pinkney aka Ardo, CEO & Guild Commander, Final Frontier
Alissa Smith, Senior Game Designer, Survios
Zsuzsa James, Consulate General of Finland in Los Angeles, Senior Trade Commissioner, Interactive Media

Thanks again to UCLA for the opportunity to speak and join such an awesome group of panelists. If you were able to join us, what did you enjoy the most?

 

Horizon Forbidden West nominated for a Nebula Award

I’m thrilled to share that Horizon Forbidden West, the game I worked on as a writer, has been nominated for a Nebula Award for Best Game Writing by the Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers Association (SFWA). I collaborated with a talented team of writers, including Ben McCaw, John Gonzalez, Annie Kitain, Ariadna Martinez, Nick van Someren Brand, Andrew Walsh, Adam Dolin, Arjan Terpstra, Ben Schroder, Dee Warrick, and Giles Armstrong, to craft an immersive storyline, memorable characters, and engaging gameplay.

Horizon Forbidden West takes place in a post-apocalyptic world, where Aloy traverses a dangerous landscape filled with machines and rival factions. Our team explored themes such as environmentalism and the impact of technology on humanity.

It’s an honor to be nominated for this prestigious award, which recognizes excellence in science fiction and fantasy. The Nebula Awards have expanded to include several categories, including Best Game Writing, and we’re thrilled to be in the running alongside other fantastic projects, including Dungeons & Dragons adventure collection Journeys Through the Radiant Citadel, Elden Ring, Stray, Pentiment, and Sins of the Sires.

The winner will be decided by a vote among more than 2000 members and announced during a virtual ceremony on May 14th. I’m excited and grateful for the recognition and hope that our story continues to resonate with players and inspire them.

Previous winners of the Best Game Writing award include Thirsty Sword Lesbians in 2021, Hades in 2020, and The Outer Worlds in 2019, and we’re thrilled to be included in such great company. I wish all the nominees the best of luck and can’t wait to see who takes home the award.

Speaking on Hollywood meets gaming at NOW!

The Oscars are upon us, so obviously it’s time to talk about gaming. Next week in Los Angeles, I’ll be speaking with a host of other professionals at Nordic Oscar Week. The week starts with film and television, moves to music, and ends with a bang on Friday with the gaming section. If you’re in LA and want to participate, sign up now for NOW!

NORDIC OSCAR WEEK
When: March 8-10, 2-6pm
Where: 5757 Wilshire Blvd, Suite M101, Los Angeles, CA 90036

March 10, 5.00pm | Hollywood meets gaming: what goes into creating interactive media

Today’s top games require a multitude of professionals in disciplines traditionally associated with film and television. Talented writers are engaged to create complex storylines for major gaming titles, while actors contribute through motion capture and voice work. But how can one successfully pivot from traditional entertainment industries to the booming gaming industry as an actor, writer, or composer? Join us to explore the opportunities and challenges of entering the gaming industry as a professional, and learn from experienced industry insiders on how to successfully transition to this exciting field.

Hope to see you at NOW then!

World Building on Forspoken, out now!

Forspoken, the long-awaited action role-playing game developed by Luminous Productions and published by Square Enix, finally hit the shelves on January 24th, 2023 for PlayStation 5. I am proud to have participated in an early worldbuilding phase of the project, contributing to the creation of the fantastical realm of Athia. I collaborated with a host of amazing writers from TV, games, and publishing. The actual writing team, including Gary Whitta, Amy Hennig, Allison Rymer, and Todd Stashwick, wrote the game itself.

Players take on the role of Frey Holland, a young woman transported from New York City to the tyrannical land of Athia. Equipped with magical powers, players must navigate the open-world and find a way back home. The game features a variety of enemies and bosses to battle, as well as the ability to upgrade equipment and craft new items.

As a PlayStation 5 console exclusive for two years, Forspoken offers players the opportunity to delve into a fully-realized world. It was a privilege to work alongside such a talented team, and I look forward to seeing players’ reactions as they explore the world we envisioned.