writing samples
Found text
Nomai writing
Outer Wilds
I wrote Outer Wilds’ in-game text to fulfill highly specific design needs and support nonlinear narrative progression. Every piece of found text, communicates a clue, sets up an important piece of world lore or rules, and builds on themes, story arcs, and characterization. By finding these pieces of text and following their clues, the player can uncover the mysteries of the cosmos and piece together the story of the Nomai, the ancient aliens who lived in the solar system long before the player’s species.
I developed a non-linear style of branching dialogue as part of the Nomai’s unique voice, then worked with the creative director and lead designer to create a translator tool that the player uses to interact with found text in 3-D space. Not only was this more fun for players, it also increased information retention. (See video for an example of how the translator tool is used in-game to interact with found Nomai text.)
Riebeck’s journal
Outer Wilds
Some of the astronauts in Outer Wilds leave behind journals (framed as audio recordings) that aid the player in their exploration of the solar system. This journal from astronaut and anthropologist Riebeck helps the player navigate Brittle Hollow, the planet Riebeck is exploring in pursuit of answers to an ancient alien civilization called the Nomai.
interactive dialogue
Gossan (zero-g coach)
Outer Wilds
An optional conversation between the player and Gossan, the spaceflight coach and head of safety at Outer Wilds Ventures, that occurs before liftoff from the player’s home planet on their first solo journey.
Probably Carl
The Outer Worlds: Peril on Gorgon
Probably Carl used to be a top Spacer’s Choice salesman before he had to resort to scavenging after the planet of Gorgon was abandoned by the company. Unfortunately, thanks to the degenerative effects of the Adrena-Time Spacer’s Choice manufactured on Gorgon, Carl has been gradually losing his mind as he slowly turns into one of the game’s enemies, a marauder.
Here’s an additional video that captures some fun reactivity — specifically, what happens if the player opts to put on a MoonMan helmet before talking to Carl. - URL
Sedrick Kincannon
The Outer Worlds: Murder on Eridanos
Both a charismatic crime boss and a successful corporate executive, Sedrick is the head of SubLight Underground (SLUG) and runs the Piraeus Spaceport on Eridanos as smoothly as he runs his smuggling operation. His unsavory side makes him a prime suspect in the murder of Halcyon Helen, a popular serial star, and the player has been tasked with acquiring his alibi.
Flavor text
Museum plaques
Outer Wilds
Text from the various plaques in the museum that briefly convey an event or key information about the accompanying item.
Looking for something specific?
If you’d like to see work that demonstrates a particular skill, voice, or genre and can’t find it here — or if you’d simply like to see more of what I’ve written — please don’t hesitate to let me know!