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.TakeawaysEvolution of Warhammer Fantasy RoleplayChallenges 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 variesInteractive storytelling involves braiding storylinesChapters00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction00:49 Graeme Davis's Background and Early Career02:59 Evolution of Warhammer Fantasy Roleplay07:42 Writing Narrative Stories for Games08:59 Challenges of Game Design and Development11:38 Writing Linear Stories vs. Interactive Game Stories13:12 Aligning Story with Lore and Visual Language15:45 Challenges of Project Management and Outsourcing20:38 Customization and Technology21:26 Writing for Unknown Characters22:03 Upcoming Project: Building Fantasy Worlds23:25 Creating Fantasy Settings24:23 Warhammer and Technology25:15 Adapting to Project Changes26:32 Mythwalker and Cryptids30:20 Academic Integration of Book32:28 Monster of the Month Club36:39 Challenges with Large Monsters39:56 Technical Limitations and Production40:42 Approaching New Writing43:04 Choose Your Own Adventure43:49 Favorite Project46:28 Terrifying Lore50:03 Art and Backstory54:10 Advice for Writers55:24 Staying Connected