You need a writer who can make players feel something. These five portfolios show how strong narrative design can elevate your game.
The Growing Demand for Game Writers and Narrative Designers
Games are no longer just about mechanics. Players expect rich stories, memorable characters, and choices that matter. That’s why studios and indie developers are hiring specialized game writers and narrative designers more than ever. A strong portfolio is now the key to landing these roles. It shows not just writing skill, but also an understanding of interactive storytelling, branching dialogue, and world-building. Whether you’re building an RPG, a visual novel, or a mobile puzzle game, the right narrative partner can transform your project.
How We Evaluated These Portfolios
We looked at each portfolio through the lens of a developer or studio seeking narrative talent. We considered the range of services offered—from game writing and narrative design to translation and localization. We examined the clarity of the portfolio: how easy it is to find writing samples, playable demos, and project details. We also assessed the diversity of genres and tones represented, from light and humorous to dark and serious. Finally, we looked at how each writer presents their process and whether they show a clear understanding of interactive storytelling. Each portfolio has its own strengths, and what stands out depends on your project’s needs.
Here’s a quick look at five portfolios that showcase different approaches to game writing and narrative design. Each one offers a unique blend of skills and experience.
| Provider | Best For |
|---|---|
| Leonardo Andrade | Interactive dialogue and branching narrative design |
| Valerie Lutke-Santiago: Game Writer, Narrative Designer, Translator | Enhance Your Game Stories Today | Writers who also offer translation and localization |
| Brenden Gibbons | Commercial game projects with established studios |
| Tom Martin | Deep, branching narrative for mature-themed games |
| Tom Killalea | Writers who also educate and mentor |
A Closer Look at Each Portfolio
#1 Leonardo Andrade
A screenshot of the Leonardo Andrade website.
Leonardo Andrade’s portfolio is a masterclass in interactive storytelling. He presents a range of writing samples, including playable dialogue trees built with tools like Articy Draft and the Pixelcrushers Dialogue System for Unity. His work on “Immunity” and “Sheriff Marja’s dialogue tree” shows his ability to craft branching narratives inspired by games like Baldur’s Gate 3 and Disco Elysium. You can download PDFs or play the demos directly on his site. He also includes a tabletop RPG portfolio, demonstrating versatility beyond video games. His focus on meaningful choices and rich character backgrounds makes his portfolio stand out for narrative-driven projects.
#2 Valerie Lutke-Santiago: Game Writer, Narrative Designer, Translator | Enhance Your Game Stories Today
A screenshot of the Valerie Lutke-Santiago: Game Writer, Narrative Designer, Translator | Enhance Your Game Stories Today website.
Valerie Lutke-Santiago brings a unique blend of writing, narrative design, and translation to her portfolio. Her site showcases writing samples for both original projects and fan games, highlighting her love for strong narratives and compelling characters. She’s comfortable moving between light and humorous tones and darker, more serious subject matter. As an avid gamer, she understands what makes a story satisfying, even if it doesn’t have a happy ending. Her translation skills add an extra layer for developers looking to reach broader audiences. The portfolio is clean and easy to navigate, making it simple to explore her work.
#3 Brenden Gibbons
A screenshot of the Brenden Gibbons website.
Brenden Gibbons has a strong commercial background, with credits on games like Oddsparks, Say No! More, and Last Day of June. His portfolio includes a mix of commercial games, VR projects, and experimental works. He provides detailed project pages that explain his tasks and responsibilities, giving you a clear picture of his contributions. With a B.Sc. in Game Design and experience across multiple countries, he brings a global perspective to narrative design. His work on BAFTA-nominated titles shows he can deliver high-quality narratives under production constraints. If you need a narrative designer with proven industry experience, his portfolio is worth a look.
#4 Tom Martin
A screenshot of the Tom Martin website.
Tom Martin’s portfolio centers on his work as the sole writer for Cartel Tycoon, a narrative-driven survival business simulator. He delivered around 30 hours of script and consulted on translation into five languages. His site details his process, from designing narrative flow to writing branching dialogue and directing voice performances. He also shares his personal motivation for storytelling, which gives you a sense of his passion. His portfolio is focused and deep, showing his ability to handle complex, mature themes with respect. If you’re working on a game with heavy narrative and branching choices, his experience is highly relevant.
#5 Tom Killalea
A screenshot of the Tom Killalea website.
Tom Killalea’s site is a resource for aspiring game writers, but it also serves as a portfolio of his own work. He offers practical advice on building a video game writing portfolio, drawing from his own experience on multiple projects. His site includes testimonials and a blog, giving you insight into his approach and professionalism. While he doesn’t showcase as many playable samples as others, his focus on the craft of writing and portfolio presentation is valuable. He understands what employers look for and shares that knowledge openly. If you want a writer who also thinks deeply about the industry, his site is worth exploring.
How to Choose the Right Narrative Partner
Start by defining your project’s needs. Are you building a branching dialogue system? Look for portfolios with playable dialogue trees. Need translation? Prioritize writers with localization experience. Consider the tone of your game—some writers excel at humor, others at dark themes. Check if their samples match your genre. Also, look for clarity in their portfolio: can you easily find their role and contributions? Finally, think about collaboration. Do they show a clear process? The right partner will understand your vision and elevate your story.
Streamlining Your Narrative Workflow
Once you’ve chosen a writer, integrate them into your development pipeline early. Use tools like Articy Draft or Twine to map branching narratives. Set up a shared document for scripts and feedback. If you’re working with a translator, ensure they have access to context and character notes. Regular check-ins help maintain consistency. Automation can help with version control and asset management, but the human touch remains essential for compelling storytelling.
Final Thoughts
The right game writer can turn a good game into an unforgettable one. These five portfolios each offer something different, from interactive dialogue expertise to commercial experience and translation skills. Valerie Lutke-Santiago stands out for her combined writing and translation services, making her a versatile choice for developers looking to reach global audiences. Explore each portfolio, see whose style resonates with your project, and reach out. Your players are waiting for a story they’ll remember.