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World of Warcraft

Dragonflight · Shadowlands — cinematics, narrative design, and quest work.

While on World of Warcraft, I wrote a variety of cinematics as well as quest text. Though the Narrative team works very closely with the Quest team when it comes to the overall storytelling, the finer points of writing are all done by Narrative Design.

Cinematics

Sylvanas Reminiscence — World of Warcraft cinematic — Sylvanas Reminiscence A moment where Sylvanas reminisces about when she first broke free of the Lich King. What I was trying to evoke with this cinematic was that the timing of where she was when she broke free was less important than the overall freedom of having her own agency again. She is remembering being young and galvanized with purpose, but also in hindsight regretful because she realizes that wrongs that have been done are less simple to right than first imagined.

Alexstrasza vs Raszageth — World of Warcraft cinematic — Alexstrasza vs Raszageth Alexstrasza tries to reason with her old clutchmate, but the wounds between the two run too deep. I wanted to capture the tense moment between family that happens. Where the golden child who is oblivious to her privilege thinks she is in the right whereas her cousin who stayed true to the old ways thinks differently.

Alexstrasza and Wrathion Argue — World of Warcraft cinematic — Alexstrasza and Wrathion Argue Wrathion is impetuous and Alexstrasza puts him in his place. This was meant to evoke a mother arguing with a child, who is brilliant, but needs to be checked once in a while.

Nozdormu Chromie Epilogue — World of Warcraft cinematic — Nozdormu Chromie Epilogue A talk between a leader and his soldier, but also a talk between two old friends. These two dragons have time travel powers which is a blessing and a curse. What I was trying to capture with their conversation is that this is a long deep friendship, the kind where you can ask the other to do anything because they have built that trust. Even if the one knows that what they ask is something that would be unspeakable to the other.

Alexstrasza Oathstone Activation — World of Warcraft cinematic — Alexstrasza Oathstone Activation A queen hopes her work to restore the former power of her and other Aspects has been successful. The intent of this cinematic is to capture the vulnerability that comes with power. The Queen knows she has done everything possible to recover the power she lost, and though she is confident for her court, she is personally unsure if it will work. What happens next is what springboards the rest of the expansion and a journey of discovery.

Cinematics — No Voice Over, but Narrative Design

Building & Naming Pocopoc — World of Warcraft cinematic — Building & Naming Pocopoc After a long journey, the player finally finds out the name of the adorable being… Pocopoc. The intent on this was simple, show off the new companion/quest giver in a way that delights the player and hints at its personality.

Crown of Wills — World of Warcraft cinematic — Crown of Wills An object of power that once symbolized one of the greatest evils, is now rebuilt to new purpose. This is a moment of long time enemies coming together to reconstruct an item that used to symbolize great evil. However, they are starting fresh and new. And what gets made will be in the same image but to an entirely different purpose. The moment was intended to feel as epic and encompassing of both sides as possible.

Designer-Side Cinematic Voice Over

Taelia and Bolvar Conversations — World of Warcraft cinematic — Taelia and Bolvar Conversations A father and his estranged daughter try and reconnect after many years where she thought he was dead, and he kept himself hidden from her for her protection. This is a series of conversations that happens over the period of the campaign. Taelia previously had been thrust into a situation where she needed to serve her people, and in doing so finds out that the father she thought was long dead was actually alive. Since the quest that they are all on is far more important she has tried to keep all the feelings she has about it to herself, but over time that breaks down. These are the conversations at the end of the expansion where she finally feels like she can confront her father about his decisions. I tried to convey the complexity of these interactions while gameplay was happening.

Quest Line Playthroughs

Waking Shores Chapter 2 Playthrough — World of Warcraft — Waking Shores — Chapter 2 Playthrough This chapter is where the player first encounters the main villain of the game and understands the stakes of what is going to happen going forward.

Finding Valdrakken — World of Warcraft playthrough — Finding Valdrakken The questline that leads the player to the main dragon city, Valdrakken, and all the politics that surround the great dragon city.

Thaldraszus Chapter 3 — World of Warcraft playthrough — Thaldraszus — Chapter 3 Where the player learns of a greater plot against the great city of Valdrakken and gets introduced to a future raid boss.