J.M. Paulsen
Narrative design --- scriptwriting --- game design
contact me for script samples
Parker and Lane (multiple episodes)
Script and story design for two installments. Players say:
"Hands down, one of the BEST games I've ever played on a cell phone... if not, THE best. Addicted from the very first level. I haven't been able to put it down! The storyline keeps you engaged and every level is different and challenging but so much fun!!" - Kay Williams, 1/25/2019
Detective Jackie
Full script and collaboration on the narrative design. Some reviewers claim:
"The story is amazing the little features are amazing and the visuals are stunning no complaints at all! 10/10" - Google Play User Nique Nique 10/31/2019
"Was hooked from the moment I started. Great storyline, brilliant sound and graphics." - Emma Warren, 12/15/2019
Dr. Cares (trilogy)
Script and narrative design for full trilogy. Millions of downloads.
Top review starts with: "Finally a quality game! This one has a great story line with options to pick where the story goes!" -Shipp04, 11/15/2018
"This game is so much fun! Once you start playing you just cant stop, You also can choose what happens. and it was also very touching - The Ending Is A Must See!" - Lorraine Halim, 7/7/2019
"We are the miracle of force and matter making itself over into imagination and will. Incredible. The Life Force experimenting with forms. You for one. Me for another. The Universe has shouted itself alive. We are one of the shouts."
- Ray Bradbury
A few recent releases
Amber's Airlines
Script and narrative garnering tens of millions of downloads!
One of the first reviews I spotted: "BEST GAME I HAVE EVER PLAYED! I PROMISE IM NOT BEING PAID TO SAY THIS! PLEASE DONT CHANGE IT!" - Constance Fontenote, 10/23/2019
And another from the first page of reviews: "Had so much fun. Beautiful story line. I played the second one also (Amber's Airline 7 wonders)💕 Waiting for the next one."
-Sulakshi Alwis, 9/26/2019
SERVICES
Narrative Design
Script Writing
Editing & Localization
Editing takes three skills:
- Brutal honesty
- Rapid problem-solving
- Seeing both 'trees' and 'forest'
You might cry. Totally worth it for the script upgrade.
Localization is a different animal. I've lived and developed across Europe and in China. I have a knack for understanding the foreign writer, and translating it into native English prose without losing the soul of it.
I can also bring studio-grade voice acting. Email me. I edit fast (and thus cheap).
I specialize in game script writing. If you're crafting game dialogues, the last thing you need is a novelist. Here's why:
- Asset Restrictions: Writing game dialogues is claustrophic. There's no better word for it.
- Volition: Players crave choice. This requires a small amount of code and huge amount of organization.
- Collaboration: Artists, animators, producers, quest designers, and all the other stakeholders have unique requirements.
This is the serious story work. The grand design, the great architect of thematic abstraction. It's fun stuff.
I personally use some mixed drink of the following theories...
- Hero with a Thousand Faces
- Four Act Structure
- Embryo Model
Lots more to say on this. Email me below. I consult for free. I love this stuff.