Richard H. Swanson
Writer, Narrative Designer
Rhuntingtonswanson.com |-|- | Brooklyn, NY 11206
Story-driven • Empathy and inclusion-minded • Immersion-oriented
I build worlds and characters that envelop players in stories of surprising familiarity, utilizing next-generation
tactics for interactive narrative engagement. Resonant emotional palettes, captivating dilemmas, and earnest
motivations, delivered with wit, inclusion, and a collaborative mindset are key to my approach.
Employment:
Career transition development
Writer, Narrative Designer, Game Designer
06/2023 - Present
▪ Developed historical, linguistic, and parallel narratives in authoring of a sci-fi/fantasy novel
▪ Produced branching narrative, art, code, and game systems for a survival horror Twine game
▪ Executed early-stage development of an open-world post-apocalyptic RPG
▪ Leveraged collaborative creative network to develop and complete a feature-length screenplay
▪ Deployed game theory and design principles in creating a working action RPG tabletop game prototype
Allegory XR
Game Designer
12/2022 - 05/2023
▪ Drove innovative development cycle for next-gen VR arena combat experience through narrative, gameplay,
and aesthetic design
▪ Authored comprehensive world build for novel IP as lead writer, art director, level designer, character
modeler, and sound designer
▪ Brought together departmental objectives for creative and technical vision via authorship of comprehensive
game design document and issuance of strategic guidance
Commune Interactive
Co-Founder, Lead Writer, Game Designer
12/2021 - 12/2022
▪ Crafted unique interactive narrative experience by authoring feature-length script, character bios, quest
outlines, aesthetic templates, level designs, UX and tutorial designs, and story triggers
▪ Realized dynamic and inclusive cast of characters as lead character designer, lead animator, and director
for all voice acting
▪ Generated organizational and IP identity as webmaster, marketing and branding lead, and social media
director
How Now TV
Producer, Video Editor, Motion Designer
04/2020 - 06/2021
▪ Developed strong topical messaging around social and economic justice as co-producer and creative
director
▪ Supported artistic, legal, and civic aid networks during the pandemic through conscientious sourcing of
interviews, and establishment of humanistic production values
▪ Defined aesthetics, pacing, and character of program and promotional materials as lead video editor, motion
graphics designer, and social media manager
Manhattan Neighborhood Network
Video Editor, Promotions Coordinator
05/2019 - 12/2022
Production Coordinator
10/2012 - 04/2019
▪ Elevated benchmarks for internal production by engineering and overseeing post-production pipelines for
eleven concurrent broadcast series, as well as specials, live events, and promotional assets
▪ Established internal production design standards as lead producer for content branding and graphics
▪ Maintained adaptable workforce for changing production needs as manager of four associate producers and
editors
▪ Accelerated studio production standards through outreach and educational development for users
Core Competencies:
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Creative writing
Game and narrative design
World building
Writing for film and television
Long-form fantasy/sci-fi prose composition
Branching and ambient dialogue, character bio, in-world artifact, and lore document composition
Core game loop design
Character design
Quest design
UX design
Motion graphics design
IP and organizational branding
Production for social platforms
Directing for motion
Multi-camera directing, editing
Workflow and delegation
Interdisciplinary collaboration
Software:
Unreal Engine 5, Final Draft, Twine, Google Workspace, Figma, iClone, Character Creator, Adobe After Effects,
Adobe Premiere, Adobe Illustrator, Adobe Photoshop, Cinema 4D
Education:
Emerson College
B.A. Film - 2007
Studied experimental and commercial film and digital production techniques for motion, sound design for film
and television, screenwriting, semiotics, Photography, VFX, and non-linear post-production.
