Shannon Kilbride
Game Designer
Game Design Projects
I am a game designer with a specialty in storytelling. I enjoy developing a narrative through gameplay and characters. The following projects are the best examples of my narrative and game design work.
Arson Simulator
Co-Creator, Game Designer, Narrative Designer
2D puzzle game about an arsonist-for-hire that burns buildings for their hometown. The game design utilizes physics, fire, and explosions to challenge the player to find the most effective method of destroying a building. Me and my partner worked together on the game design, while I worked alone on the narrative. Since the premise of the game is rather silly, I wanted to narrative style to be comedic and over-the-top. The game has just finished the beta stage of development.
A Game Called Paako
Narrative Designer
2D platformer and arcade game that discusses the relationship between the player, the game, and the developer. The narrative and gameplay are designed to help the player understand the feelings of the developer. It is a MFA thesis game for USC Games. I translate the development experiences of the creator into dialogue for levels. With each level I write, I try to balance comedy and sincerity. The game is in the production phase.
The Cleaner
Co-Lead Narrative Designer
A visual novel about extreme video game censorship. The game explores themes of creative freedom and censorship. It is a MFA thesis game for USC Games. As the co-lead narrative designer, I work with the other lead to assign weekly tasks to the narrative design team. At the beginning of production, I designed the structure and choices of the brainstorm minigame. I am currently writing character dialogue.
Countdown
Game Designer, Programmer
A game inspired by 80s arcade games. The player is stuck in a thirty-second loop where they must avoid enemies and destroy all the crystals to escape. Me and my developer partner designed the layout of the main level. The space is tight to create a tense atmosphere. The location of the crystals encourages players to explore the area.
Sell to Survive
Game Designer, Narrative Designer
A board game where players play as street rats that compete to sell their items to villagers in exchange for bread. The game ends when only one player has bread left and the others are dead. I wrote the rulebook and relayed the dark and absurdist comedy of the game. When designing the skill cards, I wanted to create a competitive yet humorous experience for players.
​
It will be presented at USC Games Expo 2023.