In the realm of game design, few narratives resonate as deeply as that of Cara Ellison, a narrative designer whose journey began with a BBC Micro, reportedly “borrowed” by her father. This early encounter with technology sparked a lifelong passion for gaming, ignited by the 1987 narrative adventure, Acheton. “I couldn’t read or write at the time, and I was determined to be able to talk to the computer,” she recalls, a testament to her early fascination with interactive storytelling.
Ellison’s formative years were spent immersed in titles like Grand Theft Auto and SimCity 2000. Her career took flight as a games journalist, contributing to notable publications such as PC Gamer. This experience paved the way for her transition into game design, where she penned narratives for acclaimed titles including Dishonored 2 and the comedic immersive sim, Void Bastards. More recently, she has lent her talents to God of War: Ragnarok and the VR mystery game Ghost Town, crafted by the creators of The Room series.
Her latest endeavor, Sleight of Hand, is a deckbuilding stealth game that draws inspiration from iconic franchises like Metal Gear Solid and Vampire: The Masquerade—Bloodlines. “I feel like it is the successor to Bloodlines, in a way,” she muses, contemplating the potential depth of the RPG elements within the game.
What was the previous game you played, and is it still installed?
Ellison’s gaming pursuits are eclectic. She recently revisited Routine, a title she had championed years ago. “I was one of the first people to report on it,” she notes, reflecting on its unique ability to create organic, lived-in spaces—a quality she admires in games like Alien Isolation. The challenge of navigating its world, particularly the encounters with formidable robots, remains a captivating memory, albeit one that left her momentarily stumped.
What is the oldest game (by release date) currently installed on your PC?
Among her collection, the original Vampire: The Masquerade—Bloodlines holds a special place. “It’s really hard to get working these days,” she admits, recalling the technical hurdles involved in running the game. Yet, its atmospheric portrayal of vampires in Los Angeles and the exceptional writing and voice acting make it a timeless classic in her eyes. “The atmosphere of Bloodlines is spot on, perfect,” she emphasizes, highlighting the contributions of its talented voice cast.
What is the highest number of hours you have in any given game, according to Steam?
Ellison’s Steam statistics reflect her dual role as a journalist and a gamer. With 103 hours logged in Kentucky Route Zero, she acknowledges that her professional obligations have influenced her playtime. “I may have written a couple of articles about it,” she explains, noting the extensive research required to appreciate the game’s architectural and philosophical references.
What game will you never, ever uninstall?
Sunless Sea is a title she holds dear, installed on both her work and personal computers. “I always know I’m going to start it back up again at some point,” she shares, captivated by the mystery and exploration it offers. The game’s writing and the anticipation it creates resonate with her as a narrative designer, showcasing the delicate balance between providing information and fostering curiosity.
What’s a piece of non-gaming software installed on your PC that you simply couldn’t live without?
For her scripting needs, Ellison relies on Scrivener, a tool that allows her to organize text efficiently. “I wrote all of Void Bastards in Scrivener,” she notes, emphasizing its utility in a field where narrative tools are often lacking. Despite the absence of standardized narrative tools in game engines, Scrivener provides her with the structure necessary to craft compelling stories.
How tidy is your desktop screen?
Ellison describes her desktop as relatively tidy, although a closer inspection reveals a mix of business and leisure icons. Among them are various patches for Bloodlines, scripts for her current projects, and remnants of past endeavors. Her wallpaper, a screenshot from Vertigo, reflects her creative influences, as she draws inspiration from classic films while working on projects that blend tension with narrative depth.
