Michael Morris-O’Connor

Michael Morris-O’Connor is a collaborative Narrative Designer with six years of experience writing cozy games and RPGs. Valued for organization skills, a wide range of proficiencies, and expertise at untangling messy narratives.

Versatile Narrative Designer

I am a narrative designer specializing in accessible RPGs and cozy games, challenging myself to tell tight, compelling narratives that subvert genre expectations.

In particular, I am known for my expertise in “detangling” narratives by focusing on the narrative’s core appeal.

About Me

My colleagues describe me as well-organized and surprisingly versatile, due to my experience in almost all areas of game development.

I have shipped two commercial games in a senior narrative role and worked on an additional seven games in narrative and design capabilities.

A screenshot from Forlorn Outcast. A stone pillar stands in the center, with three bands of thick gold trim. At the top of the pillar is a magical, floating crystal. A collapsed wooden scaffold surrounds the pillar, on the left, a burning longhouse is visible, and behind it another. Tall grass and a stone wall mark the boundaries of the village.

Portfolio Highlights

Michael Morris-O'Connor portfolio: a screenshot from a development build of One Lonely Outpost. The player character and his companionship robot Qwerty are standing on a stone bridge connecting the farmstead to the crossroads. On the bottom right of the image, strange glowing cubes are visible below the frozen water.

One Lonely Outpost

Lead Narrative Designer & Manager, Freedom Games/indie.io

A sci-fi farming game similar to Stardew Valley developed by a team of forty people over five years. I reorganized the project to follow strict budget requirements, rewrote the story to be more emotionally impactful, and ensured delivery of monthly milestones.

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Forlorn Outcast

Narrative Designer, Griever Games

A fantasy Souls-like action RPG developed by a team of twenty people over three years. I unified the work of the previous narrative designers into a consistent narrative, handled world building, and coordinated with level design and artists.

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A screenshot from Forlorn Outcast. A stone pillar stands in the center, with three bands of thick gold trim. At the top of the pillar is a magical, floating crystal. A collapsed wooden scaffold surrounds the pillar, on the left, a burning longhouse is visible, and behind it another. Tall grass and a stone wall mark the boundaries of the village.
Michael Morris-O'Connor Portfolio work: screenshot from Res Judicata: Vale of Myth. A dark blue tint colors a cliff-side forest, where Garbhan peers into a monster den expectantly. To his left is a ruined caravan, with a few dead bodies.

Res Judicata: Vale of Myth

Founder & Creative Director, Blue Booth Studios

A 30 hour alternate-history low-fantasy RPG. I handled narrative design, level design, and programming, and oversaw a small team to bring the game to life.

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Testimonials

One Lonely Outpost

Emmanuel Floret

“I’ve had the pleasure of collaborating closely with Michael, and he stands out as a highly skilled, dependable team member with a keen eye for detail. His proficiency across various disciplines, coupled with his approachable demeanor, make him a valuable colleague. I gladly endorse him for any team in search of a reliable, talented, and friendly professional who consistently delivers excellence.

10/10, would Michael again!”

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Contact Me

If you need more details on my work, or if you wish to discuss narrative design opportunities, then please contact me.

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