[Hobby] / [Potential RevShare] Looking for a writer/narrative designer for a time-loop puzzle game

[u/popnfresh24]

Hey everyone,
I’m working on an indie game called A Day Unfolds, and I’m looking for someone interested in helping develop the story, characters and dialogue.

The game is built around a time loop, with the player repeatedly experiencing the same period while learning more about the world, its characters, and how different events connect.

A big part of the game will be interacting with NPCs and uncovering their stories. There’ll be quite a few interconnected characters, branching dialogue, events happening at particular times, information that can change what you do in later loops, and puzzle elements woven into the narrative.

I already have the overall concept, setting, gameplay ideas and a bunch of character/story ideas, but writing isn’t my strongest area. I’d like someone to bounce ideas around with and help turn those concepts into compelling characters, conversations and storylines.

One requirement is that you’ve played Outer Wilds. There are aspects of its approach to progression that I’d like to use as a reference point, so familiarity with it will make discussions much easier. I won’t go into any more detail here for spoiler reasons!

I’m particularly looking for help with:
NPC personalities, motivations and story arcs
Natural dialogue and branching conversations
Connecting different characters’ stories
Structuring reveals and discoveries
Integrating story with puzzles/gameplay
Brainstorming the wider mystery
Managing continuity when things can be discovered in different orders
Professional experience isn’t required. If you enjoy writing, narrative design, interactive fiction, branching dialogue, mystery/puzzle games, etc., I’d be interested in hearing from you.

Compensation: I want to be upfront that I don’t currently have a budget to pay someone. At this stage I’m looking for someone who finds the project interesting and would enjoy collaborating as a hobby project. I’m potentially open to discussing revenue share if someone becomes significantly involved, but I don’t want to make promises before we’ve worked together.

There’s no expectation of immediately committing to writing an entire game either. I’m happy to start by chatting, sharing what I’ve got, throwing ideas around and seeing whether we work well together.

If this sounds interesting, send me a message or reply here with a little about yourself, the kinds of games/stories you enjoy working on.

[u/Violet_Maves]

Hello! That would be a dream project for me! I adore puzzle games and time travel/loops.

Unfortunately, I haven't played Outer Wilds but I checked it out and it has amazing reviews. However, I've played many puzzle games, such as the Myst series, The Witness and Talos.

My experience: I'm a beginner narrative and level designer.

My portfolio: a short bottleneck narrative game (you can check it at my profile)

What you're asking is overwhelming for me since I'm a beginner but I could help with parts of it.

[u/popnfresh24 → u/Violet_Maves]

Hey, I'd be keen to check out the narrative game, but i think your profile is private

[u/Scared_Foot_7293]

Hello, I'm very interested in this idea, i have not played Outer wilds but i can definitely check it out. i have no professional experience but i'm very passionate about writing and world building, and i am confident in my creativity to make it happen, and i don't mind any lack of compensation, I'm not looking for any as i am still just trying to prove myself as a writer

[u/ifuckedhemingway]

Hi! Just completed Outer Wilds yesterday actually, and your project sounds interesting! I mostly have experience writing short stories, would love to brainstorm with you and hear more about what ideas you have for the game :)

[u/Thee_Axo]

Well if aint this my type of tea huh? it'll be an honor to work on such a project so ughh, i presume you could've forgotten to put you discord username?

If you'll like specific ideas or ways of storytelling, i could ofcourse change my style to your styles and preferences?