I strive for synergy of excellent writing and game design to create amazing player experiences

I'm Daniil Kovalenko,

I am a writer, narrative & game designer, scholar in game design and psychology. I specialize in linear and interactive storytelling, as well as systems design and player-character relationships.

In my work, I prioritize players and their experiences. I ask myself: how should the players feel? what should they think? And I try to achieve it with whatever means I have, be that game mechanics, content or just text style.

My Works

My CV

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Hi, I'm Daniil!

Storytelling has always been my passion. When I was 11, I started writing my first book, and got it published several years later. I worked on the second part, then wrote a number of short stories and fan fiction, but took a large creative break to focus on my Bachelor's in Psychology.

With new skills like systems thinking and a better understanding of people's personalities I returned to the creative sphere, focusing on interactive storytelling and game design. I received a vocational degree in Game Product Management and did a Master's in Game Design in Uppsala University - Campus Gotland.

During that time, I worked (and still work!) on two major indie projects as a Product owner and team lead. I am responsible for game design and artistic vision, world-building and narrative - not only writing myself, but coordinating and editing the work of my teammates.

Photo by Anna Shvets on Pexels