David Varela 🔜 AdventureX
@writingstudio.bsky.social
Degenerate freelancer. Narrative test pilot. Senior Narrative Designer on Clockwork Revolution at inXile. Previously provided interactive words for Wallace & Gromit, Sherlock, Need for Speed, a bit of Star Wars and a lot of other games. 🔀davidvarela.com
The Square Enix UK offices are literally on my street. Hugs and commiserations to everyone impacted by the restructuring. Also, good luck to anyone working on a game where the QA dept is AI. 🤬https://gamerant.com/square-enix-layoffs-november-2025/
Square Enix is Laying Off Over 100 People
In an effort to rework its overseas operations, Square Enix is letting go of over 100 employees across the US and UK in mass layoffs.
gamerant.com
November 7, 2025 at 7:53 AM
The Square Enix UK offices are literally on my street. Hugs and commiserations to everyone impacted by the restructuring. Also, good luck to anyone working on a game where the QA dept is AI. 🤬https://gamerant.com/square-enix-layoffs-november-2025/
Reposted by David Varela 🔜 AdventureX
Back on the market after, uh, quite a while, so I made a little portfolio site. Feeling like an actual grown up. Please have a look!
Nathan Long: Writer
Resume and Portfolio site for Nathan Long
nathanlongwriter.carrd.co
November 5, 2025 at 7:55 PM
Back on the market after, uh, quite a while, so I made a little portfolio site. Feeling like an actual grown up. Please have a look!
Reposted by David Varela 🔜 AdventureX
NEW: Rockstar now says it fired 30 employees in the UK for leaking information (not for engaging in union activity), but UK union IWGB told Game Developer that staff in the country have a statutory right to engage in private conversation with union organisers that supersedes any employment contract.
Rockstar accused of deflecting after claiming fired union workers leaked information
Rockstar accused of deflecting after claiming fired union workers leaked information
Rockstar claims its former employees had been "distributing and discussing confidential information in a public forum," but UK union IWGB claims the studio is simply deflecting from the truth.
www.gamedeveloper.com
November 6, 2025 at 11:49 AM
NEW: Rockstar now says it fired 30 employees in the UK for leaking information (not for engaging in union activity), but UK union IWGB told Game Developer that staff in the country have a statutory right to engage in private conversation with union organisers that supersedes any employment contract.
Reposted by David Varela 🔜 AdventureX
The worst people you know are upset and I think that’s wonderful
November 5, 2025 at 4:25 AM
The worst people you know are upset and I think that’s wonderful
Reposted by David Varela 🔜 AdventureX
Andrew is a sort of non-prince now, a… well, I’m sure there’s some sort of portmanteau word that would describe him well.
October 18, 2025 at 5:00 PM
Andrew is a sort of non-prince now, a… well, I’m sure there’s some sort of portmanteau word that would describe him well.
Go George!
Judge rules George R.R. Martin and other authors can sue OpenAI for copyright infringement
• Said ChatGPT generated 'Game of Thrones' content similar enough to infringe copyright
• OpenAI’s motion to dismiss was denied
• Said ChatGPT generated 'Game of Thrones' content similar enough to infringe copyright
• OpenAI’s motion to dismiss was denied
October 30, 2025 at 7:03 AM
Go George!
I was lucky enough to go to the launch today. Apart from the astonishing programme of shows (which means even *Gary Oldman* doesn't get his name in the fucking headline below), my overall sensation was of *hope*: there is an outlet for new writers, and a theatre willing to stage their wildest ideas.
Tilda Swinton will feature in the 70th anniversary programme from the Royal Court in London.
Read more 👉 www.thestage.co.uk/news/pro...
Read more 👉 www.thestage.co.uk/news/pro...
October 28, 2025 at 12:18 PM
I was lucky enough to go to the launch today. Apart from the astonishing programme of shows (which means even *Gary Oldman* doesn't get his name in the fucking headline below), my overall sensation was of *hope*: there is an outlet for new writers, and a theatre willing to stage their wildest ideas.
Plait-a-puss.
October 21, 2025 at 1:55 PM
Plait-a-puss.
So it seems like forty different people from forty different countries each suddenly clicked on a different page of my website. The bots are swarming. Is this AI trawling, or some kind of search engine spider?
October 21, 2025 at 12:08 PM
So it seems like forty different people from forty different countries each suddenly clicked on a different page of my website. The bots are swarming. Is this AI trawling, or some kind of search engine spider?
Reposted by David Varela 🔜 AdventureX
One of the most TRUE signs I have ever seen at a march. Write this down and act upon it, friends.
#NoKings #Manhattan
#NoKings #Manhattan
October 18, 2025 at 9:13 PM
One of the most TRUE signs I have ever seen at a march. Write this down and act upon it, friends.
#NoKings #Manhattan
#NoKings #Manhattan
Reposted by David Varela 🔜 AdventureX
Hey narrative folks my team is looking for a narrative designer to come work with me in Iceland! If you have solid storytelling fundamentals, some technical experience, and live ops or adjacent experience, we are looking for someone like you!
careers.ccpgames.com/en/postings/...
careers.ccpgames.com/en/postings/...
Narrative Designer
Job Opening: Narrative Designer at CCP Games in Reykjavík.
careers.ccpgames.com
October 15, 2025 at 10:36 PM
Hey narrative folks my team is looking for a narrative designer to come work with me in Iceland! If you have solid storytelling fundamentals, some technical experience, and live ops or adjacent experience, we are looking for someone like you!
careers.ccpgames.com/en/postings/...
careers.ccpgames.com/en/postings/...
The brilliant @arvonfoundation.bsky.social is launching an 18-month residency programme for emerging UK-based writers. Applications open on Monday but get a head start and read the details here: www.arvon.org/jerwood-arvo...
Jerwood Arvon Writer Residencies 2026-7 | Arvon
The Jerwood Arvon Writer Residencies are a fully funded, self-directed development opportunity for 12 emerging writers.
www.arvon.org
October 15, 2025 at 5:27 AM
The brilliant @arvonfoundation.bsky.social is launching an 18-month residency programme for emerging UK-based writers. Applications open on Monday but get a head start and read the details here: www.arvon.org/jerwood-arvo...
Spotted near Russell Square today.
October 14, 2025 at 9:04 AM
Spotted near Russell Square today.
Actually, it’s pronounced ‘Moonk’.
October 12, 2025 at 12:14 PM
Actually, it’s pronounced ‘Moonk’.
Stephen is a great writer and part of the excellent Clockwork Revolution narrative team that’s starting to taper down as we finish the bulk of the writing. Snap him up for your project!
A weekly (soon to be daily!) reminder that I need a new job!
My Narrative Design contract at InXile ends 10/17 and I would love to have something resembling gainful employment before then if at all possible.
www.linkedin.com/in/stephen-b...
My Narrative Design contract at InXile ends 10/17 and I would love to have something resembling gainful employment before then if at all possible.
www.linkedin.com/in/stephen-b...
www.linkedin.com
October 11, 2025 at 1:50 PM
Stephen is a great writer and part of the excellent Clockwork Revolution narrative team that’s starting to taper down as we finish the bulk of the writing. Snap him up for your project!
Two Point Studios is looking for a Senior Designer/Writer.
No affiltiaton. Just sharing the link...
jobs.jobvite.com/sega-europe-...
No affiltiaton. Just sharing the link...
jobs.jobvite.com/sega-europe-...
Two Point Studios is looking for Senior Designer/Writer.
Two Point Studios is looking for Senior Designer/Writer. Learn more or Jobvite a friend.
jobs.jobvite.com
October 10, 2025 at 1:07 PM
Two Point Studios is looking for a Senior Designer/Writer.
No affiltiaton. Just sharing the link...
jobs.jobvite.com/sega-europe-...
No affiltiaton. Just sharing the link...
jobs.jobvite.com/sega-europe-...
Creative Assembly is looking for a Principal Narrative Designer.
No affiliation. Just sharing the link...
jobs.jobvite.com/creative-ass...
No affiliation. Just sharing the link...
jobs.jobvite.com/creative-ass...
Creative Assembly is looking for Principal Narrative Designer.
Creative Assembly is one of Europe's leading games development studios, founded in 1987 and located in West Sussex, UK, Newcastle, UK and Sofia, Bulgaria.
We craft deep and detailed games that matter...
jobs.jobvite.com
October 10, 2025 at 1:05 PM
Creative Assembly is looking for a Principal Narrative Designer.
No affiliation. Just sharing the link...
jobs.jobvite.com/creative-ass...
No affiliation. Just sharing the link...
jobs.jobvite.com/creative-ass...
Reposted by David Varela 🔜 AdventureX
OPPORTUNITY Lead Writer - CDProjekt - US
Not affiliated. Shares welcome
jobs.smartrecruiters.com/CDPROJEKTRED...
Not affiliated. Shares welcome
jobs.smartrecruiters.com/CDPROJEKTRED...
Lead Writer
Company Description: To create revolutionary, story-driven RPGs which go straight to the hearts of gamers — this is our mission. Want to dive deeper into our company’s culture? Explore our social medi...
jobs.smartrecruiters.com
October 8, 2025 at 5:34 PM
OPPORTUNITY Lead Writer - CDProjekt - US
Not affiliated. Shares welcome
jobs.smartrecruiters.com/CDPROJEKTRED...
Not affiliated. Shares welcome
jobs.smartrecruiters.com/CDPROJEKTRED...
Reposted by David Varela 🔜 AdventureX
A riddle for @theguardian.com books page.
p.s. My new book 'Physics for Cats' is out this week in bookshops and online. Details at www.tomgauld.com
p.s. My new book 'Physics for Cats' is out this week in bookshops and online. Details at www.tomgauld.com
October 6, 2025 at 10:57 AM
A riddle for @theguardian.com books page.
p.s. My new book 'Physics for Cats' is out this week in bookshops and online. Details at www.tomgauld.com
p.s. My new book 'Physics for Cats' is out this week in bookshops and online. Details at www.tomgauld.com
Reposted by David Varela 🔜 AdventureX
Heidi is one of my closest friends. She's been an ally, a confidant and a co-conspirator for well over a decade. Life has been so fucking unfair to her and I'm hoping that we as an industry can rally to help ease her suffering ❤️
www.gofundme.com/f/ease-the-t...
www.gofundme.com/f/ease-the-t...
Donate to Ease the Tragic Ending of A Romance Writer’s Epic Love Story, organized by Heidi McDonald
I was a game writer at the height of my career - author, freq… Heidi McDonald needs your support for Ease the Tragic Ending of A Romance Writer’s Epic Love Story
www.gofundme.com
September 27, 2025 at 4:56 AM
Heidi is one of my closest friends. She's been an ally, a confidant and a co-conspirator for well over a decade. Life has been so fucking unfair to her and I'm hoping that we as an industry can rally to help ease her suffering ❤️
www.gofundme.com/f/ease-the-t...
www.gofundme.com/f/ease-the-t...
Reposted by David Varela 🔜 AdventureX
A man does not start adding a ballroom that will take five years to build to a house he expects to leave in four.
September 26, 2025 at 4:20 PM
A man does not start adding a ballroom that will take five years to build to a house he expects to leave in four.
Very glad to see Microsoft withdrawing their tech from the mass surveillance of Palestinian citizens. It took a while, but... better late than never. kotaku.com/microsoft-is...
Microsoft Blocks Israel From Using Tech To Survey Palestine
The Xbox company has disabled the Israeli government’s use of its cloud storage and AI services
kotaku.com
September 26, 2025 at 12:08 PM
Very glad to see Microsoft withdrawing their tech from the mass surveillance of Palestinian citizens. It took a while, but... better late than never. kotaku.com/microsoft-is...
Meanwhile, in escapism... this seems like an excellent use of two minutes now (cast your vote) and many hours in future (build Shakepeare's Globe out of LEGO): beta.ideas.lego.com/product-idea...
Shakespeare's Globe | LEGO® Ideas
Shakespeare's Globe is a world famous theatre in London. This set recreates it's iconic shape and style, whilst celebrating the many plays of William Shakespear…
beta.ideas.lego.com
September 22, 2025 at 2:39 PM
Meanwhile, in escapism... this seems like an excellent use of two minutes now (cast your vote) and many hours in future (build Shakepeare's Globe out of LEGO): beta.ideas.lego.com/product-idea...
Reposted by David Varela 🔜 AdventureX
Seriously how hard is it to say “This is an outrageous attack on our friends and neighbours who are in this country legally and have followed all the rules to get settled status, who are valued members of our communities, get to fuck frog-face”?
Keir Starmer’s spokesperson asked for the PM's response to Nigel Farage’s plan to deport hundreds of thousands of people living and working completely legally in the UK, replies that he thinks it is “unworkable” and “unfunded”.
So his objection is that they’ve got their sums wrong
So his objection is that they’ve got their sums wrong
September 22, 2025 at 12:24 PM
Seriously how hard is it to say “This is an outrageous attack on our friends and neighbours who are in this country legally and have followed all the rules to get settled status, who are valued members of our communities, get to fuck frog-face”?
Reposted by David Varela 🔜 AdventureX
Games Workshop are looking for an Assistant Game Designer ( for the physical game). Feels like a rare assistant-level job in the field! jobs.games-workshop.com/search-and-a...
( I'm not affiliated with GW, just sharing a rare entry-level job)
( I'm not affiliated with GW, just sharing a rare entry-level job)
Assistant Games Developer - Warhammer 40,000 - Games Workshop Jobs
About the Job Games Workshop has an exciting opportunity for you to join our renowned design team as an Assistant Games Developer where you will be key to
jobs.games-workshop.com
September 19, 2025 at 3:57 PM
Games Workshop are looking for an Assistant Game Designer ( for the physical game). Feels like a rare assistant-level job in the field! jobs.games-workshop.com/search-and-a...
( I'm not affiliated with GW, just sharing a rare entry-level job)
( I'm not affiliated with GW, just sharing a rare entry-level job)