Nicole Stanford
@nightingalebard.bsky.social
Senior Narrative Manager on Disney Lorcana 🌌 • she/they • Offline, but happy to be here 🐱 • Writer by day, Batwoman by night 🐈⬛️🦇
Reposted by Nicole Stanford
Reposted by Nicole Stanford
If you’re in North America, PLEASE consider joining @videogameworkers.bsky.social. We cannot allow these robber-baron execs to keep doing this to our profession and art form. We deserve dignity.
Unemployed workers and freelancers/contractors are all welcome in our union. We MUST fight back.
Unemployed workers and freelancers/contractors are all welcome in our union. We MUST fight back.
July 2, 2025 at 2:41 PM
If you’re in North America, PLEASE consider joining @videogameworkers.bsky.social. We cannot allow these robber-baron execs to keep doing this to our profession and art form. We deserve dignity.
Unemployed workers and freelancers/contractors are all welcome in our union. We MUST fight back.
Unemployed workers and freelancers/contractors are all welcome in our union. We MUST fight back.
Reposted by Nicole Stanford
People generally don't quite understand this yet but the impact of these layoffs from 2022 through today, even if they stop now to return to 2021 levels, are going to impact the games industry and games themselves as a medium for well over a decade. We've guaranteed games will be worse for years.
July 3, 2025 at 2:20 PM
People generally don't quite understand this yet but the impact of these layoffs from 2022 through today, even if they stop now to return to 2021 levels, are going to impact the games industry and games themselves as a medium for well over a decade. We've guaranteed games will be worse for years.
Reposted by Nicole Stanford
Hearing State of Decay 3 studio Undead Labs has layoffs, not yet clear how widespread. The meetings are showing up on people's calendars on a rolling basis.
July 2, 2025 at 4:06 PM
Hearing State of Decay 3 studio Undead Labs has layoffs, not yet clear how widespread. The meetings are showing up on people's calendars on a rolling basis.
Reposted by Nicole Stanford
NO KINGS
Be safe, be smart, and give ‘em hell.
Be safe, be smart, and give ‘em hell.
June 14, 2025 at 2:02 PM
NO KINGS
Be safe, be smart, and give ‘em hell.
Be safe, be smart, and give ‘em hell.
Reposted by Nicole Stanford
We have reached a tentative agreement with the video game bargaining group, which includes some of the largest video game companies in the world, and we are hopeful that our video game strike will be suspended in the coming days. #SagAftraStrong ow.ly/wZzx50W6Lwv
June 10, 2025 at 4:31 AM
We have reached a tentative agreement with the video game bargaining group, which includes some of the largest video game companies in the world, and we are hopeful that our video game strike will be suspended in the coming days. #SagAftraStrong ow.ly/wZzx50W6Lwv
Reposted by Nicole Stanford
i really hope Expedition 33’s success motivates more studios to take chances on juniors. one of the saddest aspects of the state of the industry at the moment is that opportunities for juniors have all but disappeared. that’s why mentorship and sponsorship matter now more than ever.
incredibly inspired by Expedition 33’s lead writer (Jennifer Svedberg-Yen) confirming that she had never published anything before writing the game; she’d just written for herself. i’m so happy that team let its juniors cook and trusted their instincts.
May 31, 2025 at 10:32 PM
i really hope Expedition 33’s success motivates more studios to take chances on juniors. one of the saddest aspects of the state of the industry at the moment is that opportunities for juniors have all but disappeared. that’s why mentorship and sponsorship matter now more than ever.
Reposted by Nicole Stanford
🔥DEMONIC DEALS OVER ON OUR MALYS KICKSTARTER! 🔥
🖤 We're adding a new $75AUD Arcanist Edition with a Kickstarter Backer Exclusive In-Game Candle
🖤 Name A Demon After Your Ex, Write An In-Game Scene, and D&D With David Gaider tiers are now ALL DISCOUNTED 🙌
🖤 We're adding a new $75AUD Arcanist Edition with a Kickstarter Backer Exclusive In-Game Candle
🖤 Name A Demon After Your Ex, Write An In-Game Scene, and D&D With David Gaider tiers are now ALL DISCOUNTED 🙌
Malys: Exorcise demons on your hunt for an ancient evil 🕯️
Play as an exorcist on a quest to protect the innocent in this demonic roguelite deckbuilder from the creators of "Stray Gods".
bit.ly
May 16, 2025 at 5:02 AM
🔥DEMONIC DEALS OVER ON OUR MALYS KICKSTARTER! 🔥
🖤 We're adding a new $75AUD Arcanist Edition with a Kickstarter Backer Exclusive In-Game Candle
🖤 Name A Demon After Your Ex, Write An In-Game Scene, and D&D With David Gaider tiers are now ALL DISCOUNTED 🙌
🖤 We're adding a new $75AUD Arcanist Edition with a Kickstarter Backer Exclusive In-Game Candle
🖤 Name A Demon After Your Ex, Write An In-Game Scene, and D&D With David Gaider tiers are now ALL DISCOUNTED 🙌
Reposted by Nicole Stanford
My painting PACIFIC NORTHWEST
May 9, 2025 at 2:01 PM
My painting PACIFIC NORTHWEST
Reposted by Nicole Stanford
My long-held stance about gamedev is that "juniors will run circles around the entire industry if merely given the chance." Either help lift them up or get out of the way!!!
May 6, 2025 at 12:41 AM
My long-held stance about gamedev is that "juniors will run circles around the entire industry if merely given the chance." Either help lift them up or get out of the way!!!
Reposted by Nicole Stanford
Hey, y'all! I'm James and I'm a California-based writer and narrative designer in games, having worked in AAA and indie, and looking for my next project. I'm a valuable member of a team, big or small, great with character and voice, excellent with wordplay, and making places feel more alive.
April 12, 2025 at 4:48 PM
Hey, y'all! I'm James and I'm a California-based writer and narrative designer in games, having worked in AAA and indie, and looking for my next project. I'm a valuable member of a team, big or small, great with character and voice, excellent with wordplay, and making places feel more alive.
Reposted by Nicole Stanford
I don't think we talk enough about the effect of art on us. I can see one drawing I really really like and I'll be happy for the rest of the day I'm not exaggerating. Your art makes someone feel that way. Your art makes someone happy. Your art helps someone get through the day.
April 7, 2025 at 6:54 AM
I don't think we talk enough about the effect of art on us. I can see one drawing I really really like and I'll be happy for the rest of the day I'm not exaggerating. Your art makes someone feel that way. Your art makes someone happy. Your art helps someone get through the day.
Reposted by Nicole Stanford
Forgot to repost this, but my sort of vibe check after hitting up GDC and picking the brains of anyone I met, from any area of the business, about where we're all at... and, of course, musings on those conspicuously absent due to layoffs & geopolitics
April 1, 2025 at 11:46 AM
Forgot to repost this, but my sort of vibe check after hitting up GDC and picking the brains of anyone I met, from any area of the business, about where we're all at... and, of course, musings on those conspicuously absent due to layoffs & geopolitics
Reposted by Nicole Stanford
Today, we are announcing the formation of United Videogame Workers-CWA, an industry-wide union formed by @codecwa.bsky.social and @cwaunion.bsky.social 💪🎮
We're launching at #GDC2025 this morning to build a video game industry that works for us. We're done playing.
We're launching at #GDC2025 this morning to build a video game industry that works for us. We're done playing.
March 19, 2025 at 1:00 PM
Today, we are announcing the formation of United Videogame Workers-CWA, an industry-wide union formed by @codecwa.bsky.social and @cwaunion.bsky.social 💪🎮
We're launching at #GDC2025 this morning to build a video game industry that works for us. We're done playing.
We're launching at #GDC2025 this morning to build a video game industry that works for us. We're done playing.
Reposted by Nicole Stanford
Led by Astarion himself (Neil Newbon), some of the biggest actors behind your favorite gaming characters are banding together to level up their craft — and fight for more recognition. Read all about the Pixel Pack: ew.com/pixel-pack-m...
March 12, 2025 at 2:04 PM
Led by Astarion himself (Neil Newbon), some of the biggest actors behind your favorite gaming characters are banding together to level up their craft — and fight for more recognition. Read all about the Pixel Pack: ew.com/pixel-pack-m...
Reposted by Nicole Stanford
Updated “how to support” post which has updated ko-fi link.
The best way right now is probably via a recurring Patreon or Ko-Fi sub. If even 1/3rd of my followers supported at $1, I’d be good for a bit.
Twitch doesn’t pay out until the 15th, so it’s not reliable for rent 🫠
The best way right now is probably via a recurring Patreon or Ko-Fi sub. If even 1/3rd of my followers supported at $1, I’d be good for a bit.
Twitch doesn’t pay out until the 15th, so it’s not reliable for rent 🫠
Where to find & support your local Cypher 🏳️🌈⚔️🖋️☕️👩🏽💻
🔏 Patreon.com/cypheroftyr
📸 instagram.com/cypheroftyr
🎮 twitch.tv/cypheroftyr
☕️ ko-fi.com/tanya_hbic
📼 youtube.com/cypheroftyr
🎁 thronegifts.com/u/cypheroftyr
🎞️ TikTok.com/@cypheroftyr
🔏 Patreon.com/cypheroftyr
📸 instagram.com/cypheroftyr
🎮 twitch.tv/cypheroftyr
☕️ ko-fi.com/tanya_hbic
📼 youtube.com/cypheroftyr
🎁 thronegifts.com/u/cypheroftyr
🎞️ TikTok.com/@cypheroftyr
February 26, 2025 at 11:21 AM
Updated “how to support” post which has updated ko-fi link.
The best way right now is probably via a recurring Patreon or Ko-Fi sub. If even 1/3rd of my followers supported at $1, I’d be good for a bit.
Twitch doesn’t pay out until the 15th, so it’s not reliable for rent 🫠
The best way right now is probably via a recurring Patreon or Ko-Fi sub. If even 1/3rd of my followers supported at $1, I’d be good for a bit.
Twitch doesn’t pay out until the 15th, so it’s not reliable for rent 🫠
Reposted by Nicole Stanford
It's just so wild to me, shutting down teams that have shipped a game - let alone multiple successful games.
It's gonna be a while before we realize what we've really lost.
It's gonna be a while before we realize what we've really lost.
February 25, 2025 at 8:50 PM
It's just so wild to me, shutting down teams that have shipped a game - let alone multiple successful games.
It's gonna be a while before we realize what we've really lost.
It's gonna be a while before we realize what we've really lost.
Reposted by Nicole Stanford
Jennifer can explain how critical sociological understanding is to your worldbuilding, and write you great words.
You want Jennifer.
You want Jennifer.
I am heartbroken. We were making something so beautiful, y'all.
I'm out of a job and I'm having a baby in ten weeks.
I'm terrified.
I'm out of a job and I'm having a baby in ten weeks.
I'm terrified.
BREAKING: Warner Bros. Games is shutting down Monolith Productions, Player First Games, and WB San Diego, sources tell Bloomberg News.
Warner Bros. is also canceling the Wonder Woman game.
Warner Bros. is also canceling the Wonder Woman game.
February 25, 2025 at 7:42 PM
Jennifer can explain how critical sociological understanding is to your worldbuilding, and write you great words.
You want Jennifer.
You want Jennifer.
Reposted by Nicole Stanford
I've worked with amazing tools and I've worked with "eh" tools and I can tell you, the "eh" tools are 100% false economy in the end. The time you put into improving your narrative tools is repaid exponentially across the game. (And builds trust and capacity with your narrative teams.)
We need to talk. If you're going to make a "narrative-driven" game, you need to have professional, ergonomic, narrative tools that facilitate narrative pipelines, design, writing, editing, and collaboration with other disciplines, particularly localization, audio and performance (if any).
February 10, 2025 at 5:06 PM
I've worked with amazing tools and I've worked with "eh" tools and I can tell you, the "eh" tools are 100% false economy in the end. The time you put into improving your narrative tools is repaid exponentially across the game. (And builds trust and capacity with your narrative teams.)
Reposted by Nicole Stanford
Crushed to hear that the other shoe has dropped on Phoenix Labs today. Thinking back over the end of an era with a great team and wanting to celebrate some of the great work we did together
www.nicholaskole.art/projectdragon
www.nicholaskole.art/projectdragon
January 27, 2025 at 11:35 PM
Crushed to hear that the other shoe has dropped on Phoenix Labs today. Thinking back over the end of an era with a great team and wanting to celebrate some of the great work we did together
www.nicholaskole.art/projectdragon
www.nicholaskole.art/projectdragon
Reposted by Nicole Stanford
Narrative is a glass cannon. It can be powerful and yield huge results, but it's fragile. The more hits it takes, the harder it is for it to be effective.
When I play a game that I don't think has very strong writing, I don't think "these writers are bad", I wonder what they were up against.
When I play a game that I don't think has very strong writing, I don't think "these writers are bad", I wonder what they were up against.
January 26, 2025 at 3:55 PM
Narrative is a glass cannon. It can be powerful and yield huge results, but it's fragile. The more hits it takes, the harder it is for it to be effective.
When I play a game that I don't think has very strong writing, I don't think "these writers are bad", I wonder what they were up against.
When I play a game that I don't think has very strong writing, I don't think "these writers are bad", I wonder what they were up against.
Reposted by Nicole Stanford
So, my time at BioWare has ended. It was a wild ride with some fantastic people, but it’s time to look for new challenges. I’m an Editor / Writer with 26+ years of experience across video games, novels, short stories, newspapers, and marketing comms. If you know of a good fit, please let me know.
January 30, 2025 at 12:17 AM
So, my time at BioWare has ended. It was a wild ride with some fantastic people, but it’s time to look for new challenges. I’m an Editor / Writer with 26+ years of experience across video games, novels, short stories, newspapers, and marketing comms. If you know of a good fit, please let me know.
Reposted by Nicole Stanford
Hello! I’m looking for work, ideally in an editor role. It’s been an honor to work with so many talented professionals, and a pleasure to meet so many amazing community members, in my 19 years at BioWare. I’m so grateful to all of you.
January 29, 2025 at 10:58 PM
Hello! I’m looking for work, ideally in an editor role. It’s been an honor to work with so many talented professionals, and a pleasure to meet so many amazing community members, in my 19 years at BioWare. I’m so grateful to all of you.
Reposted by Nicole Stanford
After almost 14 years at BioWare, I am devastated to learn today that myself and others must seek new opportunities.
I am so grateful for all of the learning, challenges, and most importantly the team. I will remember my time here with joy.
Tomorrow we'll move forward. For today I will just be sad.
I am so grateful for all of the learning, challenges, and most importantly the team. I will remember my time here with joy.
Tomorrow we'll move forward. For today I will just be sad.
January 29, 2025 at 11:44 PM
After almost 14 years at BioWare, I am devastated to learn today that myself and others must seek new opportunities.
I am so grateful for all of the learning, challenges, and most importantly the team. I will remember my time here with joy.
Tomorrow we'll move forward. For today I will just be sad.
I am so grateful for all of the learning, challenges, and most importantly the team. I will remember my time here with joy.
Tomorrow we'll move forward. For today I will just be sad.
Reposted by Nicole Stanford
Ryan is a fantastic editor and a consummate professional. He can handle everything from lore documentation to the recording-VO pipeline in addition to making your scenes stronger and your voices more consistent.
So, my time at BioWare has ended. It was a wild ride with some fantastic people, but it’s time to look for new challenges. I’m an Editor / Writer with 26+ years of experience across video games, novels, short stories, newspapers, and marketing comms. If you know of a good fit, please let me know.
January 30, 2025 at 2:46 AM
Ryan is a fantastic editor and a consummate professional. He can handle everything from lore documentation to the recording-VO pipeline in addition to making your scenes stronger and your voices more consistent.