Kareem
@shadetooth.bsky.social
Dialogue Lead @ Insomniac Games
he/him
he/him
Pinned
Kareem
@shadetooth.bsky.social
· Nov 19
A question I often get: "So what's a Dialogue Lead? What is it you actually do?" I'm happy to break it down:
Game audio can be divided into three categories; music, sound effects, and dialogue. On the dialogue team our priority is to ensure that all spoken content sounds believable and immersive.
Game audio can be divided into three categories; music, sound effects, and dialogue. On the dialogue team our priority is to ensure that all spoken content sounds believable and immersive.
How do you know you're in a fancy mall? There are signs...
December 2, 2025 at 6:46 PM
How do you know you're in a fancy mall? There are signs...
Reposted by Kareem
Two months after firing over Charlie Kirk comments, Ghost of Yotei dev blames harassment campaign, not 'bad joke'
aftermath.site/sucker-punch-c...
aftermath.site/sucker-punch-c...
November 24, 2025 at 6:35 PM
Two months after firing over Charlie Kirk comments, Ghost of Yotei dev blames harassment campaign, not 'bad joke'
aftermath.site/sucker-punch-c...
aftermath.site/sucker-punch-c...
Reposted by Kareem
A Knight’s Tale is a sports anime
a man is holding a sword in his hand and saying `` william ! ''
ALT: a man is holding a sword in his hand and saying `` william ! ''
media.tenor.com
November 24, 2025 at 3:11 AM
A Knight’s Tale is a sports anime
Audio (sound effects, music, and dialogue) has a weird relationship with temp assets, mostly because of issues revolving around human psychology.
Problem #1: How do you communicate that something you're hearing is temp?
Problem #1: How do you communicate that something you're hearing is temp?
The annoying thing about the "oh we left a placeholder" generative AI slop excuse is that that is EXACTLY NOT how you should be using placeholders. Anything "not obviously terrible with a panicked hurried half-awake glance" is getting shipped.
In gamedev, if you're using a placeholder asset, best practices involve marking it as placeholder so garishly and offensively clearly PLACEHOLDER that you can't possibly miss it. Also flagging that asset in the dev process so it can be identified quickly before the final build.
November 19, 2025 at 3:36 PM
Audio (sound effects, music, and dialogue) has a weird relationship with temp assets, mostly because of issues revolving around human psychology.
Problem #1: How do you communicate that something you're hearing is temp?
Problem #1: How do you communicate that something you're hearing is temp?
Reposted by Kareem
If your game has voice acting, then working with the voice actors is half of your writing process. It's not complete until you've heard it interpreted and reimagined by a voice actor. And they always reimagine it in ways that elevate the writing, in ways you never would have imagined yourself.
November 11, 2025 at 2:52 PM
If your game has voice acting, then working with the voice actors is half of your writing process. It's not complete until you've heard it interpreted and reimagined by a voice actor. And they always reimagine it in ways that elevate the writing, in ways you never would have imagined yourself.
All these people were trying to do was make sure they could continue to work at a massive game studio in a safe and fair environment.
If you love videogames you should be outraged. People make games, not corporations.
youtu.be/c9nOwjeznjI?...
If you love videogames you should be outraged. People make games, not corporations.
youtu.be/c9nOwjeznjI?...
The Rockstar Workers Fired Before They Could Finish GTA 6
YouTube video by People Make Games
youtu.be
November 12, 2025 at 6:08 AM
All these people were trying to do was make sure they could continue to work at a massive game studio in a safe and fair environment.
If you love videogames you should be outraged. People make games, not corporations.
youtu.be/c9nOwjeznjI?...
If you love videogames you should be outraged. People make games, not corporations.
youtu.be/c9nOwjeznjI?...
Reposted by Kareem
Chatting with Future Class inductees for my latest at @theguardian.com. They paint a pretty clear picture of the perils of performative allyship.
Thanks to all who spoke with me, and always, to Keza for the chance to do important work!
Thanks to all who spoke with me, and always, to Keza for the chance to do important work!
“Don’t gather some of the most brilliant activists in the industry, treat us like crap, and then expect us to do nothing about it.” After the Game Awards cancelled its Future Class programme, @alyssamerc.bsky.social talked to its former honorees
www.theguardian.com/games/2025/n...
www.theguardian.com/games/2025/n...
“We were effectively props”: young stars of game development feel let down by the ‘gaming Oscars’
Announced in 2020 by the Game Awards as an inclusive programme for the industry’s next generation, the Future Class initiative has now been discontinued. Inductees describe clashes with organisers and...
www.theguardian.com
November 11, 2025 at 12:41 PM
Chatting with Future Class inductees for my latest at @theguardian.com. They paint a pretty clear picture of the perils of performative allyship.
Thanks to all who spoke with me, and always, to Keza for the chance to do important work!
Thanks to all who spoke with me, and always, to Keza for the chance to do important work!
Reposted by Kareem
One of the things I’m most proud of at my time at Bungie was creating Veteran Vanguard there, especially as a veteran myself that really struggled coming back to civilian life at first.
I ugly-cried in the best way seeing this, love it 🥹😭
I ugly-cried in the best way seeing this, love it 🥹😭
In honor of Veterans and Military Families Month, donate $10 through the Bungie Foundation campaign by November 30, and receive the new Tribute to Bravery emblem. Funds raised will support Gold Star Gamers & @stackup.org.
Get your emblem now at bung.ie/VAMF2025
Get your emblem now at bung.ie/VAMF2025
November 4, 2025 at 1:15 AM
One of the things I’m most proud of at my time at Bungie was creating Veteran Vanguard there, especially as a veteran myself that really struggled coming back to civilian life at first.
I ugly-cried in the best way seeing this, love it 🥹😭
I ugly-cried in the best way seeing this, love it 🥹😭
Reposted by Kareem
For gamers who aren't in game dev, you should know that we are in one of the worst periods in game dev history in terms of industry stability and the reason you're not seeing that play out through products is because the average development window of games is 3-7 years so it hasn't reached you yet.
October 29, 2025 at 8:49 PM
For gamers who aren't in game dev, you should know that we are in one of the worst periods in game dev history in terms of industry stability and the reason you're not seeing that play out through products is because the average development window of games is 3-7 years so it hasn't reached you yet.
Reposted by Kareem
A chat with Insomniac’s WOLVERINE (Liam McIntyre), Ghost of Yotei’s Atsu (@erikaishii.bsky.social) & SAROS’ Arjun Devraj (@rahulkohli13.bsky.social)! It was so lovely to get to chat to these three awesome people about their careers, and their new roles as PlayStation leads!
youtu.be/e2eLJ8KHlDU
youtu.be/e2eLJ8KHlDU
The new faces of PLAYSTATION! | Acting 101 w Erika Ishii, Liam McIntyre, & Rahul Kohli!
YouTube video by Play, Watch, Listen+ with Alanah Pearce
youtu.be
October 22, 2025 at 9:41 PM
A chat with Insomniac’s WOLVERINE (Liam McIntyre), Ghost of Yotei’s Atsu (@erikaishii.bsky.social) & SAROS’ Arjun Devraj (@rahulkohli13.bsky.social)! It was so lovely to get to chat to these three awesome people about their careers, and their new roles as PlayStation leads!
youtu.be/e2eLJ8KHlDU
youtu.be/e2eLJ8KHlDU
Reposted by Kareem
I really enjoyed working on this image! Congratulations @suckerpunchprod.bsky.social and @erikaishii.bsky.social on the release of Ghost of Yōtei! 🧡
It looks stunning, and I can't wait to play it myself!
It looks stunning, and I can't wait to play it myself!
October 2, 2025 at 6:17 PM
I really enjoyed working on this image! Congratulations @suckerpunchprod.bsky.social and @erikaishii.bsky.social on the release of Ghost of Yōtei! 🧡
It looks stunning, and I can't wait to play it myself!
It looks stunning, and I can't wait to play it myself!
He wouldn't call himself a hero...
youtu.be/s3pDMUWlA6I?...
youtu.be/s3pDMUWlA6I?...
Marvel’s Wolverine - Gameplay Trailer | PS5 Games
YouTube video by PlayStation
youtu.be
September 24, 2025 at 9:47 PM
He wouldn't call himself a hero...
youtu.be/s3pDMUWlA6I?...
youtu.be/s3pDMUWlA6I?...
Reposted by Kareem
If you’re one of the companies I work for, and need a brilliant writer, hire Hazel.
My contract with Blizzard ends in one month. I'm still looking for a fulltime role as a senior writer or narrative designer! If you need someone who can write poetic prose, emotive dialogue, and sharp stories, I'm here. ✨
Hello new followers! I'm Hazel.
🐔 Chicken keeper 🐕 Tripod dog owner 📃 Writer 🎮 Senior Narrative Designer 🍞 Bread baker ⛪️ Amateur medievalist 🌱 Gardener 🧶 Knitter 🎓 PhD in English lit 🦇 ATX
Presently: 💛⚔️ Blizzard
Previously: 💙💫 Bungie 🧡🐀 Arkane
Find my work on my website! www.hazelmonforton.com
🐔 Chicken keeper 🐕 Tripod dog owner 📃 Writer 🎮 Senior Narrative Designer 🍞 Bread baker ⛪️ Amateur medievalist 🌱 Gardener 🧶 Knitter 🎓 PhD in English lit 🦇 ATX
Presently: 💛⚔️ Blizzard
Previously: 💙💫 Bungie 🧡🐀 Arkane
Find my work on my website! www.hazelmonforton.com
September 3, 2025 at 9:31 PM
If you’re one of the companies I work for, and need a brilliant writer, hire Hazel.
I just finished "Blood Over Bright Haven", a novel by M. L. Wang.
I highly recommend it! It's like a fantasy version of "This is what radicalized me." It's curious, detailed, and infuriating in all the best ways. I blasted through it and now I can't stop thinking about it!
I highly recommend it! It's like a fantasy version of "This is what radicalized me." It's curious, detailed, and infuriating in all the best ways. I blasted through it and now I can't stop thinking about it!
September 8, 2025 at 11:41 PM
I just finished "Blood Over Bright Haven", a novel by M. L. Wang.
I highly recommend it! It's like a fantasy version of "This is what radicalized me." It's curious, detailed, and infuriating in all the best ways. I blasted through it and now I can't stop thinking about it!
I highly recommend it! It's like a fantasy version of "This is what radicalized me." It's curious, detailed, and infuriating in all the best ways. I blasted through it and now I can't stop thinking about it!
Reposted by Kareem
What impact is AI having on jobs in the tech industry? I've been collecting stories from tech workers—from engineers at giants like Google to content mods at TikTok to coders at small startups—to find out.
Here, in their words, is how AI is transforming, degrading, and yes, replacing their jobs.
Here, in their words, is how AI is transforming, degrading, and yes, replacing their jobs.
How AI is killing jobs in the tech industry
Tech workers at TikTok, Google, and across the industry share stories about how AI is changing, ruining, or replacing their jobs.
www.bloodinthemachine.com
June 25, 2025 at 3:52 PM
What impact is AI having on jobs in the tech industry? I've been collecting stories from tech workers—from engineers at giants like Google to content mods at TikTok to coders at small startups—to find out.
Here, in their words, is how AI is transforming, degrading, and yes, replacing their jobs.
Here, in their words, is how AI is transforming, degrading, and yes, replacing their jobs.
One game you've worked on - no words just trailers
youtu.be/YEuUgJpFi9Y?...
youtu.be/YEuUgJpFi9Y?...
June 24, 2025 at 7:32 AM
One game you've worked on - no words just trailers
youtu.be/YEuUgJpFi9Y?...
youtu.be/YEuUgJpFi9Y?...
My 6 y.o. daughter asked why Juneteenth is a holiday and that led to a discussion of slavery at the dinner table.
I didn't get into the gnarly details and I think I managed to explain the large concepts pretty well. And quickly brought it back to how Juneteenth is a celebration of freedom.
I didn't get into the gnarly details and I think I managed to explain the large concepts pretty well. And quickly brought it back to how Juneteenth is a celebration of freedom.
June 20, 2025 at 7:52 AM
My 6 y.o. daughter asked why Juneteenth is a holiday and that led to a discussion of slavery at the dinner table.
I didn't get into the gnarly details and I think I managed to explain the large concepts pretty well. And quickly brought it back to how Juneteenth is a celebration of freedom.
I didn't get into the gnarly details and I think I managed to explain the large concepts pretty well. And quickly brought it back to how Juneteenth is a celebration of freedom.
I've finally figured out why Esquie felt so familiar...
June 17, 2025 at 12:44 AM
I've finally figured out why Esquie felt so familiar...
Reposted by Kareem
SAG-AFTRA Video Game Strike suspended at noon PT today. All SAG-AFTRA members are instructed to return to work on productions under the IMA, including work promoting or publicizing projects produced under the IMA. READ MORE: www.sagaftra.org/sag-aftra-vi...
June 11, 2025 at 6:34 PM
SAG-AFTRA Video Game Strike suspended at noon PT today. All SAG-AFTRA members are instructed to return to work on productions under the IMA, including work promoting or publicizing projects produced under the IMA. READ MORE: www.sagaftra.org/sag-aftra-vi...
So happy! Great job to everyone involved!
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 6:32 AM
So happy! Great job to everyone involved!
Reposted by Kareem
layoff stages of grief: today I am simply very mad that we were not able to ship the Black Panther game. all of you nerds – from the old school Marvel comics fans to the procedural narrative scholars – would have been very spoiled
May 30, 2025 at 2:57 PM
layoff stages of grief: today I am simply very mad that we were not able to ship the Black Panther game. all of you nerds – from the old school Marvel comics fans to the procedural narrative scholars – would have been very spoiled
The new hit song "Gnarly" by Katseye has a pre-chorus beat inspired by the 90's Mortal Kombat theme Techno Syndrome. Don't push me, I'm a DJ, I can prove it.
youtu.be/WDzvp-y5Xm4?...
youtu.be/WDzvp-y5Xm4?...
KATSEYE(캣츠아이) 'Gnarly' (4K) | STUDIO CHOOM ORIGINAL
YouTube video by STUDIO CHOOM [스튜디오 춤]
youtu.be
May 9, 2025 at 9:38 PM
The new hit song "Gnarly" by Katseye has a pre-chorus beat inspired by the 90's Mortal Kombat theme Techno Syndrome. Don't push me, I'm a DJ, I can prove it.
youtu.be/WDzvp-y5Xm4?...
youtu.be/WDzvp-y5Xm4?...
