Resume
A Brief Work History of Steve Danuser
(More comprehensive version available upon request – mail to: sdanuser at gmail.com)
LinkedIn Profile: http://www.linkedin.com/in/moorgard
Overview
Creative writer, game designer, world architect, evangelist, storyteller, and leader. Specialist at originating and nurturing games and intellectual properties from inception to launch. Director-level experience within high-pressure creative environments to foster and manage teams. Able to establish, enforce, and evangelize vision for products and IP across multiple projects and studios.
Experience
38 Studios, LLC, Providence, RI – November 2006 – May 2012
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Key Accomplishments
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Interfaced and collaborated with best-selling author R. A. Salvatore and artist Todd McFarlane to champion their story and artistic vision
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Architected modular world and history timeline capable of supporting multiple game titles and ancillary products within continuity of Amalur franchise
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Oversaw integration of Amalur IP into Big Huge Games RPG engine, resulting in successful launch of Kingdoms of Amalur: Reckoning in 2012
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Directed creative and narrative design for MMORPG, codenamed Project Copernicus
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Director, Story & IP Development – Overseer of IP across Providence and Baltimore Studios (12/2011 – 05/2012)
Creative Director – Established and drove creative vision for the Project Copernicus MMO (06/2009 – 12/2011)
Lead Content Designer / Director of Community – Built content design team for Project Copernicus / set vision and goals for community department (11/2006 – 06/2009)
Sony Online Entertainment, San Diego, CA – August 2003 – October 2006
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Key Accomplishments
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Served on leads team for EverQuest II MMORPG, launched successfully in 11/2004
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Built strong, vibrant community for EverQuest II from pre-launch through live updates
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Assisted in concept and creation of multiple expansions, including Echoes of Faydwer
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Game Designer – Created lore for the EverQuest franchise and built content for EQ2 live game and expansions
Community Manager – Created a vibrant and healthy MMO community, setting standards for community management
Creative Credits & Additional Skills
Author – Skilled writer and copy editor
- Projects include:
- Writing for Video Game Genres: From FPS to RPG – Edited by Wendy Despain (A K Peters, Ltd.) Co-wrote chapter “Writing for Massively Multiplayer Online Games” (2009).
- Mobhunter.com – Personal blog offering commentary on games in general and MMOs in particular. Frequently cited as one of the early influential MMO blogs (2001-present).
Speaker – Speaker and panelist at industry events
- Events include:
- GDC Online – Writing for MMOs: You’re Doing It Wrong (2009); Creators of Transmedia Stories (2010)
- IEEE Virtual Reality Conference – Design for Experience?! (2010)
- GameX Industry Summit – Beyond Raids and Ganks (2009)
- ION/LOGIN - Taking Your Community from Launch to Live (2008)
- New York Comic Con – 38 Studios Presentation (2008, 2009)
Presenter – Demonstrated product and interacted with community
- Events include:
- E3 - Demonstrated EverQuest II pre- and post-launch, as well as its various expansions (2003-2006).
- SOE FanFaire – Helped organize and moderate panel discussions, identify and invite community members to attend events (2003-2006).
Interests & Influences
- In no particular order:
- Roger Zelazny, Babylon 5, Vladimir Nabokov, George R. R. Martin, David Sylvian, Sting, The Blue Nile, EverQuest, Star Trek, Ultima I-VII, Leonard Cohen, Battlestar Galactica, the Atari 800, The Chicago Manual of Style, Archon, Lost, R.A. Salvatore, The Enchanted World, Spider-Man, the Minnesota Vikings
Strengths
- Engaging public speaker for both internal evangelism and industry events.
- Excellent creative skills with the ability to clearly communicate design concepts both verbally and in writing.
- Strong conceptual thinker with exceptional game design skills and aesthetic sense.
- Collaboration across disciplines such as art and engineering to communicate vision and achieve results.
- Manages and mentors other designers to help them perform at their peak and grow in their careers.
- Extensive knowledge of online culture and gaming communities.
References
Available upon request
