I'm Matt - freelance writer, narrative designer & consultant.
I write games, audio-plays, and kids' novels. In my work, I combine emotional storytelling, precise planning, and compelling narrative structures.
I create original stories and characters as well as adaptations of existing licenses in English, and my native language German. I am highly experienced in
coordinating production schedules and complex projects. As a creative lead, I have worked with small indie teams as well as teams of more than 40 members. I give talks, lectures, and workshops on
game writing and provide quality translations (German) for eg. story-driven games.
I am always looking for creative challenges. If you are searching for a
- writer
- narrative designer
- creative lead
- production consultant
- or translator (English > German) for your narrative project,
contact me at mattkempke@gmail.com
If you like my work, consider following me on Instagram.
You can also connect with me on LinkedIn.
Things I am working on right now
"Standart Skill: Voll verglitcht!": Novel for kids with interactive choices (German) // Sept. 15th 2020 // RIVA
Verlag & German games influencer "Standart Skill" // My role: author
"Mexify: Das Hotel im Nirgendwo": Novel for kids (German) // Oct. 13th 2020 // RIVA Verlag & German games influencer "Mexify" // My role: co-author with Aljoscha Jelinek (as "Josh Matthews")
"Ad Infinitum" (LINK): 3D World War I Horror Game PC/Mac/Consoles // currently in production, Hekate GmbH // My roles: narrative designer, writer, consultant
Some things that I have done
"Tape Stories": interactive audio thriller for Amazon Alexa // 2020, GER, Pop Rocket Labs // My roles: writer & voice director // Awards: Nominee "Best Serious Game" (German Games Award 2020), Honoree "Best Writing for Apps, Mobile & Voice" (Webby Award 2020)
"Ken Follett's The Pillars of the Earth": adventure game for PC/Mac/Mobile & Consoles // 2018, Daedalic Entertainment // My roles: creative lead & lead writer, producer, voice director // Awards: Winner Prix Historia 2018, Winner "Best Sound" (German Games Award 2017)
"Freudbot": casual comedy mobile card game for Android/iOS/Windows // 2014, SlashGames // My roles (as Nathan Thelen): creative lead & lead writer, producer art // Awards: Nominee "Best Casual Mobile" (German Developer Award 2014)
"The Night of the Rabbit": adventure game for PC/Mac // 2013, Daedalic Entertainment // My roles: creative lead & writer, background artist, voice director // Awards: Winner "Best Game World" (Austrian Game Award 2013), Nominee "Best Game for Kids" (German Games Award 2014)
"A Stitch in Time" & "What Makes You Tick": adventure games for PC/Mac // 2007 (WMYT) & 2010 (Stitch), Lassie Games // My roles: idea, writer, background artist, animator etc. // (Unfortunately Lassie Games is not distributing these games anymore. Hopefully, they will be re-released someday.)
Additional Projects:
"Do Not Feed The Monkeys" (LINK): comedy surveillance simulator for PC/Mac // 2018, Fictiorama Games // My roles: German translation