Writing for Call of Duty with Ashley Poprik and Chris Holzworth
Jan 6, 2025
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Ashley Poprik, a seasoned video game writer for titles including Call of Duty: Black Ops 6, and Chris Holzworth, a veteran in writing and localization, share their insights. They discuss the pressures of contributing to such an iconic franchise and how they craft compelling narratives. Topics include the differences in writing for single-player versus multiplayer modes, the challenge of weaving in contemporary themes like trauma and revenge, and the importance of character-driven stories that resonate with players.
Ashley Poprik and Chris Holzworth highlight their diverse career paths in game writing, reflecting the various routes to success in the industry.
The duo discusses the significance of character development in Call of Duty, emphasizing the introduction of emotionally complex figures in Black Ops 6.
Writing for Call of Duty involves a delicate balance between narrative depth and gameplay mechanics, requiring innovative approaches to maintain player engagement.
Deep dives
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Careers in Game Writing
The episode features insights from Ashley Poprick and Chris Holesworth, both of whom have rich backgrounds in game writing, particularly within the Call of Duty franchise. Ashley's journey began with internships at major studios like Insomniac Games and transitioned to her work on Black Ops 6, showcasing her rapid ascent in a competitive field. Chris, on the other hand, took a longer route through journalism and localization before landing at Raven Software, contributing to notable titles like Call of Duty Vanguard. Their stories highlight the diverse paths that can lead to success in game development and writing.
Character Depth in Call of Duty
The discussion emphasizes the evolution of character development within the Call of Duty series, particularly in Black Ops 6. Unlike previous iterations that focused on typical military archetypes, the new installment introduces characters with deeper emotional backgrounds and personal stakes. This enhancement allows players to connect more authentically with the characters, making their experiences resonate on a human level. Both Ashley and Chris express a commitment to moving beyond stereotypes to create relatable, flawed individuals that reflect real human experiences.
Balancing Story and Gameplay
Writing for Call of Duty presents unique challenges, especially in balancing narrative with gameplay mechanics. The creators have to navigate player interactions within fast-paced action environments, ensuring that story elements do not disrupt the gameplay experience. Ashley and Chris reflect on adapting their writing to accommodate the mechanics of various game modes while still delivering impactful storytelling. This process often requires innovative approaches to maintain player engagement without sacrificing narrative depth, illustrating the complexity of game writing.
Engaging with Contemporary Issues
The characters and narratives in Black Ops 6 draw from real-world issues, intertwining conspiracy theories and historical events. This incorporation invites discussions about the nature of truth and belief within modern society, where many individuals engage with these themes through gaming. Ashley and Chris approach these sensitive subjects with care, discussing how to manufacture fictional narratives that resonate amid contemporary events. They emphasize the importance of responsibly navigating these themes to avoid reinforcing harmful ideologies while also delivering engaging and thought-provoking content.
Alexa Ray Corriea chats with writers Ashley Poprik and Chris Holzworth. Together they discuss how they each started their careers and the titles they've worked on; the pressure of writing on a massively popular and long running franchise like Call of Duty; giving every developer the chance to be a storyteller; the differences between writing for single player and multiplayer; and the difficulty in referencing conspiracy theories with contemporary audiences.
