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March 5, 2024 75 mins

We chat with Mark Darrah about his career at BioWare, including his work on Mass Effect, Dragon Age, Baldur's Gate, and more. Join the veteran game devs as they discuss the art of storytelling in an open world, and highlight the influence of The Ur-Quan Masters on the Mass Effect series.


Check out Mark Darrah's YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qabZM40_bN4


0:00 - Theme music

0:14 - Introductions

1:54 - Ur-Quan Masters and Mass Effect

4:14 - Exploring open worlds

10:25 - Storytelling in open worlds

12:18 - Multiplayer storytelling

23:27 - Main content vs side content

25:14 - What do fandoms like

30:30 - Storytelling techniques

34:18 - Making games in teams

43:25 - Conflicting visions and Dragon Age: Inquisition

53:23 - Making a satisfying sequel

1:10:56 - Mark and UQM


Follow us on Twitter - https://twitter.com/theurquanmaster

Discuss with us on Discord - https://discord.gg/rasVCDmYKp

Please support us on Patreon - https://www.patreon.com/pistolshrimp

Learn more about Pistol Shrimp - https://pistolshrimpgames.com/


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