Tori Schafer
@torischafer.bsky.social
Senior Narrative Designer @ Elsewhere Entertainment (Activision) ✧ Formerly World of Warcraft, Elder Scrolls Online, Spellbreak, Counterplay Games ✧ Award Winning Designer ✧ Published Author ✧ torischafer.com
Super excited to say that I'll be speaking at Digital Dragons this year in Krakow, Poland! I'll be giving a talk about my work writing lyrics for games. I'm also available to meet other developers attending the conference ^^
May 9, 2025 at 6:58 PM
Super excited to say that I'll be speaking at Digital Dragons this year in Krakow, Poland! I'll be giving a talk about my work writing lyrics for games. I'm also available to meet other developers attending the conference ^^
Honorable mentions I enjoyed this year are stitch., Duck Detective, Animal Crossing: Happy Home Paradise, Botany Manor, the Cosmic Wheel Sisterhood, Storyteller, and Strange Horticulture.
January 4, 2025 at 9:31 PM
Honorable mentions I enjoyed this year are stitch., Duck Detective, Animal Crossing: Happy Home Paradise, Botany Manor, the Cosmic Wheel Sisterhood, Storyteller, and Strange Horticulture.
10. In Stars and Time
I played this in January, and it definitely gave me lots of Undertale vibes with how powerful of a story could be told with (seemingly) simple gameplay. I really think this shows just how powerful indie games can be. Really excited to see what the studio does next.
I played this in January, and it definitely gave me lots of Undertale vibes with how powerful of a story could be told with (seemingly) simple gameplay. I really think this shows just how powerful indie games can be. Really excited to see what the studio does next.
January 4, 2025 at 9:28 PM
10. In Stars and Time
I played this in January, and it definitely gave me lots of Undertale vibes with how powerful of a story could be told with (seemingly) simple gameplay. I really think this shows just how powerful indie games can be. Really excited to see what the studio does next.
I played this in January, and it definitely gave me lots of Undertale vibes with how powerful of a story could be told with (seemingly) simple gameplay. I really think this shows just how powerful indie games can be. Really excited to see what the studio does next.
9. FFXIV: Dawntrail
As a huge FFXIV fan, I was excited for a whole new location and story now that Endwalker was finished. I loved the world building, our new companions, and the two new jobs. In fact, I just got all my jobs to level 100 today :3 This has also been a blast to play with friends!
As a huge FFXIV fan, I was excited for a whole new location and story now that Endwalker was finished. I loved the world building, our new companions, and the two new jobs. In fact, I just got all my jobs to level 100 today :3 This has also been a blast to play with friends!
January 4, 2025 at 9:26 PM
9. FFXIV: Dawntrail
As a huge FFXIV fan, I was excited for a whole new location and story now that Endwalker was finished. I loved the world building, our new companions, and the two new jobs. In fact, I just got all my jobs to level 100 today :3 This has also been a blast to play with friends!
As a huge FFXIV fan, I was excited for a whole new location and story now that Endwalker was finished. I loved the world building, our new companions, and the two new jobs. In fact, I just got all my jobs to level 100 today :3 This has also been a blast to play with friends!
8. Dragon Age: The Veilguard
I played through all the Dragon Age games this summer leading up to this, and it was my most anticipated of the year. I ended up playing pretty much every scrap of content and enjoying myself a lot. It is a departure from the series, but I enjoyed my time all the same.
I played through all the Dragon Age games this summer leading up to this, and it was my most anticipated of the year. I ended up playing pretty much every scrap of content and enjoying myself a lot. It is a departure from the series, but I enjoyed my time all the same.
January 4, 2025 at 9:23 PM
8. Dragon Age: The Veilguard
I played through all the Dragon Age games this summer leading up to this, and it was my most anticipated of the year. I ended up playing pretty much every scrap of content and enjoying myself a lot. It is a departure from the series, but I enjoyed my time all the same.
I played through all the Dragon Age games this summer leading up to this, and it was my most anticipated of the year. I ended up playing pretty much every scrap of content and enjoying myself a lot. It is a departure from the series, but I enjoyed my time all the same.
7. Persona 3: Reload
As I said, I'm a huge Persona fan, so when I heard that Persona 3 was getting a remake I was beyond excited. And it delivered! The same story and characters I love but with HUGE art and gameplay improvements. I just wish I could play as the fem protagonist 🥲
As I said, I'm a huge Persona fan, so when I heard that Persona 3 was getting a remake I was beyond excited. And it delivered! The same story and characters I love but with HUGE art and gameplay improvements. I just wish I could play as the fem protagonist 🥲
January 4, 2025 at 9:22 PM
7. Persona 3: Reload
As I said, I'm a huge Persona fan, so when I heard that Persona 3 was getting a remake I was beyond excited. And it delivered! The same story and characters I love but with HUGE art and gameplay improvements. I just wish I could play as the fem protagonist 🥲
As I said, I'm a huge Persona fan, so when I heard that Persona 3 was getting a remake I was beyond excited. And it delivered! The same story and characters I love but with HUGE art and gameplay improvements. I just wish I could play as the fem protagonist 🥲
6. The Rise of the Golden Idol
As a huge fan of the original game (and adventure mystery games in general) I was super on board for this and man did it deliver. I think the quality improvements were everything I wanted, and I really enjoyed the new complexities. A million more of these, please.
As a huge fan of the original game (and adventure mystery games in general) I was super on board for this and man did it deliver. I think the quality improvements were everything I wanted, and I really enjoyed the new complexities. A million more of these, please.
January 4, 2025 at 9:20 PM
6. The Rise of the Golden Idol
As a huge fan of the original game (and adventure mystery games in general) I was super on board for this and man did it deliver. I think the quality improvements were everything I wanted, and I really enjoyed the new complexities. A million more of these, please.
As a huge fan of the original game (and adventure mystery games in general) I was super on board for this and man did it deliver. I think the quality improvements were everything I wanted, and I really enjoyed the new complexities. A million more of these, please.
5. Citizen Sleeper
I played this early January and I think it rewired a part of my brain. A wonderful example of how gameplay can really enhance the emotions of a game's story. It also may have inspired a personal project of mine 👀 But I'll share more about that when it's ready to be shared!
I played this early January and I think it rewired a part of my brain. A wonderful example of how gameplay can really enhance the emotions of a game's story. It also may have inspired a personal project of mine 👀 But I'll share more about that when it's ready to be shared!
January 4, 2025 at 9:19 PM
5. Citizen Sleeper
I played this early January and I think it rewired a part of my brain. A wonderful example of how gameplay can really enhance the emotions of a game's story. It also may have inspired a personal project of mine 👀 But I'll share more about that when it's ready to be shared!
I played this early January and I think it rewired a part of my brain. A wonderful example of how gameplay can really enhance the emotions of a game's story. It also may have inspired a personal project of mine 👀 But I'll share more about that when it's ready to be shared!
4. Metaphor: Refantazio
Right, right, has there been a game on this list that isn't already universally acclaimed? But as a huge Persona fan I was so excited for this to come out, and it really did deliver. The gameplay improvements are something I hope to see out of Atlus games for years to come.
Right, right, has there been a game on this list that isn't already universally acclaimed? But as a huge Persona fan I was so excited for this to come out, and it really did deliver. The gameplay improvements are something I hope to see out of Atlus games for years to come.
January 4, 2025 at 9:17 PM
4. Metaphor: Refantazio
Right, right, has there been a game on this list that isn't already universally acclaimed? But as a huge Persona fan I was so excited for this to come out, and it really did deliver. The gameplay improvements are something I hope to see out of Atlus games for years to come.
Right, right, has there been a game on this list that isn't already universally acclaimed? But as a huge Persona fan I was so excited for this to come out, and it really did deliver. The gameplay improvements are something I hope to see out of Atlus games for years to come.
3. Final Fantasy 7: Rebirth
As a huge FF fan, I feel like this game hit everything I wanted it to. Fun gameplay, awesome characters, great moments. The story did get a little wild there at the end, but that's Square Enix for you 😅 Can't wait for the final to come out!
As a huge FF fan, I feel like this game hit everything I wanted it to. Fun gameplay, awesome characters, great moments. The story did get a little wild there at the end, but that's Square Enix for you 😅 Can't wait for the final to come out!
January 4, 2025 at 9:15 PM
3. Final Fantasy 7: Rebirth
As a huge FF fan, I feel like this game hit everything I wanted it to. Fun gameplay, awesome characters, great moments. The story did get a little wild there at the end, but that's Square Enix for you 😅 Can't wait for the final to come out!
As a huge FF fan, I feel like this game hit everything I wanted it to. Fun gameplay, awesome characters, great moments. The story did get a little wild there at the end, but that's Square Enix for you 😅 Can't wait for the final to come out!
2. Disco Elysium
I finally got a chance to play this and wow did it deliver. Like every other narrative designer in the world, this game blew me away with just how well written and executed it was. I hope this inspires many adventure games to come.
I finally got a chance to play this and wow did it deliver. Like every other narrative designer in the world, this game blew me away with just how well written and executed it was. I hope this inspires many adventure games to come.
January 4, 2025 at 9:13 PM
2. Disco Elysium
I finally got a chance to play this and wow did it deliver. Like every other narrative designer in the world, this game blew me away with just how well written and executed it was. I hope this inspires many adventure games to come.
I finally got a chance to play this and wow did it deliver. Like every other narrative designer in the world, this game blew me away with just how well written and executed it was. I hope this inspires many adventure games to come.
1. Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth
I feel like everyone has already heard how amazing this one is, but it was extra special for me because I recently played ALL the Yakuza games. Loved the combat, gameplay, story, characters... Definitely my GOTY of 2024! Can't wait for the newest game with Majima.
I feel like everyone has already heard how amazing this one is, but it was extra special for me because I recently played ALL the Yakuza games. Loved the combat, gameplay, story, characters... Definitely my GOTY of 2024! Can't wait for the newest game with Majima.
January 4, 2025 at 9:11 PM
1. Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth
I feel like everyone has already heard how amazing this one is, but it was extra special for me because I recently played ALL the Yakuza games. Loved the combat, gameplay, story, characters... Definitely my GOTY of 2024! Can't wait for the newest game with Majima.
I feel like everyone has already heard how amazing this one is, but it was extra special for me because I recently played ALL the Yakuza games. Loved the combat, gameplay, story, characters... Definitely my GOTY of 2024! Can't wait for the newest game with Majima.
This Gary Provost excerpt I read in college definitely stuck with me, all these years later.
November 21, 2024 at 6:21 AM
This Gary Provost excerpt I read in college definitely stuck with me, all these years later.
Oooo, I like this. My top four games of 2024!
November 19, 2024 at 3:15 AM
Oooo, I like this. My top four games of 2024!
Four games I've worked on:
November 19, 2024 at 2:54 AM
Four games I've worked on:
20. Voice of Cards. I'm going to just lump these together as a series, but I love all three. The card based visuals and UI get me every time, and I love how weird and subversive the stories and characters get. Highly recommend these to anyone who loves turned based RPGs!
October 20, 2024 at 8:24 PM
20. Voice of Cards. I'm going to just lump these together as a series, but I love all three. The card based visuals and UI get me every time, and I love how weird and subversive the stories and characters get. Highly recommend these to anyone who loves turned based RPGs!
15. Crystal Chronicles. I played this one on the gamecube with my friends in college during late night slumber parties, so it's definitely a nostalgia pick for me. Loved how the multiplayer worked for this, and I would love to see a modern game inspired by it.
October 20, 2024 at 8:12 PM
15. Crystal Chronicles. I played this one on the gamecube with my friends in college during late night slumber parties, so it's definitely a nostalgia pick for me. Loved how the multiplayer worked for this, and I would love to see a modern game inspired by it.
In a similar vein. Nice.
October 20, 2024 at 5:01 PM
In a similar vein. Nice.
14. Rune Factory. Yes, the original one that I played in high school where I married a ghost and had a forever baby. I'm forever chasing that "cozy game meets RPG" high that this made me feel, though I feel like there's some games coming out recently that might scratch the itch.
October 20, 2024 at 4:48 PM
14. Rune Factory. Yes, the original one that I played in high school where I married a ghost and had a forever baby. I'm forever chasing that "cozy game meets RPG" high that this made me feel, though I feel like there's some games coming out recently that might scratch the itch.
12. Professor Layton vs. Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney. Kind of hilarious that two of my favorite series came together to make a game that I absolutely loved. Also very convenient for a list like this ✌️I love adventure and puzzle games, and this is a masterclass of both in my opinion.
October 20, 2024 at 4:42 PM
12. Professor Layton vs. Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney. Kind of hilarious that two of my favorite series came together to make a game that I absolutely loved. Also very convenient for a list like this ✌️I love adventure and puzzle games, and this is a masterclass of both in my opinion.
11. Power Wash Simulator. My go to podcast game. I'm sure I've spent hundreds of hours cleaning just the playground alone. This game is so satisfying to play. I would like a million more DLCs, please.
October 20, 2024 at 4:40 PM
11. Power Wash Simulator. My go to podcast game. I'm sure I've spent hundreds of hours cleaning just the playground alone. This game is so satisfying to play. I would like a million more DLCs, please.
Outside of my game career, I've published several works, including The Official Survival Guide to Tamriel and four tarot card decks for various franchises: Star Trek, Skyrim, Fallout, and Hocus Pocus. As with most writers, I'm also working on a fiction novel, but it's slow going ^^'
October 18, 2024 at 11:07 PM
Outside of my game career, I've published several works, including The Official Survival Guide to Tamriel and four tarot card decks for various franchises: Star Trek, Skyrim, Fallout, and Hocus Pocus. As with most writers, I'm also working on a fiction novel, but it's slow going ^^'
Introductions are in order! I'm Tori Schafer, a senior narrative designer and writer. I've previously worked on the games World of Warcraft, Elder Scrolls Online, and Spellbreak. I'm currently working on an unannounced project at Elsewhere Entertainment, an Activision studio ^^
October 18, 2024 at 11:04 PM
Introductions are in order! I'm Tori Schafer, a senior narrative designer and writer. I've previously worked on the games World of Warcraft, Elder Scrolls Online, and Spellbreak. I'm currently working on an unannounced project at Elsewhere Entertainment, an Activision studio ^^
Excited to announce that I joined the incredible team at Elsewhere Entertainment today! While I adored my time with the World of Warcraft team, I'm just SO excited about this new project. I can't wait to be able to share more about it!
September 30, 2024 at 11:40 PM
Excited to announce that I joined the incredible team at Elsewhere Entertainment today! While I adored my time with the World of Warcraft team, I'm just SO excited about this new project. I can't wait to be able to share more about it!