Extra Dimension Games approached me with a writing assignment — create an on-going story for their mobile title Starbrew Cafe, integrating the narrative into existing gameplay areas.
While a few initial scripts existed, it was my charge to ensure the story could continue for at least 60 playable chapters.
I treated the assignment a little like writing television or even a weekly comic. Each “zone” is a self contained serialized story, which pushes the overall episodic narrative a little further each time — allowing the audience to become invested in a larger, ongoing story.
Cliffhangers, mysteries and character reveals. I use all the tricks to keep players wanting to play the next chapter.
I also gave the story an overall self-aware and mildly sarcastic tone, while maintaining some emotional truths about the characters — always trying to steer away from archetypical cliches (which, when dealing with supernatural characters is always a temptation).
Starbrew Cafe is available to download now for mobile.
CHRIS D'ALESSANDRO 
I’m a big Starbrew Cafe fan. Never before have I played a merge game with a plot that has a vice grip on me. This is the first time where I eagerly merge not just to fix up an area but to get more snippets of this story that you’ve created. I’ve played alot of merge games and the stories are usually very thin or bot the focus. But Starbrew… Starbrew is special. One of my favourites. And now I’m learning there’s at least 60 planned chapters?! I’m eating good. Thank you for all your work in it. Thank you for writing about Starla and Co. for us. And all the laughs, frustrations, twists and turns you’ve given us fans. Thank you for those as well.
Came here to agree with the last commenter and show some appreciation. So uniquely fun, I had to check the game credits and go, “Who wrote this?”
The entire reason I’m still playing Starbrew is the writing—and I can’t think there are many casual games out there where that can be said. The audience-aware pop culture jokes, the little fourth wall breaks, and the character interactions are so enjoyable.
got this game bc i was bored and wanted a simple merge mobile game, pleasantly surprised when i saw the writing was actually fun and addictive, i mean seriously getting somebody hooked on the story in a mobile game about merging things ????? is a serious talent, im always excited to see what happens next and the story feels like it has some structure and the characters are very lovable and not just shallow inserts. My favourite as of right now is Aubrey….. and Saturn of course. Excited to see if we get to see some backstory from him, idk tho I haven’t caught up with all of the chapters