My Name is SHAUN SHEPHERD. I am a GAME DESIGNER from BRISBANE. This is my PORTFOLIO.

static filled

Guts and fibre

Brain worms

MY START

I CUT MY TEETH on board game design. I was so fascinated by the ALCHEMY at the table. Somehow a page of writing and a few pieces of wood and cardboard was able to produce a MOVING, BREATHING THING. This has made my very SYSTEMATICALLY MINDED. Board games don't get the luxury of hiding the math, it's not only visible but must be MANUALY MANAGED.
I have recently FALLEN DOWN the TTRPG rabbit hole. TTRPG DESIGN is much less focused on the mathematical impact of mechanics and is ENTIRELY CONCERNED with its emotional impact. 
As I transitioned into video games I ASSUMED I would focus on mechanically dense games, but they were MISSING THAT MAGIC I loved so much from board games. It was NARRATIVE, ATMOSPHERE, AND WORLDBUILDING which captured my imagination. I found my OBSESSION in telling compelling stories with a TIGHT MECHANICAL CORE. I quickly became fascinated by exploring the FRINGE of player experience. I wanted to make experiences that produced emotions that video games are well suited for but SELDOM APPLIED.

INSPIRATION

The games that have most inspired me and impacted my work.