Futurama: Game of Drones

Narrative & Production Leadership

Overview

Led narrative production for “Futurama: Game of Drones,” a match-3 type mobile game that successfully integrated the beloved Futurama IP with engaging puzzle gameplay mechanics. Collaborated with high-profile creative talent including Dave Grossman (LucasArts, Telltale) and Patric Verrone (Futurama EP and Writer) to deliver an authentic Futurama experience within a casual gaming format.

Role & Responsibilities

• Narrative Design Lead: Developed episodic narrative framework balancing background story arcs with foreground gameplay
• Production Pipeline Architect: Created and managed content creation system from concept through implementation
• Creative Team Leader: Directed iterative story development process with stakeholders and IP holders
• Technical Implementation: Designed writer-friendly toolset and story delivery systems
• Live Operations Management: Established scalable narrative content production for ongoing game updates

Key Innovations

Episodic Storytelling Framework

• Narrative integration in match-3 genre through interactive comic strips and in-level dialogue
• Developed “content unit blueprints” enabling scalable story production
• Created a transition from serial to procedural episodic content for live operations

Production Pipeline Development

1. Initial Pipeline (v1.0)

   • World concept development
   • Multi-stage script drafting
   • Comics production with multiple revision cycles
   • World map and level progression alignment
   • Final text implementation and approvals

2. Enhanced Pipeline (v2.0)

   • Streamlined for live operations
   • Focus shift to procedural episodic content
   • Asset and location reuse optimization
   • Established timeline for content cadence

Technical Achievement

Developed comprehensive narrative toolset including:

• Script formatting templates
• Content management systems
• Asset and writing production guidelines
• Quality assurance protocols
• Live operations documentation

Creative Direction

• Maintained authentic Futurama humor and character voices
• Balanced fan service with accessible gameplay
• Integrated story elements with match-3 mechanics
• Created cohesive world-building across game modes

Project Impact

• Successful integration of premium IP storytelling in match-3 mobile genre
• Established high standards for narrative content in casual games
• Created reusable framework for episodic mobile game content
• Demonstrated scalable narrative production for live service games

Collaboration Highlights

Worked directly with:

• Dave Grossman (LucasArts, Telltale) - Lead Writer
• Patric Verrone (Futurama EP) - Writing & Story Supervision
• Fox Digital Entertainment - IP Holders
• Wooga Development Team - Implementation
• Wooga Art & Design Teams - Visual Integration

Key Learnings

1. Pipeline Evolution

   • Early blueprint development is crucial
   • Flexibility in process adaptation
   • Scale consideration from start
   • Resource reusability optimization for live ops

2. Creative Balance

   • IP authenticity maintenance
   • Gameplay integration priorities
   • Stakeholder management
   • Production efficiency

Tools & Technologies

• Custom narrative design tools
• Story management systems
• Asset production pipeline
• Quality assurance protocols
• Live operations framework

Duration: 2015-2016
Platform: Mobile (iOS/Android)
Genre: Puzzle/Match-3
IP Owner: Fox Digital Entertainment