Narrative Designer

Prof. S. E. Dinehart IV

Bringing Stories to Life with Interactive Design
Executive Producer, Director, &, Writer Specializing in Immersive Game Experiences
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Previous Clients Including:
  • bethesda
  • rovio
  • saatchi
  • spumco
  • toyota
  • UAW
  • WB
  • gazil

Welcome to The Narrative Designer

Click above to watch a video introduction by Professor Dinehart (2016)

Professor Stephen Erin Dinehart IV is an industry-leading game maker, new media evangelist, educator, and entrepreneur who continues to redefine the intersection of themed entertainment, mixed reality, and games. Renowned as the Narrative Designer—a position he pioneered with THQ in 2006—Dinehart's prolific portfolio spans major theme parks, immersive game-based theatrical experiences, VR/AR for location-based entertainment, mobile, e-learning systems, and AAA video games, and brand development for global heavyweights like Toyota, NBC Universal, Saatchi & Saatchi, Warner Bros., DC, Marvel, and Nintendo. His creative genius has helped bring to life beloved franchises and characters such as the Marvel Universe, Mario, Batman, and The Lord of the Rings. Recent notable projects include the GiantLands roleplaying game, Evermore Park, Boomtown Fair, and Super Nintendo World.

What is a Narrative Designer?

The Narrative Designer is a professional role dedicated to crafting the storytelling elements within interactive media, particularly games, to create meaningful products and cultivate loyal fan bases. This role transcends traditional scriptwriting by seamlessly integrating narrative into gameplay, thereby abolishing production silos and delivering best-in-class experiences to worldwide audiences. Envisioned by Professor Dinehart in collaboration with teams at THQ Global and THQ Canada (dba Relic Entertainment) in 2006, the narrative designer role has since revolutionized the AAA video game industry and beyond, now employing thousands across various business sectors worldwide. By weaving compelling stories into interactive environments, narrative designers play a crucial role in engaging audiences, conveying meaning, and enhancing the overall quality and performance of interactive products.

Professor Dinehart in his office "The Story Room" at Relic Entertainment in 2006.
Prof. Dinehart in the Relic Entertainment "Story Room" 2006
Award-Winning Game Maker

From Cloud, and, Company of Heroes, to Super Nintendo World, and Mario Kart: Koopa's Challenge, Prof. Dinehart has won & been nominated for numerous awards.

Interactive Media Expert

Prof. Dinehart has been making virtual worlds since 1998. He also co-created, wrote and took the first Narrative Designer role in 2006. The role has gone on to redefine how interactive experiences are made. 

Arts Scholar

Of his many accolades Professor Dinehart is a honorary scholar many times over, including Electronic Arts, The Annenberg Foundation, Gene Autry, and The David Lynch Foundation. 

Executive Speaker

From the Pyramids of Giza in Cairo to the Harvard Business School, Dinehart has inspired audiences worldwide to manifest a better world with technology, art, and innovation.

Gain Magazine featuring Narrative Designer Stephen E. Dinehart IV

Gain Magazine Issue featuring an in-depth interview with Professor Dinehart

Interviewed in German Game  Culture Mag!

Late in 2023, the German game culture journal GAIN Magazine features an exclusive, in-depth interview with Professor Stephen E. Dinehart IV, conducted by the insightful Arno Görgen. In this final issue of the magazine, Dinehart delves into various facets of his work, life, and career, offering enlightening discourse on the intricacies of narrative design within the gaming landscape—a rare and rewarding opportunity. Professionals in the industry seldom have the chance to explore their craft in such depth. Görgen's thought-provoking questions allow Stephen to reflect on his journey as a narrative designer in ways previously unexplored. The interview is available exclusively in print and published solely in German. To acquire a copy, visit www.gain-magazin.de. Don't miss this exclusive opportunity to access a wealth of knowledge and inspiration in the last issue of GAIN Magazine.