Where Did Everybody Go?
What Is It?
Here’s myself and other members of the Talespin team explaining a bit more about the project.
“Where Did Everybody Go? The Business Leader’s Guide to the Decentralized World” (or WEG) is a 30-module series Talespin created in partnership with Pearson. This interactive training was designed to equip leaders with the skills needed to thrive in a rapidly changing business landscape by focusing on four key pillars: Applying Web3 to Business Strategy and Operations, Management Upskilling, Equity & Values of the Modern Workforce, and Critical Thinking.
How Did You Build It?
I was responsible for the creative direction of the WEG series, which was the first project of this scale Talespin had ever attempted. I invented the fictional city of Levitt Heights and its rival sister city, Granite Valley, as well as a complex cast of characters to bring the series to life. (Fun fact- the city of Levitt Heights is named in honor of speed driver Dorothy Levitt, the “fastest girl on earth.”)
I refined our team’s processes and procedures to support the creation of the series within the same, interconnected story-world. Before production on scripts ever began, our team compiled characters, biographies, landmarks, environments, and storylines in a central wiki to serve as a source of truth that could be cross-referenced during production. (A big shoutout to Campfire— if you haven’t tried it yet, I highly recommend it).
I contributed to the scripting architecture, edited/ approved completed scripts, and wrote interactive conversations that contributed to the success of the series.
What Makes this Project Unique?
The real differentiating factor for WEG is the sheer scale and complexity of the series. I proposed and successfully executed a complex system of story rewards that spanned the entire series. This overarching plot rewarded the learner for completing modules by allowing them to solve a mystery and change the trajectory of an entire city.
What Was the Impact of this Project?
This series is still in the process of being released to a wider audience, but initial responses have been extremely promising. Feedback from industry beta testers has been included below.
“I found the scenarios engaging, immersive and close enough to real world situations that it prompted a natural responses that I could apply in my day to day job.”
“I thought each module was really cool... The different people (characters) were great and the experience included different personalities and incorporated DEI.”
“I loved the interactivity... The characters, as different as they all were, are a constant reminder of how different we all are. Not everyone has the same viewpoint and it is important to be challenged.”
Show Me!
Below is a brief, linear excerpt of one of the branching scripts I created. The following is a conversation between the learner, who is playing the current city comissioner, and Dan Huang, the owner of a popular local restaurant.