Narrative Designer and video game developer Eira A Ekre joins me as we explore the deeper layers of narrative design, the immersive power of video games, and the growing role of machines in shaping how we think, create, and live. Our conversation about storytelling quickly expands into something more: how interactive worlds influence identity, how structured narratives guide behaviour, and whether our increasing reliance on technology is quietly rewriting what it means to be human.

We dive into the craft of building meaningful stories, the unique storytelling potential of video games as a medium, and the philosophical edge where creativity meets control.

We also explore existential questions about machine dependence, autonomy, and whether the systems we build are beginning to guide us more than we guide them.

Books of hers we discuss: Mimeograph

linkedin.com/in/eira-a-ekre-1a700a35/

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Applied science fiction collaborator and zoefuturism writer Stephen Oram joins me to explore how policy, technology, and evolving culture shape the futures we imagine. We chat about his work as a former UK Department for Education policy lead, and the UK’s post‑EU search for identity, before exploring his collaborations with scientists — using bespoke fiction to spark public engagement. Stephen explains zoefuturism, an emerging lens on constant becoming and relational life, and contrasts it with much of modern transhumanism.

We also discuss whether humanity has a future without AI, cyber-organic ecosystems, and whether humanity should settle other worlds.

Books of his we discuss: Brain Fruit, We Are Not Anonymous, Fluence

stephenoram.net

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Swedish video game industry veteran David Polfeldt—former managing director at Massive Entertainment—has recently channelled some of his energy into rediscovering the youthful excitement of creativity through his science fiction writing and the creation of Lil Factory, a design-led press publishing limited-edition sci-fi/fantasy books.

In this episode, we delve into Sweden’s changing social fabric and why Malmö’s “dangerous city” reputation doesn’t match daily reality. We trace David’s 30-year path through video game development—from Stockholm’s demo scene to AAA games - and why he thinks video games still haven’t found their “Shakespeare." And we discuss Burns, his story about loneliness and machine sentience.

We also explore generative AI as NPC companions, the ethics of creating minds treated as tools, possible modes of physical expression that extradimensional beings might take in our world, and whether advanced intelligence would shepherd life rather than destroy it.

Books of his we discuss: Burns

lilfac.com

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