Greetings! I'm Nathan Raia, an adept interactive story writer and narrative designer deeply driven by the art of character-driven storytelling. At present, I'm engaged as a Freelance Writer and Narrative Designer, passionately immersed in the creation of a compelling full-scale book. In my previous roles, I had the privilege of contributing my writing talents to esteemed projects such as "Aierlon" at Shadow Path Studios and "Whispering Abyss" at Precipice Games.
Beyond my professional endeavors, I dedicate my free time to honing my skills in the realm of digital art while consistently expanding the horizons of my ongoing book. Embracing a steadfast belief in the pursuit of continuous improvement, I am perpetually motivated to acquire new skills and elevate my craft to new heights.
I invite you to explore my portfolio and delve into the captivating worlds I've crafted. It would be my pleasure to connect and collaborate on ventures that allow me to bring engaging narratives and immersive storytelling experiences to life.
Welcome to my creative journey!
My Journey
Embarking on my creative journey, I was imbued with an innate drive to bring worlds to life. From a young age, I became enthralled by the captivating narratives woven within the realm of games, particularly as a devoted enthusiast of works like Percy Jackson and Harry Potter. Fueling my imagination, I yearned to craft my very own universe, evoking the same sense of wonder that these stories instilled in me. As my writing skills blossomed, I eagerly penned short stories to share with friends, gradually honing my craft and nurturing my passion for storytelling.
In the fall of 2018, my path led me to SUNY New Paltz as an undecided major. Eager to explore the realm of narrative writing further, I felt an undeniable attraction towards game design. However, at the time, SUNY New Paltz solely offered computer science courses, prompting me to transfer to Hudson Valley Community College as a media major in the spring semester. Despite the commute, I embraced the opportunity to maximize my time, securing a job, engaging in acting pursuits, and diligently planning my transfer to Marist College for the fall of 2019.
Upon setting foot on the campus of Marist, a sense of alignment and purpose enveloped me. Declaring my major in Games and Emerging Media with a concentration in Design, Writing, and Culture, I eagerly delved into the realm of interactive storytelling. It was during this time that my adoration for choose-your-own-adventure narratives flourished, sparked by the immersive experiences of games like "Until Dawn" and captivating events in "League of Legends" such as Spirit Bonds and Ruination. These encounters kindled a deep-seated desire within me to create meaningful narrative events that would captivate and engage players.
Thriving amidst a plethora of creative environments, ranging from solitary endeavors to vast collaborative projects, I have embraced challenges of varying scales and durations. Whether spanning an entire semester, a condensed two-week timeline, or even an intense weekend, I have eagerly participated in numerous game jams, both remote and on-site, consistently pushing the boundaries of my abilities. Continuously seeking to think outside the confines of convention, I relentlessly strive to enhance my work, valuing innovation as one of my greatest strengths. Witnessing the characters and games I craft come to life, eliciting joy and satisfaction in others fuels my unwavering passion for this craft. Ultimately, it is the profound happiness I bring to people's lives through my creations that imbues my game-making journey with purpose and fulfillment.
Passion Projects
"Bad Beat"
Over the winter of 2020-2021, I had the pleasure of being cast as Charlie, a nice guy who gets tangled up in some risky business, thanks to his street friend Nicky. It was my first experience acting in film and it was an incredibly fun time! I forged great connections and got to learn a lot more about what it takes to make a film.
Voiceover Work
In the folder above is all the voiceover work I've personally done for games and skits. I heavily enjoyed recording all of it and hope to do more in the future!