“If there’s one thing we’ve tried to teach people in Doom, it’s that if you’re breaking into a cursed high-tech maze, and you see unidentified liquids in mysterious flasks, you should drink them. Ditto a chicken leg that’s been buried in a wall for 30 years.”
-Sandy Peterson, “Doom” and “Call of Cthulhu the RPG” designer
Step into a captivating discussion with visionary creators who design extraordinary worlds for those who embrace the unconventional. Inspired by Sandy Petersen’s playful wisdom from Doom, this panel explores the art of crafting imaginary places—think enchanted labyrinths, futuristic hideouts, or whimsical realms—tailored to adventurous and unique spirits. Join writers, artists, game designers, and more as they reveal the joys and challenges of building spaces for an audience that delights in the unexpected. From the spark of inspiration to the thrill of connecting with their fans, our panelists will share their creative journeys and insights. This is your chance to hear their stories, ask questions, and celebrate the magic of places made for the wonderfully unusual.
- Inspiration from the Unusual:
- “What’s the most unexpected source of inspiration you’ve found for creating an imaginary place, and how did it shape your work for your unique audience?”
- Discussion: Explore how real-world oddities—like a strange artifact, a peculiar person, or an offbeat location—turn into fantastical settings.
- Defining the ‘Unusual’ Audience:
- “Who are the ‘unusual people’ you create for, and how do they influence the worlds you build?”
- Discussion: Dive into the traits of their fans—adventurous, quirky, rebellious?—and how those qualities drive the design of a place, from its tone to its details.
- A Favorite Creation:
- “Tell us about one imaginary place you’ve crafted that you’re especially proud of—what makes it a perfect fit for your unusual crowd?”
- Discussion: Let panelists paint a vivid picture of a specific world (e.g., a haunted asteroid saloon, a forest of living clocks) and why it resonates with their audience.
- Risk and Reward:
- “Sandy Petersen talks about drinking mystery liquids and eating ancient chicken—what’s a creative risk you’ve taken in your world-building that paid off big?”
- Discussion: Reflect on bold choices—like bizarre rules, unconventional aesthetics, or daring interactivity—that surprised even themselves with their success.
- Balancing Weird and Welcoming:
- “How do you make a place strange enough to thrill the unusual, yet inviting enough to pull them in?”
- Discussion: Unpack the tightrope between pushing boundaries and keeping a world relatable—think accessibility in a labyrinth of oddity.
- Audience Reactions:
- “What’s the wildest or most memorable reaction you’ve gotten from someone exploring your imaginary place?”
- Discussion: Share funny, touching, or downright weird stories of how fans have embraced (or misinterpreted!) their creations.
- Tools of the Trade:
- “What’s one technique or trick you use to bring an imaginary place to life for your audience—something they can feel, see, or step into?”
- Discussion: Compare methods—vivid prose, immersive sound, tactile art—and how they hook the unconventional mind.
- Challenges of the Craft:
- “What’s the toughest part about creating worlds for people who crave the strange, and how do you overcome it?”
- Discussion: Tackle hurdles like over-the-top expectations, niche appeal, or keeping the spark alive across projects.
- The Joy of Connection:
- “What’s it like seeing your unusual people—your readers, players, visitors—step into the places you’ve made for them?”
- Discussion: Capture the emotional payoff when a world clicks with its audience, from quiet nods to full-on fandom.
- Advice for Aspiring Creators:
- “If someone wants to start building imaginary places for the unusual, what’s one piece of advice you’d give them to get started?”
- Discussion: Wrap up with practical or philosophical tips—encouraging the next wave of weird-world makers.