Transmedia storytelling is a term used to describe stories that take place across a wide variety of media forms, with each form providing more depth, additional details, and a greater understanding of the story. Recognizing this as a developing field, The Narrative Design Exploratorium (NDE) began a new series entitled, "Creators of Transmedia," that aims to explore the new ways developers are using transmedia storytelling and to look to what the future will bring for games and other forms of entertainment.

To kick off this new series, the NDE sat down with Steve Danuser to discuss how 38 Studios is using transmedia storytelling to engage audiences in the Copernicus IP. Danuser, Creative Director at 38, is in a unique position to discuss this, as his job is to ensure that the IP is represented appropriately across all products, including the MMOG and RPG currently in development. As he told NDE, "An element of my job is to keep watch over those ties between products--links that [R. A. Salvatore] refers to as 'deep threads'--and ensure they all fit together into a consistent whole. Our belief is that by offering fans a variety of ways to engage with this IP, we will make all the experiences richer and more memorable."

Danuser also spoke about how R. A. Salvatore and Todd McFarlane have helped guide the team in developing different ways to tell the story — through art, characters, and narrative. Danuser noted that Salvatore and McFarlane are mentors to the entire studio and help the team focus on the core of what they're trying to create.

When asked about the future of interactive transmedia storytelling, Danuser told NDE, "I hope to see stories transcend borders. I want players to connect to the games they love anytime, anyplace, in a myriad of different ways. . . . I want games that engage the hearts and minds of those who play them, leaving lasting impressions that help us expand the collective consciousness."

To read the entire interview, click here.