S1E5 - Writing for Apex

Manny Hagopian has had one of the more unusual paths into the gaming industry. Before writing for video games, he worked in music, comedy, and a variety of creative fields. That winding journey eventually led him to Respawn Entertainment, where he helped shape the stories behind Titanfall and Titanfall 2, including one of the most acclaimed single-player campaigns in modern gaming.In this episode, Manny shares stories from his career and offers a candid look at what game writers actually do. We talk about the evolution of storytelling in games, his work on Titanfall 1 and Titanfall 2, and how narrative teams collaborate with designers, artists, and directors to create experiences that feel meaningful to players. Manny also shares some surprising behind-the-scenes stories, including early discussions that could have taken Titanfall in a very different direction.For anyone interested in writing, game development, or creative careers, Manny provides practical advice about getting started, building skills, and creating opportunities for yourself. He discusses the importance of making things, learning from failure, and staying curious, even when the path forward isn't obvious.Whether you're an aspiring game developer, a storyteller, or simply a fan of great games, this conversation offers an honest look at the craft behind interactive storytelling and the people who bring those worlds to life.