Nina Freeman’s Unforgettable Gaming Journey: From Childhood Favorites to Banned Gems

Welcome to our weekend series, where we explore the gaming habits of industry icons. This week, we chat with Nina Freeman, a narrative designer known for her thought-provoking games and creative storytelling. So, what’s the game she can’t bear to uninstall? Let’s find out!

Nina Freeman kicks things off by reminiscing about her earliest gaming adventures. The first game that stole her heart? It was none other than the quirky Rodent’s Revenge, a 1991 classic where a mouse outsmarts cats by pushing blocks. “I played it at friends’ houses or even at school before I had my own computer,” she recalls. “It had this puzzle horror vibe that was so memorable!”

Freeman has made quite a name for herself in the gaming industry with titles like Cibele and Last Call, which delve into personal themes like relationships and identity. She’s also been involved in projects like Tacoma and Lost Records: Bloom & Rage, showcasing her flair for narrative design. Currently, she’s cooking up something new with Don’t Nod and also working on an indie horror game called Size Zero with her husband, Jake Jeffries. “It’s a slow process, but it’s definitely on my radar,” she adds with a laugh.

When asked about her current game obsession, Freeman mentions Angeline Era, which was a finalist at this year’s IGF. “The developers, Melos and Marina, are friends, and their games are always ambitious. They manage to create experiences that feel both familiar and refreshingly new,” she explains. “Their narratives demand engagement, making you think without just spoon-feeding the story.”

Freeman’s recent gaming escapade on her Steam Deck includes a visual novel called Scarlet Hollow, created by Black Tabby Games. “It’s a narrative masterpiece with a branching structure that’s incredibly complex,” she enthuses. “It’s not just about making choices; it’s about the subtle variations that keep you engaged through multiple playthroughs.” She draws parallels to her own work on Lost Records, where she aimed to incorporate similar intricate branching narratives.

Now, let’s take a stroll down memory lane. When asked about the oldest game on her PC, Freeman reveals it’s none other than Rollercoaster Tycoon Deluxe, a childhood favorite. “I built the craziest rollercoasters and loved the chaos of it all,” she laughs. “It’s funny how those childhood experiences shape our taste in games.”

Speaking of nostalgia, Freeman recounts her first purchase on Steam: Magicka. “It was a game that introduced me to the indie scene during my college days,” she smiles. “Co-op gaming has always been a big part of my life, right from those early days.”

And what about her most played game? That honor goes to Dota 2, with an impressive playtime of over 2,100 hours. “It’s been a bonding experience with my husband, and we’ve spent countless date nights playing it together,” she notes. “The depth of the game fascinates me; it’s like a folk tale woven into the fabric of the gaming community.”

But what’s the game that Freeman will never uninstall? She beams as she mentions Devotion. “It’s one of my all-time favorites and a standout in the horror genre. The storytelling around family and faith is just brilliant,” she shares. However, the game faced controversy and was banned from Steam due to a political meme, which Freeman finds tragic. “It’s a shame that more people can’t experience it, as it truly deserves to be played.”

Finally, Freeman shifts gears to talk about non-gaming software she can’t live without. “I rely heavily on OBS for my streaming and recording,” she mentions. “It’s become an essential part of my setup as a developer and streamer.”

As for her desktop organization? “I keep it pretty tidy,” she admits. “With a dual monitor setup and a few shortcuts, I make sure everything is in order, especially since I stream sometimes.”

Freeman’s journey through gaming is filled with fond memories, innovative storytelling, and a deep passion for the craft. It’s clear that her love for games will continue to inspire her future projects!