Style: short choice-based audio game
Genre: drama/comedy
Format: pc/smart speakers

This is a a short and simple prequel to the Alt-Frequencies game, made to be distributed for free via the website and smart speakers.
In ‘The News One Stories’ you are the budding new editor-in-chief of News One Radio, and you have to make decisions on which stories you will run live, and in what format.
The v.o. direction (in 3 languages) was also done by me.

Play the pc version (in browser) here

Below is a short excerpt from the game’s first chapter. Please note that this game was written directly into the game’s tool and this is an extract, which means it’s just bare boned dialogue.

Margot	Welcome to News One! I’m Margot Linney, station manager.
Margot	I’m really happy to have you on board as a potential editor in chief.
Margot	If you are able to find a suitable new direction for our station, there’s a permanent contract ready for you at the end of the week.
Margot	So let me fill you in on the details again. News One has always been neutral in its reporting.
Margot	But well, as you know, neutral does not really work in this day and age any more…
Margot	We’ll need a new editorial line, a new direction.
Margot	Subject choices and angles that you think could reach new audiences.
Margot	I’ve asked our reporters to submit anything they think could be interesting.
Margot	You will be able to hear what they think, and choose which of the suggested stories you want News One to broadcast.
Margot	I’m looking forward to working with you!
Hanna	Hi, I’m Hanna, it’s great to meet you!
Hanna	I usually cover the general news items. The small stuff, you know.
Hanna	Somehow, weird news items always know how to find me…
Fred Peterson	Rather, you know how to find them!
Fred Peterson	She really is queen of the weird.
Fred Peterson	Oh, sorry. Fred Peterson, newsreader. We’ll talk later. Please continue.
Hanna	Well, I have two stories for you today.
Hanna	The first one is about big train delays this morning, due to a camel taking a walk on the rails.
Hanna	Sounds fun, right? Maybe nice as a light item to close off with.
Hanna	But I also have this: A woman has been arrested for speeding.
Hanna	Now, you’re most likely thinking ‘That’s not news!’ But wait for it:
Hanna	She was speeding with a wind turbine attached to her car!
Hanna	So, which do you prefer? Which one should I investigate and prepare?

At this moment, the player makes a choice between the two. This happens several times throughout the chapter, sometimes specifying not just the subject but also the angle and the interviewee. Each chapter ends with the news report based on those choices. Below is the report from the camel/train option.

Tommy Begay	I’m here at National Rail Services Headquarters with train manager AB1.
Tommy Begay	I can call you Abby, right?
A-B-1	You certainly can.
Tommy Begay	So, what were your first thoughts when you realised there was a camel on the tracks?
A-B-1	To be honest, Tommy, my first thoughts were ‘Here we go again’…
Tommy Begay	Again? Have you had camels walking the tracks before?
A-B-1	No, but it doesn’t surprise me. We’ve been dealing with so many shit lately.
Tommy Begay	Just to remind you, Abby, that we are actually live. So you might want to watch the language a bit.
A-B-1	Sorry, Tommy. But it’s the truth. Our train system is falling apart as we speak. A camel is the least of our problems.
A-B-1	Delays are happening more and more due to faulty systems, our frequencies are unsecured, making them a target for potential hackers, I could go on and on…
Tommy Begay	What do you think needs to be done?
A-B-1	We need to start securing our systems and increase level crossing protection.
A-B-1	If that does not happen, our tracks and frequencies will be run over with animals and people before you know it.
Tommy Begay	There you have it, a plea for more security by train manager AB1.
A-B-1	And more money. We need a payrise.
Tommy Begay	Back to you, Fred.