Bridging emotion and interaction through gameplay and systems.

Hello! I’m Gustav Sjölund, a Technical Narrative Designer and Game Developer with my background in multidisciplinary design, production leadership, and interactive storytelling.

I specialize in crafting systems that invite player interpretation, encourage emergent behavior, and create emotionally resonant gameplay through consequence, choice, and structure. Whether I'm working on co-op mechanics, branching dialogue frameworks, or environmental storytelling in systemic worlds, my goal is always the same:
'Design not for introduction, but reflection. Build worlds where meaning arises through action.'

My Strength Lies in the Intersections

Narrative Systems Design
I design player-driven narratives rooted in behavior, ambiguity, and player psychology. My writing is modular, systemic, and designed to serve gameplay first.

Gameplay & UX Design
I prototype mechanics, structure levels, and map experience flows that balance player freedom with clarity, drawing from a strong foundation in game feel and spatial awareness.

Production & Leadership
With experience in Producing and other Lead roles, I’ve led teams of 35+ across disciplines. I shape production ecosystems that enable creative autonomy, while keeping vision aligned and deliverables grounded.

Games are ecosystems of perception

I don’t approach design in isolation. I design systems, experiences, and emotions as part of a living whole - where mechanics, narrative, sound, structure, pacing, UI, and world-building aren’t departments, but languages in dialogue.

My background spans storytelling, production, gameplay design, sound, and art - and I carry all of it into every decision I make.
When I prototype a mechanic, I’m thinking of its rhythm in the soundtrack. When I build pacing into a level, I’m also thinking about the soundscape that will support it. And when I block out a scene, I’m imagining how lighting, animation, and narrative framing will intersect to affect mood and clarity.

> To me, design is orchestration - not just of systems, but of meaning.

“I’m not interested in preaching a story to my players - I’m interested in creating a world where they discover what story they’ve just been a part of.”

Where I am

I recently graduated with a Master’s in Game Design from ArtFX, where I explored the intersection of story, systems, and structure through collaborative game production. I’ve lived and studied in Sweden, the UK, and France - experiences that shaped my approach to communication, adaptability, and creative empathy.

Today, I continue to work across narrative-driven projects, improving co-op experiences, and systems-heavy gameplay, while looking ahead to teams and studios that share my passion for meaningful design.

Let's Connect!

Whether you're building something unconventional, emotionally complex, or just full of mischief and potential - I'd love to talk.

→ www.linkedin.com/in/gsjolund

VIEW MY CV

MY STUDIES AT ARTFX

ARTFX - School of Digital Arts

I hold a Master’s in Game Design from ArtFX, one of Europe’s top-ranked game development schools, with an industry-focused education and emphasis on cross-disciplinary teamwork.

During my studies, I specialised in technical narrative design, gameplay systems, prototyping, and production management, developing the ability to take ideas from paper to playable experience while bridging creative vision with technical execution.

The curriculum combined design theory, production methodology, and collaborative game development. Over my initial years, I worked on multiple prototype-driven projects, rapidly iterating on systems, narrative concepts, and player experience through hands-on sprints and playtesting.

In my final year, I served as designer and producer for That One Otter Game, a couch co-op experience developed entirely in UE 5.
The project involved full-cycle production:

Conceptualising and prototyping the core player experience
Iterative level and system design
Narrative tone and worldbuilding
UI/UX planning
QA Testing
Cross-disciplinary team coordination
Polishing and shipping a stable title

This experience gave me a deep understanding of the full development pipeline, from early ideation through release-ready builds, along with essential collaboration skills needed to work with designers, artists, animators, audio teams, and programmers.

Combined with my independent prototypes and personal design practice, this education shaped my approach to systems-driven narrative, player agency, and iterative design thinking, key pillars in the work I pursue today.

LIFE OUTSIDE OF GAMES

Born and raised in Gothenburg, Sweden

You’ve seen my passion for game design, but let’s dive into what makes me tick outside of the studio.

Beyond game design, I'm an artist at heart. Whether it's painting, sculpting, or exploring music and film, I love diving into different forms of artistic expression. These diverse artistic pursuits not only keep me inspired but also enhance my problem-solving skills and imaginative thinking.

Balancing creativity with physical activity is key to my well-being. Whether I'm at the gym, hiking, biking, or skiing, staying active helps me stay grounded and energized in my day-to-day life. These moments of movement often spark new ideas and fuel my creativity.

Travel and social interaction are integral to my life as well. I’ve lived in Sweden, England and France, which has broadened my perspective and deepened my understanding of different cultures as well as allowed me to interact with an extended diversity of people with different backgrounds and interests. Each new experience enriches my creative process and personal growth. My goal is to continue exploring what this world has to offer, not just for the adventure but to immerse myself in new environments and meet diverse people, and in return use these experiences in my work environment.

Sure, it hasn't always been smooth sailing, moving to new countries, and navigating unfamiliar languages and cultures. It's been a challenge, but struggles shape you. It's taught me resilience, adaptability, and the importance of embracing change, lessons that I carry with me in both my personal and professional life.

In essence, my passion for art, commitment to staying active, and love for exploring new cultures and ideas all come together to shape who I am. I’m excited to bring this blend of creativity, energy, and global perspective to new challenges and opportunities.

So, there you have it, a glimpse into who I am when I'm not immersed in game development. Thanks for taking the time to get to know me a bit better!