Paul Callaghan

Author, Education Consultant

Paul Callaghan has worked in game development for over 10 years as a programmer, designer, teacher, and writer. His interests include games and literacy, storytelling, design, and intersection of learning and play and creative expression through interaction.

What other jobs have you had?

At school, I sold eggs door-to-door. My ‘proper’ jobs have always been in games, but I’ve gone from the heavily technically focused job of being a programmer, to being a games designer, to teaching the next round of budding game developers, to settling on being a writer. For now.

What have been the highlights of your career?

In 2005, I flew to the UK to work with the BBC on a long-held dream project. In 2009, my co-director & I took over the Freeplay Independent Games Festival, which gave me the chance to meet some amazing and creative people who can share their stories and experiences with an audience. In 2010, I was asked to write for two wildly different projects – one small, but with huge potential; the other a massive console title.

Where have your works been published?

As a games writer, I’ve written for Infinite Interactive, the Chocolate Liberation Front, and 2K. I’ve had articles on games, learning and play published on Arts Hub, InfoNet, the School Library Association of Victoria’s Magazine and Education Technology Solutions magazine.

What are you passionate about?

I’m passionate about writing and storytelling, and how new mediums offer radically new ways of engaging with audiences, and of teaching us about ourselves. I’m passionate about video games and their incredible powers as creative and educational forms. I’m passionate about being creative and open to the idea of play as a part of that. And I’m passionate about sharing my experiences as a writer and game developer.