Q&A with the Head of Story for Merge Mansion

A compelling narrative can make the difference between a good game and a great game. Few people understand that better than Linda Jakobsson, the Head of Story on Merge Mansion. We chatted with her about the importance of creating unforgettable stories and strong female characters.

Linda Jakobsson: “At my core, I'm a natural-born storyteller. My role, which I find deeply fulfilling, is to craft an immersive and captivating storyline that complements Merge Mansion’s gameplay and elevates the player experience.

I’m responsible for ensuring the overarching storyline and characters remain unwaveringly consistent across the game, as well as social media, marketing, and more.”

Jakobsson: “A well-constructed narrative creates an emotional connection between players and the game, making it more memorable and enjoyable so they keep coming back. But it can be challenging to maintain players’ attention span throughout short play sessions. It can also be somewhat challenging to strike the right balance between gameplay and narrative.”

Jakobsson: “What initially drew me to Merge Mansion, first as a player and then as a developer, is the prominent female perspective embedded in our game.

Unfortunately, it’s disappointingly rare to encounter captivating stories anchored by two compelling female characters, let alone an elderly one. In our game, it's an entirely different story. We thrive on the strength of our female characters.”

Jakobsson: “As a woman and a mother, I hold a strong belief that we need stories where girls and women are not only heard but cherished. It's crucial to present positive examples of strong women, leading by the virtue of storytelling.

The actions and voices of women in stories are far from irrelevant; they have the power to shape perceptions and inspire.

My personal mission extends beyond creating an entertaining, relaxing, and endearing game; it's about making the world a better place for girls and women, a mission we wholeheartedly embrace. I feel extremely proud working towards that goal.”