ABOUT

Ryan Schapals is a writer based in the Pacific Northwest.
Currently, he’s Leading Narrative design at cold symmetry.

Previously, Ryan co-founded Guildhall Studios and led Creative Direction alongside Jordan and Zach Weisman. Before that, he was a Narrative Designer for BATTLETECH by Harebrained Schemes. He also built new worlds to play in with Monocle Society’s Weave. As the General Manager and Lead Writer he oversaw a team of talented storytellers.

He served as the Narrative Director at Seventh Sphere, where he created and managed all fiction, settings, and modules tied to the Open Legend RPG.

His fiction is also featured in Golem Arcana by Harebrained Schemes, Menu Masters by Calliope Games, and the Cast of Wonders speculative fiction podcast.

As the Production Manager for Hyper RPG’s Twitch studio, he designed gamified interaction models and created custom rulesets that transformed the way viewers participate in a live show. With story driven modifiers, abilities, and buffs for player characters, the audience shaped the narratives on screen.

Ryan studied Creative Writing and Psychology at DePaul University, where he graduated Magna Cum Laude. 

Selected EXPERIENCE

Lead Narrative Designer
Cold Symmetry | 2019 – Current

Creative Director
Guildhall Studios | 2019-2021

Narrative Designer
Harebrained Schemes, BATTLETECH | 2018 – 2019

General Manager & Lead Writer
Monocle Society, Weave | 2018

Lead Writer & Narrative Director
Seventh Sphere, Open Legend RPG  |  2016 – 2018

Production Manager
Hyper RPG  |  2016 – 2017

Writer
Calliope Games, Menu Masters  |  2016

Writer
Harebrained Schemes, Golem Arcana  |  2014 – 2016