Sophie Mallinson

✧ Game Designer

⚹ Creative Lead

Building playful experiences with ♡ + technology

I believe video games are the most powerful storytelling tool we have, with the biggest potential to shape how players see the world.

Work Experience

CURRENTLY

SENIOR GAME DESIGNER

Maxis Studios | Remote

San Francisco, CA

2019 - 2021

NARRATIVE LEAD

Electronic Arts | Hybrid

Vancouver, BC

2019

EXPERIENCE DESIGNER

Magnopus | Remote

Los Angeles, CA

2017 - 2019

PRINCIPAL NARRATIVE DESIGNER

Arkane Studios | On-site

Lyon, France

2016 - 2017

LOCALIZATION WRITER

Accidental Queens | Remote

Lyon, France

2015 - 2016

NARRATIVE DESIGNER

NoHuman Studio | On-site

Lyon, France

What i've done so far

Portfolio

Project Rene

Maxis Studios

I‘m helping to build the future of The Sims as a simulation designer with a focus on story. My job involves setting a vision, leading prototype teams, and shepherding features from concept to completion.

"Sophie showed incredible resilience and an unmoved desire to step up to lead design process and focus the creative direction."

Lulu Vallano, Production Lead (Maxis Studios)

The Sims 4

Maxis Studios

Previously, I executed the live service strategy for The Sims 4 by delivering free base game updates and collaborating on the highly successful Cottage Living and Growing Together expansions.

Expo Dubai Xplorer

Magnopus x Hexagram

I’ve also had the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to work on the World Expo 2020 Sustainability Pavilion. My role was to design mixed reality quests and creative tools for players on-site and around the globe.

Deathloop

Arkane Studios Lyon

As principal designer, I learned how to build a narrative team from the ground up. My duties included hiring and onboarding, fixing design processes and pipelines, and improving developer tools.

"She is comfortable in all areas involved in the craft, be it dialogue writing, narrative design documentation, technical implementation…"

Sandra “Sachka” Duval, Narrative Lead (Hinterland)

Dishonored: Death of the Outsider

Arkane Studios Lyon

Arkane Lyon made me the Swiss Army knife I am today. I did everything from pitching narrative systems and writing full scripts to revamping our AI behaviors and voice casting for NPCs.

Lost Phone Stories

Accidental Queens

I have a background in localization, translating indie games from French into English. My most notable work was on the critically acclaimed Lost Phone Stories.

"Sophie has an incredible ability to fully immerse herself into the players' journeys and design well-rounded, player-centric experiences. She is a joy to be around and create with and works spectacularly with the entire team."

Ashley Olmsted, Experience Design Director (Electronic Arts)

Say hello!

I’m in Vancouver, BC and open to remote or hybrid opportunities.


  • Accessibility-trained
  • M.A. Interactive Storytelling
  • Bilingual French/English


✉ hello@sophiemallinson.com

linkedin.com/in/sophiemallinson