Cory Lanham is a Senior Game Writer with over 16 years of experience who has shipped titles for Ready at Dawn, YAGER Development, Wargaming, Zynga and Day 1 Studios. A two-time D.I.C.E. Award winner with a collaborative approach and a distinct, cinematic writing style, Cory has extensive experience crafting impactful narratives across a wide field of genres, from story driven Sci-Fi epics to cozy city builders, and everything in-between. See more of Cory’s work at corylanham.com.

Cory Lanham

PRO

Cory Lanham is a Senior Game Writer with over 16 years of experience who has shipped titles for Ready at Dawn, YAGER Development, Wargaming, Zynga and Day 1 Studios. A two-time D.I.C.E. Award winner with a collaborative approach and a distinct, cinematic writing style, Cory has extensive experience crafting impactful narratives across a wide field of genres, from story driven Sci-Fi epics to cozy city builders, and everything in-between. See more of Cory’s work at corylanham.com.

Available to hire

Cory Lanham is a Senior Game Writer with over 16 years of experience who has shipped titles for Ready at Dawn, YAGER Development, Wargaming, Zynga and Day 1 Studios.

A two-time D.I.C.E. Award winner with a collaborative approach and a distinct, cinematic writing style, Cory has extensive experience crafting impactful narratives across a wide field of genres, from story driven Sci-Fi epics to cozy city builders, and everything in-between.

See more of Cory’s work at corylanham.com.

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Language

English
Fluent

Work Experience

Writer at 2K Games
November 1, 2024 - July 1, 2025
Collaborated with the Narrative Team to develop universe lore, backstory, and world-building documentation for an early-stage sci-fi shooter IP. Wrote character bios, lore documentation, and in-game dialogue barks. Provided notes and feedback to other writers on the Narrative team.
Narrative Designer / Senior Writer at Ready at Dawn
November 1, 2016 - August 1, 2024
Served as the primary driver of overall narrative direction, collaborating with the Game Director and studio leadership to craft the primary story arc, character arcs, and world-building. Wrote and edited gameplay sequences, branching dialogue, and cinematic scripts. Created and maintained the Story Bible and internal narrative Wiki, ensuring consistency across the full production team. Collaborated with designers, artists, producers, and directors to seamlessly integrate narrative with gameplay systems and environmental storytelling. Co-Directed A-list voice talent in VO recording sessions.
Lead Writer at Primal Game Studio
January 1, 2014 - October 1, 2016
Developed universe lore, world history, and faction documentation for a cast of over 70 playable characters. Wrote in-depth character bios, backstories, and in-game dialogue barks for the full roster. Provided narrative direction and feedback to other external writers; co-directed VO recording sessions.
Freelance Writer at YAGER Development
July 1, 2014 - October 1, 2016
Co-wrote the golden path story arc and universe lore; wrote cinematic scripts, in-game dialogue barks, and branching gameplay sequences. Wrote marketing copy including the E3 announcement trailer script.
Freelance Writer at Wargaming.net
August 1, 2013 - July 1, 2014
Wrote dialogue barks, UI text, and instructional video scripts for new console players. Collaborated with designers, producers, and directors to develop and write the First Time User Experience for the console port.
Freelance Writer at Kixeye
November 1, 2012 - May 1, 2013
Collaborated with designers, producers, and directors to develop the main story arc and universe lore. Wrote cinematic scripts, gameplay sequences, and in-game dialogue barks. Wrote UI text and item lore for hero characters, vehicles, and equipment.
Narrative Designer / Writer at Zynga Chicago
July 1, 2012 - November 1, 2012
Designed, wrote, and implemented golden path quest flows using established IP canon. Created new characters and storylines, ensuring all narrative content integrated seamlessly into the Wizard of Oz universe.
Narrative Designer / Writer at Day 1 Studios
January 1, 2008 - December 1, 2011
Directed implementation of the in-game narrative, collaborating across Cinematics, Design, and Audio to ensure cohesive story delivery. Created and maintained story documentation including in-game scripts, character bios, and story flow diagrams. Wrote, revised, and organized all in-game dialogue, barks, and UI text. Provided final script approval before submission to the Creative Director; co-directed VO recording sessions with the Audio team.

Education

Bachelor of Arts, Film and Video — Screenwriting at Columbia College Chicago
January 11, 2030 - March 31, 2026
CBS Studios Writer's Fellowship at CBS Studios, Los Angeles
January 1, 2007 - March 31, 2026

Qualifications

CBS Studios Writer's Fellowship
January 1, 2007 - December 31, 2007

Industry Experience

Gaming, Media & Entertainment, Software & Internet