Jessica Marcrum

Available to hire

I’m an award-winning game designer, mentor, and writing director who thrives in collaborative, deadline-driven environments.

About

I’m an award-winning game designer, mentor, and writing director who thrives in collaborative, deadline-driven environments. I’ve worked across tabletop RPGs and video game development, juggling multiple freelance projects while helping teams of up to 100+ creators craft engaging lore and mechanics. My experience spans DnD 5e, Pathfinder 2e, PbtA, and more, with a focus on strong narrative design and scalable systems.

As a sensitivity reader and writer, I’m committed to inclusive storytelling and mental health awareness in games. I’ve partnered with publishers like MCDM, Penguin Random House, Cubicle 7, Hit Point Press, Magpie Games, Mongoose, and The Onyx Path, and I’ve led cross-disciplinary teams to deliver cohesive, high-quality work on time.

  • 8 years' experience
  • Joined March 2026

Languages

  • FrenchAdvanced
  • ItalianAdvanced
  • GermanAdvanced
  • Spanish; CastilianBeginner
  • ChineseBeginner
  • LatinBeginner

Industry experience

  • Gaming
  • Media & Entertainment
  • Education
  • Healthcare
  • Professional Services
  • Software & Internet

Work experience· 13 roles

Creator · Oops, All Draculas!Feb 2023 – Present · 3 yrs 10 mos

Created a d6 game system (The Buddy System) centered on teamwork; selected a team of artists; honorable mention for IGDN’s Indie Groundbreaker Awards (2023).

Creator · Just Gals Being ComradesSep 2022 – Present · 4 yrs 3 mos

Created the WLW GM-less system for two or more players using cards and a block tower; later reworked into And They Were Dortermates… for a nun-themed game jam.

Narrative Designer · A Thinking ApeMay 2022 – Present · 4 yrs 7 mos

Created monthly narrative arcs including those with limited dialogue trees; worked with art to create and describe items and avatars; developed a new tutorial for Witch Arcana Magic School.

Writing Director, Co-Producer · Uncaged: GoddessesFeb 2022 – Present · 4 yrs 10 mos
Award Nomination · ENNIE AwardsJan 2022 – Present · 4 yrs 11 mos
Writer / Sensitivity Reader · MCDM Arcadia / Flee Mortals, Where Evil LivesSep 2021 – Present · 5 yrs 3 mos
Writer / Designer · Hit Point PressApr 2021 – Present · 5 yrs 8 mos
Writer / Product Designer · Cubicle 7Sep 2020 – Jan 2023 · 2 yrs 5 mos

Education· 9

Master of Social Work · University of Pittsburgh School of Social Work, Pittsburgh, PA2018 – 2026
Master of Music Coursework · Indiana University Jacobs School of Music, Bloomington, IN2010 – 2026
Bachelor of Music · Oberlin Conservatory of Music at Oberlin College, Oberlin, OH2030 – 2007
Master of Social Work · University of Pittsburgh School of Social Work2018 – 2026

Certifications and awards· 6

Licensed Social Worker (LSW)2018 – 2026
Sexual Assault Crisis Intervention Certification2013 – 2026
Licensed Social Worker (LSW)2018 – 2026
Sexual Assault Crisis Intervention Certification2013 – 2026

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