Spotlight on Creativity: Andy Mitchell’s Journey in Writing "The Vermeer Conspiracy"

Introduction

We recently had an insightful conversation with Andy Mitchell, a game designer and published author on our platform. His game, "The Vermeer Conspiracy," offers an intricate and engaging experience that blends elements of mystery, art heist, and con artistry. Here’s a detailed look into Andy’s creative process, the inspirations behind his work, and the challenges he overcame.

Inspiration and Background

Andy’s journey into writing and game design is steeped in a rich background of diverse interests. Initially torn between a career in film and music, he pursued music but never let go of his passion for writing. Andy found a unique opportunity with Anzir to blend his love for storytelling with interactive game design.

"The allure of combining various art forms—literature, art, music—into a cohesive gaming experience drew me to Anzir," Andy explained. He was particularly fascinated by the idea of players acting out roles, reminiscent of script readings in film productions. "This convergence of art forms and the chance to create immersive experiences for players made writing for Anzir a perfect fit."

Creating "The Vermeer Conspiracy"

Andy’s game, "The Vermeer Conspiracy," revolves around a complex con artist scheme involving the theft of a priceless Vermeer painting. Inspired by his fascination with con artists, he drew from movies like "The Grifters," "Dirty Rotten Scoundrels," and "Catch Me If You Can," as well as TV shows like "Hustle" and "Leverage." He immersed himself in this world, studying various con schemes and even consulting an encyclopedia of cons to add depth and authenticity to his narrative.

"I didn’t think I would ever be able to conjure up a con because it’s very, very complex. These people are so brilliant," Andy remarked. However, his passion for the subject matter drove him to spend about a month immersing himself in films, TV shows, and books about cons, helping him to think like a con artist and develop a compelling narrative.

The central plot of "The Vermeer Conspiracy" involves a historical art heist—the theft of Vermeer’s "The Concert" from the Gardner Museum in Boston in 1990. This real-life mystery provided a rich backdrop for Andy’s game, allowing players to delve into the world of art theft and con artistry. "I thought, ‘What’s the most valuable thing ever stolen in history?’ and discovered this painting by Vermeer. That got me excited," Andy shared.

Development and Challenges

The development of "The Vermeer Conspiracy" was not without its challenges. One of the main hurdles Andy faced was figuring out how to incorporate the con into a game format that would be enjoyable for all players. His initial idea of having one player be the unwitting mark proved problematic, as it risked alienating the player and spoiling the experience for future players.

"I kept running into the problem of how to make this a con and make it work for the players," Andy explained. "I didn’t want the mark to feel foolish and alienated." To overcome this, Andy restructured the narrative to focus on the aftermath of the con, with players assuming the roles of con artists being interrogated by a detective. Through flashbacks, players would relive the con, piecing together the story while maintaining their engagement. This innovative approach allowed all players to be actively involved in the narrative without feeling isolated.

Unique Mechanics and Storytelling

"The Vermeer Conspiracy" employs a blend of narrative-driven gameplay and character interaction. Players take on roles such as the Roper, the Fixer, the Mastermind, and other key figures in the con, each with their own backstories and motivations. The game’s structure alternates between scripted scenes and interactive flashbacks, ensuring a dynamic and immersive experience.

"My goal was to create a game where the Game Master and players could collaboratively shape the narrative," Andy said. "I started with the characters because it’s very character-driven. I needed to know who these characters were before diving into the story."

Andy’s focus on character-driven storytelling is evident in his meticulous development of each character’s background and personality. This depth allows players to fully embody their roles, making the game not only about solving the mystery but also about exploring the complex dynamics between the characters.

Advice for Aspiring Authors

Andy’s advice to new writers is straightforward: just start writing. "Don’t be a perfectionist," he advised. "You’ve got to get the flow going. If you’re a perfectionist, it’s just going to destroy you." He emphasizes the importance of overcoming the fear of imperfection by getting words on the page without expecting it to be your best work. For him, the initial draft is about finding the flow, with revisions and refinements coming later.

He also highlights the value of having beta readers—friends, family, or fellow writers—who can provide constructive feedback and help identify inconsistencies. "My family and friends read some of it. My mother brought up something that didn’t make sense to her, and it was really helpful to get that feedback," Andy recalled.

Andy also suggests immersing oneself in the genre of the story being written. "Absorb as much as you can—watch shows, read books, talk to people about the topic," he recommended. This immersion helps in creating an authentic and engaging narrative.

Future Plans

While "The Vermeer Conspiracy" was a challenging project, Andy is already looking forward to his next venture. He plans to explore different genres and incorporate more mini-games and interactive elements into his future works. "I want to try and have more mini-games, more getting up and moving around," he said. Although he’s not keen on writing another con artist story soon, he is excited about the possibilities of adventure and perhaps even scifi or fantasy settings, always striving to keep his work fresh and engaging.

Conclusion

Andy Mitchell’s journey with "The Vermeer Conspiracy" is a testament to the power of creativity and perseverance. His ability to blend intricate storytelling with engaging gameplay mechanics has resulted in a unique and captivating experience for players. We are thrilled to have Andy as part of our community and look forward to seeing how his future projects continue to inspire and entertain.

Join the Adventure

Interested in exploring "The Vermeer Conspiracy"? Join us at our upcoming events in Sydney and other cities, where we’ll be playing this exciting new game. Stay tuned for more updates and opportunities to connect with our talented authors and game masters.