Inquiries: writing@hbduran.com
Game, Tech, Marketing, Entertainment Writer
Highly organized and diligent professional drawing upon nearly two decades of experience in journalism, copywriting, and scriptwriting with a focus in the video game, entertainment and marketing industries.
Core Competencies
- Writing
- Editing
- Pitching
- Interviews
- Product reviews
- AP Style
- Chicago Style
- Hosting
- News
- Features
- WordPress
- Collaboration/Workflow programs
- Active communicator
- Positive teamwork and collaboration
Games I’ve Worked On
- Grambo – Writer, Artist
- Escape to Volcar (canceled) – Lead Artist
- Firefall (canceled) – QA Lead
- DEADROP – Marketing & PR
Filmography
- Arson – screenwriter, lead actress
- The Gamer – storyboard artist
- The X-Mas Files – storyboard artist
- It Lurks – storyboard artist
- Thorn music video – actress
- GirlGamer – host
- GINX.tv – scriptwriter
- My Silent Hill – host, scriptwriter
- Video Game News Source – host
- a.list – host, scriptwriter
- Mystery Science Theater 3000 – special thanks
Professional Experience
EMOTIV – San Francisco, CA
Content Marketing Manager (December 2022-present)
Just when you thought I couldn’t get nerdier, I joined EMOTIV, a global leader in EEG, BCI, and neuroinformatics. Who knows? I might finally understand what goes on this weird brain of mine…
BoomTV – San Mateo, CA
Content Marketing Manager (October 2021-October 2022)
Go-to writer for the industry’s leading esports tournament provider. Provided SEO-rich articles and announcements, press releases, email copy, web copy, and more.
Midnight Society – San Mateo, CA
PR & Marketing Writer (November 2021-October 2022)
Managed all press communications and relationships for the launch of Midnight Society, a new AAA game studio founded by Dr DisRespect, Robert “fourzerotwo” Bowling, and Quinn DelHoyo. Crafted web and social copy designed to encourage call to action, engaged the community through blogs and social media. Created a unique cipher used in-game for marketing and teasers.
“HB leads with passion and enthusiasm. She infuses narrative into every aspect of her work and is great at building deep lore to expand and enhance a project’s universe.”
Robert “fourzerotwo” Bowling, Midnight Society Studio Head
Multiplayer Media, LLC – Denver, CO
Founder, Freelance Writer (February 2015 – present)
Freelance writer providing professional creative services to clients that include a number of roles such as article writer, blog writer, journalist, storyboard artist, concept artist, video scriptwriter, and screenwriter. Includes writing and management of Video Game News Source and My Silent Hill.
- SEO-rich articles attract over 38,000 unique page views per month
- Topics include video game news, game reviews, game industry interviews, game industry events, entertainment news, entertainment features, entertainment interviews, marketing news, marketing blogs, marketing interviews
- Provide event coverage both in person and remotely for E3, GDC, PAX, Tokyo Game Show, Gamescom, San Diego Comic-Con, Denver Comic Con, Advertising Week New York, SXSW, Mobile World Congress, Cannes Lions Festival of Creativity, TV Upfronts, Newfronts
- Video scriptwriter: voice over scripts, explainer videos, lists (i.e. “3 ways…”), reviews, unboxing videos, announcements
“I count her as directly responsible for a large fraction of our growth in readership… Moreover, she is a joy to work with.”
Lauren Arevalo-Downes, Publisher, Los Angelino (former a.list executive director)
“She asks the really thoughtful questions that show she is not only an amazing journalist, but also dedicated and knowledgeable gamer.”
Matt Hansen, Co-founder/COO, Mountaintop Studios
“HB is amazing! Had the pleasure of both working with HB in a press release, as well as on the other side being interviewed for an article. Both experiences were great. She asks the right questions, great communicator, super easy to work with. Has a deep understanding of the gaming space. Can’t recommend her enough!”
Wayne Mackey, Founder/CEO Statespace // Aimlab
Nyquist Industries – Leewood, Kansas
Lead Game Artist (April 2015 – October 2015)
Mobile game artist. Worked directly with the Chief Design Officer to develop and polish character designs, backgrounds, marketing materials, storyboards and other art as needed.
- Character designer
- Creature designer
- Environment artist
- Item designer
- Web comic artist
- Matched existing art style and crafted new characters to match desired aesthetic
- Reviewed and updated artwork with Chief Design Officer according to strict production schedule
- Game story boards
- Game marketing materials
“HB was an absolute joy to work with. She is an extremely talented artist that pays attention to detail in her art. When asked to create something, HB immediately gets to work and provides the best work she can. She’ll do whatever it takes, which includes researching or practicing her craft to evolve. Beyond her work ethic, HB’s artistic style breathes personality, and she ensures her work meets the creative vision of the team. I wouldn’t hesitate to work with Heidi again if the opportunity ever arose.”
Timothy Veilleux, former chief design officer, Nyquist Industries
iBeta Quality Assurance – Denver, CO
Senior Video Game Tester (June 2013 – January 2014)
Quality assurance tester for video games, web sites, applications, and email advertising elements. Experience testing in secure, sterile and NDA-only environments.
- Production, alpha, beta, staging and live builds
- Daily smoke tests
- Testing via PC console commands
- Bug reporting via Mantis, Jira, Wrike, Excel and Google Docs
Regression testing - Tested a wide range of products from web advertisements to MMOs
- Managed a staff of testers between 1-10 as needed
GirlGamer – Los Angeles, CA
Editor-in-Chief (June 2009 – January 2015)
Oversaw day-to-day operations of female-focused video game and pop culture news outlet. Served multiple roles including hiring/firing, community management, social media, strategy, writing
- Article writing
- Article editing
- News reporting
- Feature writing
- Writer management
- Community management
- Social media management
- Game industry interviews
- Gaming event coverage
- Recruiting, hiring, and firing of staff
- Production crew management
- On-camera hosting
- Website management
- App management
HB’s passion for gaming shines through everything she does. She’s compassionate towards others, well organized, and is always doing her utmost best to better the team. Anyone would be lucky to have her aboard their team.
Emily Egashira, Sr. Social Media Strategist, Starbucks (former GirlGamer writer/community manager)
“…she’s a fantastic communicator and goes above and beyond the call of duty when it comes to researching and articulating what the gaming industry is all about. I have the utmost respect and praise for the work she does.”
Lani Lum, Executive Producer, Electronic Arts