The Splatbook Interview: Stephen Dewey
May 3, 2025
Stephen Dewey, indie designer behind Calvary Games and creator of Ten Candles, discusses To Serve Her Wintry Hunger and his craft. He talks about using tight rules to shape emotional pacing. They explore question-driven prompts, mechanics that teach the world, and how structure helps intense, reproducible play.
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Burning Index Cards Memory
- Jess recalled playing Ten Candles in a dark apartment with index cards burning, creating a powerful atmospheric experience.
- That session made Ten Candles a memorable, repeatable party-style horror game for the group.
Make Games Zero-Prep Friendly
- Design games to be low-prep so players can pick them up like a board game and play spontaneously.
- Put all necessary materials in the box so even inexperienced facilitators can run the game by reading the book.
Narrow Prompts With Playtest Feedback
- Use playtesting to tighten prompts so players don't jump ahead of narrative beats.
- Give questions narrow choices (A/B paths) to focus responses while preserving room to elaborate.
