Raphael D’Amico on The Zone & the Power of Storytelling Through Games | Road Gang Radio

On this edition of Road Gang Radio, hosts Jimmy Mac and Lindsay Lawler sit down with award-winning game designer Raphael (Raph) D’Amico to explore how storytelling and play connect us — even in the unlikeliest of places.

Raph is the creator of The Zone, a magical-realist, mutational horror storygame that challenges players to tell deeply human stories in strange and extraordinary worlds. He joins the show to discuss how games can make storytelling feel natural, why “play-to-win” isn’t the only way to play, and how “play-to-lose” games can actually be freeing, fun, and surprisingly meaningful.

Whether you’re a gamer, a storyteller, or just someone curious about creativity and connection, this conversation dives into how imagination fuels empathy — and how anyone can become a storyteller.

Learn more:

Website: https://www.thezonerpg.com

More of Raph’s games: https://www.laughingkaiju.com

Follow on X (Twitter):  / raphdamico 

Raph D’Amico (he/him) is an award-winning game designer based in San Francisco, best known for his magical-realist, mutational horror storygame The Zone. His work focuses on “play-to-lose” storytelling experiences that emphasize emotion, collaboration, and creativity over competition.

Raph’s background in UX design and improv informs his approach to interactive storytelling. He loves metaphors, mechs with heart, and the genre known as “New Weird” horror. His games are played both online and in-person, inviting players to co-create unforgettable stories together.

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