GoKawiilNight Vale co-creator Joseph Fink cites Grim Fandango as core storytelling influence
In a Verge interview, Welcome to Night Vale co-creator Joseph Fink discussed his creative influences and current projects, including the podcast sequel Don't Tell Alice and his new novella The Nudge, illustrated by Jessica Hayworth and out September 1st. He named the 1999 adventure game Grim Fandango as the work that shaped his entire approach to storytelling, and also shared his preference for the Android-only app Podcast Addict and the social platform Bluesky.
GoKawiil's interpretation of the reporting above, not reported fact.
Fink's remarks highlight how narrative games like Grim Fandango continue to influence writers well beyond the gaming industry, shaping formats like fiction podcasts that have become a major storytelling medium. It also underscores the niche but loyal ecosystems around podcast apps and social platforms that creators rely on to reach audiences.
- Joseph Fink credits Grim Fandango as foundational to his storytelling style.
- His new novella The Nudge, illustrated by Jessica Hayworth, releases September 1st.
- Fink uses Android's Podcast Addict app and prefers Bluesky over larger social platforms.
Grim Fandango Remastered (Nintendo Switch) — The adventure game Joseph Fink credits for teaching him storytelling is playable today in its remastered form, with updated visuals, a re-recorded score, and developer commentary. If Night Vale's blend of noir and the surreal is your thing, Manny Calavera's journey through the Land of the Dead is the source code.
See Grim Fandango Remastered (Nintendo Switch) on Amazon → Affiliate link — we may earn a commission on purchases, at no extra cost to you. Product picked by AI based on this article; it is not a tested recommendation.Source: theverge.com — Terrence O'Brien, 2026-08-29
Published there as: “Welcome to Night Vale cocreator Joseph Fink learned storytelling from Grim Fandango”
Read the original report → The summary and analysis above are GoKawiil's own, written from reporting by the source above. Facts and quotes belong to the original publisher.