Stephen Merriam - Creative

> Hello, World.

Welcome to my personal website! My name's Stephen, and I'm just a simple man making his way in the universe. Currently, the universe is Ottawa, Canada.

I write books, make games (video and other), experiment with completely unqualified research essays, even more unqualified opinion pieces, and create early beginner drawing artworks. I love to cook, am a very picky eater, and enjoy simple recipes.

Thanks for dropping by!

> What I Do

// Writing

I've been writing as long as I can remember. I just love imagining worlds and filling them with interesting characters. The stories they go on are a favourite pastime of mine.

// Game Development

I've been developing games for a long time too, and first started programming when I was around 8. I think I've been making games since before then, though—my sister and I used to create our own games with pieces of existing ones.

// Creative Exploration

More recently, I've been exploring other creative avenues. I've always wanted to learn to draw, and have recently started 'seriously trying.' I've also extended this 'new avenues' thing to music (guitar, piano, singing) and 3D-modelling!

> Books

Auden S. Howard

My pen name under which I explore writing about new worlds! You can check out my published books (as well as some other stuff)
https://ashoward.ca

> Games

// Video Games

Ventomori

Type: Co-op Puzzle • Year: 2025

In this asymmetrical multiplayer co-op puzzle game, brave the treacherous unknown and endeavour on a deadly, desolate planet. Be the eyes from above or the scout on the ground and work together with a friend to uncover the mysteries and escape from the planet Xanahspati.

3D Co-op Puzzle

House of Cards

Type: Platformer • Year: 2023

Made this game with a team of students over a semester. A 2D platformer where you're a magical rabbit platforming through childhood memories.

2D Platformer Narrative

Starstream

Type: Action Adventure • Year: 2024

A 3D shooter set in a child's imagination. This was made over the course of a semester with a team of students.

3D Story TPS

Njál's Task

Type: Narrative Choices • Year: 2025

This is a simple text-based browser game where you play as a Lawspeaker in medieval Iceland. You'll hear legal disputes and try to apply the correct historical laws to resolve them.

2D Narrative Choices

Talking Revolution

Type: Cards Choices • Year: 2023

A descisions-based narrative game about the Industrial Revolution. I worked on this as a challenge in a Game-Jam. It was loosley based on the Merthyr Uprising.

2D Choices Narrative