What does it take to intentionally design rich and complex neurodivergent characters? What are the common tropes that many games still fall into, and what approaches have successfully challenged these stereotypes? Join this panel of game designers and writers as they share concrete stories, successes, challenges, and best practices for creating authentic neurodivergent characters. Drawing on examples from both AAA and independent games, the discussion will explore the evolution of neurodivergence representation, the difference between coded and explicitly represented characters, the value of doing external research or involving creators with lived neurodivergent experience, and finally, how to convey the neurodivergent experience through game mechanics as well as narrative.

Takeaway

Attendees will learn strategies for creating more nuanced and memorable representations of neurodivergent characters in both narrative and games mechanics. Through examples from AAA and indie games, they will understand the negative impact of representation tropes and the value of collaborating with people with lived experience for designing authentic characters.

Intended Audience

The intended audience for this panel includes game designers, writers and developers, directors and studio managers, diversity and inclusion staff members, as well as anyone interested in creating more neurodiverse games. No prerequisite knowledge is needed.