GDC 2025 Session Viewer
Crafting Black Narratives
Brittney Morris (Bestselling Author and Advanced Writer, Insomniac Games)
Jarory de Jesus (Founder & Director, Coquito Games)
Zaire Lanier (Writer, Compulsion Games)
Curtis Baxter (Senior Game Writer, Electronic Arts)
Mia Ginae Watkins (Creative Operations Coordinator, Riot Games)
Pass Type: All Access Pass, Core Pass, Summits Pass, Expo Pass, Audio Pass, Indie Games Summit Pass - Get your pass now!
Track: Advocacy
Format: Panel
Vault Recording: TBD
Audience Level: All
How do you showcase the many dimensions of a character, while also intertwining their identity with the world they're in? In the case of Black narratives in video games, stories of the past have often painted Black characters either in a one-dimensional light, a flat view, or rendered void of cultural context. Whether it's in worlds real or imagined, there's a balance that needs to be made. This panel will touch on how to create Black narratives, in worlds real and imagined, while simultaneously honoring the culture in the pursuit of creating something new. The panel
will also identify the obstacles that stand in the way of producing Black characters with depth and layers that feel unequivocally human.
Takeaway
What we hope attendees will take away from this is an answer to "what's next" or "what can we do" when it comes to closing the representation gap, that attendees will feel empowered to create games that center Black narratives, to recognize when these narratives are mishandled, and take their advocacy to the next level.
Intended Audience
This panel is open to all attendees. We encourage writers and narrative designers to attend, anyone who is in a position to tell and direct stories in video games, and anyone who wants to make a difference in making sure there are new stories to tell.
