GDC 2025 Session Viewer
Game Narrative Summit: Creating Playable Stories: Approaches for Integrating Mechanics and Narrative
Lauren Bond (Senior Narrative Designer, Wizards of the Coast)
Pass Type: All Access Pass, Summits Pass - Get your pass now!
Track: Game Narrative
Format: Lecture
Vault Recording: TBD
Audience Level: All
For narrative designers, it can be daunting to create truly playable stories. How can they effectively combine seemingly disparate game mechanics and story into a cohesive whole? How can they make it feel that the narrative and the mechanics could not exist without each other?
This presentation will establish a framework for narrative designers to consider the relationship between narrative and game mechanics. It will outline four strategies narrative designers can utilize in their design process to create immersive interactive experiences. Each strategy will cover examples from a wide spectrum of games, and provide concrete actions narrative designers can take to effectively collaborate with game designers.
Takeaway
Attendees will leave with an understanding of different ways narrative can relate to mechanics. They will learn four strategies for effectively integrating game mechanics with narrative and collaborating with game designers.
Intended Audience
This lecture is intended for narrative designers and games writers, and other game developers who are interested in blending game mechanics and narrative.
