GDC 2025 Session Viewer

In today's fast-paced action games, from Evil West to countless others, narrative designers are increasingly tasked with building compelling characters despite severe limitations on screen time, a challenge far removed from the expansive storytelling opportunities in RPGs like Baldur's Gate 3. This speech emphasizes that limited time doesn't mean limited impact—by focusing on essential character traits, leveraging high-intensity moments, and cutting unnecessary exposition, designers can create memorable, engaging characters that resonate with players. In the face of these constraints, characters must become storytelling tools themselves, propelling the plot and shaping player investment through every interaction.

Drawing from my experience on Evil West, this session will offer insights into balancing intense action with meaningful character development. I'll highlight key strategies for making protagonists, antagonists, and supporting characters stand out in condensed narratives, where the room for extended character arcs is limited. We'll discuss how to effectively use key traits that bring characters to life, as well as the areas where we fell short due to the fast pace of the game.

Takeaway

Key Takeaways:
1. How to Distill Essential Character Traits: In linear narratives like Evil West, you don't have time to explore every nuance of a character. Focus on essential traits that will resonate with the audience immediately. For example, your protagonist may be defined by a singular motivation, like vengeance or redemption, which informs all their actions, making them relatable and driving the plot forward. By concentrating on these fundamental qualities, you can avoid cluttering the narrative with excessive background detail.
2. Techniques for Memorable Characters with Limited Screen Time: Instead of detailed character arcs, emphasize moments of intensity, create distinct visuals & combat style
3. Streamlining Non-Essential Character Building: Players in action-heavy games don't want excessive backstory or slow exposition. Focus on dynamic characterization—using action and brief interactions to communicate who the characters are. Choose elements that serve the story and cut anything that doesn't enhance the immediate gameplay experience.
4. Using characters as tools to highlight the story: When there's limited list of narrative tools, support the plot using the best of the existing characters. Ensure each character interaction propels the story forward, even when narrative depth is secondary to gameplay.

Outcome: Attendees will gain clear, practical insights on how to craft engaging characters in fast-paced linear games. They'll learn to identify and prioritize essential character elements, cut non-essential details, and use concise but effective storytelling techniques to foster player connection, even in the most action-packed environments. These strategies will be immediately applicable to their own game development projects. As most narrative designers work under the time pressures, understanding how to craft effective characters with minimal narrative space will be crucial for creating narratives that stand out, no matter how action-driven the gameplay.

Intended Audience

This presentation is mostly tailored for narrative designers, game writers, and developers working on action-driven, linear games with limited narrative space. While no advanced prerequisite knowledge is required, a basic understanding of storytelling in games will enhance comprehension. Attendees will benefit from practical tips on creating compelling characters in condensed narratives.