GDC 2025 Session Viewer

Agency and interactivity are at the heart of storytelling in video games, but how do these principles translate into actionable techniques for crafting compelling narratives? How can writers, narrative designers, and systems designers leverage the unique power of games to tell stories that wouldn’t work in any other medium?

In this session, award-winning writer and narrative designer Adam Dolin (God of War, Horizon: Forbidden West, God of War: Ragnarok) explores the intersection of storytelling and systems design. Through detailed case studies, attendees will learn how themes, plot, and character arcs can be woven into gameplay mechanics to shape player behavior, evoke emotion, and create lasting memories. Whether you’re a writer looking to collaborate more effectively with systems teams or a designer curious about integrating narrative hooks into mechanics, this talk offers practical insights and actionable takeaways to help you craft stories that resonate.

Takeaway

Attendees will leave with a deeper understanding of how to use game systems to create unique storytelling experiences that fully embrace the medium of games. They’ll learn how to align mechanics and narrative progression, uncover narrative opportunities within systems, and foster stronger collaboration between writers and designers to craft more meaningful and memorable player experiences.

Intended Audience

This session is aimed at any writer or designer who wishes to achieve more effective storytelling through video games. While a basic understanding of narrative design is recommended, no advanced prerequisites are necessary. The talk offers insights that benefit both experienced professionals and those new to narrative-driven game development.