Agenda

In a media landscape shaped by algorithms, distraction, and polarization, can writers still craft stories that require critical thinking? This talk argues not only that they can, but that they must. We'll explore how trusting the player's intelligence and rewarding deep engagement are essential for pushing our medium forward, and how these types of narratives survive studio politics and market pressures. Drawing from projects ranging from Call of Duty to Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, this talk examines the state of media literacy, the power of subtext, and the role of discourse in a game's legacy. Attendees will leave with a renewed understanding of how to create meaningful, resonant work without losing their jobs in the process.

Takeaway

Attendees will gain tools for using "narrative subterfuge" to create layered, thoughtful narratives in a fractured media environment. They'll learn how to advocate for deeper storytelling, push back on flattening feedback, and survive the internal politics that often hinder ambitious narrative work.

Intended Audience

This talk is for writers, narrative designers, and creative leads who care about the cultural impact of their work. No advanced technical knowledge is required, but attendees should have experience with game development pipelines and a desire to challenge default storytelling assumptions in today's attention economy.