You've been logged out of GDC Vault since the maximum users allowed for this account has been reached. To access Members Only content on GDC Vault, please log out of GDC Vault from the computer which last accessed this account.

Click here to find out about GDC Vault Membership options for more users.

close

Session Name:

Writing Modular Characters for System-Driven Games

Overview:

Making the paradigm shift from linear to system-driven thinking can be difficult, especially when it comes to delivering good writing. Using examples from the speaker's own system-driven writing ('Moon Hunters', 'The Shrouded Isle'), as well as from games like 'Civilization', 'Darkest Dungeon', 'Dwarf Fortress', or the 'Middle-Earth' series, this talk will explore ways modular thinking can help your storytelling, diving deep into character writing specifically as a metaphor for all system-driven writing. "Orthogonality" proves the name of the game, in terms of character traits, in how those traits express themselves, and even figuring out how to prioritize many types of character information. This session will define the tools that are available to narrative designers to help your player find both satisfaction and surprise in your rich yet responsive world.

Did you know free users get access to 30% of content from the last 2 years?


Get your team full access to the most up to date GDC content

  • GDC 2018
  • Tanya X. Short
  • Kitfox Games
  • free content
  • Design
  • Design