The Story of Games

What stories are video games failing to tell? Veteran designer Brenda Romero argues our differences are the key to unlocking the medium's future.

#1about 8 minutes

Defining the role and craft of a game designer

A game designer's job is analogous to an architect's, creating worlds, rules, and challenges that shape the player's experience.

#2about 9 minutes

A personal journey into game development

Early experiences with Dungeons & Dragons and the Apple II computer sparked a 40-year career in the game industry, starting with the game Wizardry.

#3about 4 minutes

Understanding the diverse demographics of modern gamers

Contrary to stereotypes, the gaming audience is broad and diverse, with women owning the most consoles and mobile gaming expanding the definition of a 'gamer'.

#4about 2 minutes

A brief history of video games from ancient times to VR

Video games evolved from ancient board games to early digital experiments like 'Tennis for Two' and the hobbyist boom driven by the Apple II computer.

#5about 9 minutes

How games create narrative and player-driven stories

Games tell stories through both pre-scripted narratives and emergent player experiences, using level design, environmental cues, and mechanics to shape the story.

#6about 5 minutes

Applying game design to health, therapy, and rehabilitation

Gamification and dedicated health games are used for physical therapy, mental health support, medical training, and even pain management.

#7about 6 minutes

Addressing the lack of diversity and representation in games

The games industry has historically struggled with representation, often excluding female, LGBTQ+, and non-white characters and players from heroic roles.

#8about 12 minutes

Q&A on breaking into the game development industry

Advice for experienced developers transitioning into the game industry includes learning engine-specific tools like Unity or Unreal and participating in game jams.