Panel: Crafting Black Narratives | Mia Ginaé Watkins | NZGDC 2025

Value of the Information & Strength of the Argument

The panel offers substantial value by providing concrete, actionable insights from experienced professionals. Each speaker brings a unique perspective: Lanier’s historical and personal grounding, Morris’s detailed analysis of aesthetics, and de Jesus’s focus on trauma. The arguments are well-supported with examples from their own work and cultural references, making the advice credible and practical. The emphasis on lived experience and community consultation is a strong, recurring theme that underscores the importance of authenticity. The panel successfully argues that avoiding stereotypes and embracing complexity leads to richer, more relatable characters.

Scientific Rigor, Source Quality, Title Accuracy

The speakers demonstrate rigor by grounding their advice in personal and professional experiences, referencing specific projects like South of Midnight and Marvel’s Spider-Man. They also cite cultural touchstones such as the Great Migration and James Baldwin, adding depth. The title accurately reflects the content, which is a focused panel on crafting Black narratives. The session is well-structured, with each speaker covering distinct aspects, and the moderation keeps the discussion cohesive. While not academic, the practical expertise and honest reflections contribute to a high level of credibility.

The title accurately reflects the content, which is a panel discussion on crafting Black narratives in video games.

8/10

The panel features experienced narrative designers and writers from reputable studios, providing practical insights grounded in professional experience. The content is well-structured and offers concrete examples, though it is primarily experiential rather than peer-reviewed.

Markers derived by PSI from the transcript: the creator did not define chapters.

• 02:00Introduction of panelists and overview of the session.
• 05:00Zaire Lanier discusses the Great Migration and cultural diversity.
• 10:00Lanier emphasizes avoiding stereotypes and using lived experiences.
• 15:00Brittney Morris begins her talk on black aesthetics and perception.
• 20:00Morris explains the practicality of hairstyles with a chart.
• 25:00Jarory de Jesus discusses black trauma and generational differences.
• 30:00De Jesus uses a scene from Spider-Man to illustrate his points.
• 35:00Q&A session begins, with audience questions.
• 40:00Panelists offer final advice and wrap-up.

• South of Midnight — Referenced by Zaire Lanier as a project she worked on, illustrating cultural authenticity.
• Marvel's Spider-Man: Miles Morales — Referenced by Brittney Morris and Jarory de Jesus as an example of Black character portrayal.
• I Am Not Your Negro — Quoted by Zaire Lanier to emphasize the importance of facing societal issues.
• CROWN Act — Mentioned by Brittney Morris regarding hair discrimination legislation.

• The Craft of Game Writing — General resource for game writing best practices, aligning with the panel's advice.
• Representation in Games — Industry discussions on diversity and inclusion, supporting the panel's themes.