Emotion Engines: A Framework for Powerful Interactive Storytelling | NZGDC'25

Value of the Information & Strength of the Argument

The talk offers substantial practical value for narrative designers, synthesizing best practices from a wide range of experts into a coherent framework. The argumentation is solid, grounded in the speaker’s research and industry experience. She provides concrete examples and actionable advice, such as using the high concept formula and ensuring each scene has a purpose. The emphasis on emotional drivers and player expression as foundational elements is well-argued and supported by examples. The speaker also addresses common pitfalls, like fake choices and the tendency to write secondary paths as less important. The presentation is persuasive and well-structured, making a strong case for the framework’s applicability.

Scientific Rigor, Source Quality, Title Accuracy

The talk demonstrates scientific rigor by basing the framework on a systematic analysis of over 50 expert sources. The speaker references specific games and designers, though she does not cite specific publications or URLs. The sources are not formally cited, but the methodology is transparent. The title accurately reflects the content, focusing on the framework for interactive storytelling. The talk is well-organized and the claims are supported by examples. However, the lack of formal citations and the reliance on anecdotal evidence from experts limit the verifiability of the claims. The speaker’s own research is not published in a peer-reviewed venue, but the approach is credible.

The title accurately reflects the content: the talk presents a framework for interactive storytelling, focusing on emotional drivers and player expression, as promised.

8/10

The talk is based on the speaker's PhD research, which involved analyzing techniques from over 50 expert narrative designers. The framework is presented with practical examples and references to known games. The speaker is a narrative game lead with relevant industry experience. The presentation is well-structured and grounded in professional practice, though it is primarily an expert opinion rather than a peer-reviewed study.

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

• 00:00Introduction and speaker background
• 02:00Overview of research methodology and sources
• 05:00Introduction of the 'interactive story avocado' framework
• 10:00Explanation of emotional drivers and player expression
• 15:00High-level conceptualization and the high concept formula
• 20:00Character design: wants, needs, and fears
• 25:00Story structure: scenes and dramatic forces
• 30:00Dialogue: distinctive voices and subtext
• 35:00Choice design: framing, options, and outcomes
• 40:00Conclusion and practical takeaways

• Game Developer — Mentioned as a source of industry publications and practical tips.
• Oxenfree — Used as an example for character design.
• Monument Valley — Used as an example for a non-speaking protagonist.
• 80 Days — Used as an example for player expression and choice.
• Overboard — Used as an example for high-level conceptualization.

• Game Developer — Industry publication often cited for practical narrative design tips.
• Oxenfree — Example of a game with strong character-driven narrative.
• 80 Days — Example of a game with extensive player choice and expression.