Abstract: This presentation explores the future of storytelling in games. After a brief overview of game context, we'll examine narrative structures, mythocentric and logocentric narrative design, character development, passive and active storytelling, and player-authored narrative elements. Then we'll discuss the role of the writer, including story design, scriptwriting, cinematic direction, narrative integration, voice casting and direction, and testing. The presentation will conclude by considering the possibilities that the next generation of games affords us, including heightened production values, emotional connection, and ludological symbolism.

Short Bio: During his seven years in the video game industry, Rafael Chandler has worked as a writer for Zipper Interactive, Ubisoft, Electronic Arts, SouthPeak Games, 1C Company, and NHN. He's contributed to dozens of games, including Ghost Recon: Advanced Warfighter, Monster Madness: Battle For Suburbia, Rainbow Six: Lockdown, and several unannounced projects currently in development. Chandler is the author of 'Screen/Play,' a regular feature at Gamasutra.com, and was the writer of The Game Writing Handbook. He has lectured on game narrative at the Game Writers Conference, the Digital Game Xpo, and the upcoming Russian Game Developers Conference. For more information, please visit www.mediasunshine.com.