We’re proud to highlight the incredible contributions of our team members at the Games Institute’s International Conference on Games and Narrative, held from Monday, March 3rd to Thursday, March 6th, 2025, at the University of Waterloo. This bi-annual event brings together researchers, designers, and storytellers to explore the power and potential of narrative in digital and interactive games—and our group played a big role in its success this year.
🎤 Presenters: Dr. Geneva M. Smith and Derrick Wang
- Presentation 1: “Press X for Drama: Quick Time(r) Events as an Adaptation of the Digital Medium for Narrative-focused Games”
This talk offered a new perspective on Interactive Digital Narratives (IDNs), where Geneva proposing that Quick Time Events (QTEs) are a powerful mechanic for supporting narrative engagement while preserving user agency and flow in emotionally-driven gameplay. [1]
- Presentation 2: “It’s Dangerous to Go Alone, Take This!’: Adapting a Model of Player Experience For Interactive Digital Narratives”
Geneva presented an adaptation of the Player Experience (PX) model for IDNs, proposing "Interactor Experience (IX)" as a conceptual tool to help designers create coherent, meaningful, and emotionally resonant interactive narratives. [2]
- Presentation 3: “TLDR: A Taxonomy for Adaptive Narrative Design in MMORPG Based on Player Engagement”
Derrick introduced a taxonomy for fragmented and adaptive storytelling in MMORPGs, identifying how designers can better match narrative delivery with player preferences to enhance immersion and motivation. [3]
🙌 Volunteers
We extend our thanks to our dedicated group of volunteers who supported the conference behind the scenes:
- Kaushall Senthil Nathan
- Joseph Tu
- Derrick Wang
- Dr. Eugene Kukshinov
- Dr. Geneva M. Smith (Proceedings Coordinator & Programme Co-Chair!)
Their efforts helped ensure the smooth execution of conference events and fostered an inclusive and welcoming environment for all participants.