Environmental Narrative - Telling Stories in Spaces Without Saying Anything Aloud

Dive into the world of immersive experiences and video game level design in this 2019 GDC session. Explore how game designer Laura E. Hall approaches environmental narrative, focusing on storytelling techniques that don't rely on spoken words. Learn about brain survival mode, physical storytelling, and best practices for creating engaging spaces. Discover the intricacies of designing escape rooms, worldbuilding, and incorporating meditation elements. Gain insights on balancing player free will with limitations, crafting fail states, and designing for group experiences. Uncover strategies for time management and resource allocation in immersive entertainment, while also addressing the challenge of making participants feel included in the experience.

Intro
Immersive Entertainment
Brain Survival Mode
Physical Storytelling
Best Practices
Time Limits
Resources
Escape Rooms
Worldbuilding
Meditation
How to make people feel left out
How to design for groups
Fail states
Balancing free will and limitations