By trade I am a game designer; my storytelling is done through gameplay not writing – my day-to-day tools are game mechanics, balance, animation, interaction, controls, music, and sound. But I am also passionate about putting the player in their own unique story, with a believable immersive setting, characters, and deeper themes - as part of a complete gameplay experience.

This is the only conference that I know that has a specific focus on game writing - it isn’t a sideline or an afterthought – it is the central focus of an entire track. Designers can see what is possible, get in touch with the best stories and writers in gaming, and soak up the creative processes that studios are using to make that one of a kind experience that players will remember and talk about for years.

As a game designer I want to provide emotional adventures to my players that they feel like they have really lived – with richness and depth and peak experiences. That is why I (the non-writer) got involved with the advisory board for this conference. Every good game designer should learn more about storytelling. Ever writer who wants to do game writing should learn more about creating the best interactive experience possible – and you only get that unique mix with AGDC Game Writing.

There were so many fantastic proposals for talks and panels this year – take a few minutes to see which ones ignite the storyteller in you or the game designer in you – I guarantee there is plenty for both.

-Mark Terrano www.hiddenpath.com