Fundamentals of Branching Dialogue
Carrie Patel
(Novelist | Lead Narrative Designer - Obsidian Entertainment)
Carrie Patel is a narrative designer and writer at Obsidian Entertainment, where she is currently Narrative Co-Lead on Pillars of Eternity II: Deadfire. Her writing credits include the Writers Guild of America-nominated Pillars of Eternity, the White March expansions, and Pillars of Eternity II: Deadfire. She is also a novelist and the author of the science fantasy Recoletta trilogy, which includes The Buried Life, Cities and Thrones, and The Song of the Dead. Her short fiction has appeared in PodCastle and Beneath Ceaseless Skies.
DESCRIPTION
Branching dialogue is a staple of many RPGS, and one that allows designers to present players with gameplay choices, offer options for players' personal expression, and create a stronger sense of a player-driven story. But authoring dialogue trees is complicated. Writers and designers must balance player freedom against the limits of scope, and they must present a consistent through-line even while offering players multiple avenues for navigating a dialogue. This presentation will cover the basics of branching dialogue: why it's a useful design feature, how to implement it well, and what to look out for.
Room: England Evans
Time: 10:30 AM - 11:30 AM
Fundamentals of UI/UX Design in Video Games
Yvonne Chung
(Associate Art Director UI/UX - Blind Squirrel Games)
As one of the original employees at Blind Squirrel Games, Yvonne is currently the Associate UI/UX Director for Blind Squirrel's Art Team. Yvonne’s day to day has her hands in the development of multiple titles, management of the UI/UX Team and working closely with Blind Squirrel's executive team on any department needs. Outside of Blind Squirrel Games, Yvonne is one of the hosts for the well-known weekly event “Beer Wednesday Orange County” which is a great event for networking in the game development industry.
Room: England Evans
Time: 2:30 PM - 3:30 PM
Ok, So Fix It...
Nathan Moore
(Production Coordinator - Blind Squirrel Games)
Nathan is currently a Production Coordinator working on several titles for Blind Squirrel Games. Nathan has 6 years of experience leading student game developer teams including producing four student projects. He was also an original member of the executive board and second president for CSULB’s Video Game Developer Association. After college, Nathan started a small game studio with friends and continues to build strong relationships with the industry and student organizations.
Room: England Evans
Time: 3:30 PM - 4:30 PM
The Art of Starting Indie
Tilted Shed Studios
Visit: tiltedshedstudios.com
Tilted Shed Studios is made up of award winning independent game developers, and host of Orange County's premiere Tilted Game Jam Competitions. They are passionate people who strive to expand the minds of gamers and game developers everywhere. They believe in the power of community, and enjoy sharing their development for all to be a part of, learn from, critique against, and grow alongside. Currently Tilted Shed Studios is teaming up with Mira Prism, an affordable and innovative augmented reality device that works in conjunction with your smartphone to create a fully interactive experience with the games you play. The goal is to develop Arklight7 an AR game that combines the uses of space and community for the Smithsonian American Art Museum.