How to Write Games for the Internet without Embarrassing Yourself

"Never ever market your game on the inclusivity; just [use inclusivity] because it's good storytelling." I'm so positively surprised to finally have heard these words on a GDC talk. Let's hope this approach eventually makes way into the heads of all the other creators.

One of the main takeaways: It's very tempting to throw memes and references into your work, but you *really shouldn't*. If you can keep your finger on the pulse of the demographic/culture that you're writing for, and write a story that truly resonates with them, your work will BECOME the meme, the reference, the trend. Which, ultimately, is a far better outcome.

I came to learn about game development...I got an accessible guide to modern culture.

Don't use a meme, become the meme

Oh, please, someone get this woman hired as consultant for every terrible tv series and movies depicting what older people (like myself) think is "kids today".

The guy right at the end: "I came to the talk thinking it was about how to put your game out there without being embarrassed, but I think what I understood was the opposite, it's like... being embarrassed IS the way."

This is actually really good. Keep in mind that not every writer/designer is a born public speaker, she did well.

She's. Fucking. Awesome! - Talks about narrative, which is a topic that is sometimes heavily subjective, and inside in a niche of narrative (appealing "the internet", as in, making a memeable story/game), so, hardcore-level talk; - Explains the core behind it using art history and the basics, in a way anyone can understand (no hard vocabulary, no "you need to have read this reference to properly understand it"); - Explains and complements arguments, building them progressively, with practical examples, like a boss; - *EXPLETIVE*; - Opens feelings, shows insecurity, imposter complex, and still nails the whole talk; (I wanna have at least half her courage and skills one day)

Alternatively, use really old memes that have somehow preserved relevance, like the written word, the invention of fire, and the rick roll.

I... didn't expect to learn anything from this. Nice talk, thirsty lady.

Okay, based on the title, I wasn't expecting much from this talk, but the point about good writing oscillating between extremes is dead on. SNES-era JRPGs are solid examples this - silly in-game dialogue and animations, dead serious story about the fate of the world. And sometimes Ultros shows up.

This was a really funny yet informative talk... almost like they used the things in this talk to create this talk... also hydration is key.

NOBODY IN THE AUDIENCE CAUGHT "Sorry for leaving you hanging" ; _ ;

So you're saying that metamodernism is essentially just tsundere- sincerity wrapped in cynicism? Also Leighton Grey throws back water like somebody taking shots of vodka.

Oh gosh. I just had a mid life crisis. I thought my love for irony in my writings, where I put very bright comedy and upper message in dark themes, or the other way around, is an unique thing. Turns out, I'm just another memer in the internet. I'm predictable, I'm a derivative of similar artists, like Bo Burnham.

This game isn't for me, but I can 100% respect the work that went into it and Leighton Gray is awesome as a speaker. I think I'll need to add a lot more positivity into my future games to counteract my natural cynicism. Thanks for the talk!

"Favourable Fathers" sounds like a period version of Dream Daddy...which would actually be kind of awesome. xD That aside, what a fun talk! Thanks for sharing so many good tips and a whole bunch of great analysis.

I think this is the most I’ve ever learned from a GDC talk.... I’m still only halfway through! Thanks so much for this one!

This is a fantastic talk, AND it's honestly SUPER refreshing to see another game designer who so deeply reminds me of me and my own social circle up on stage at GDC. You always hear horror stories in this industry about poor retention for younger folk entering it. Nice to see someone similar to me making use of a big name platform like GDC and thriving in the industry!

Sighing thirsty lady talks about memes for 57 minutes.