Game Developers Conference 2024

San Francisco, USA

Independent Games Summit: Sensitive, Emotional & Intimate: Working with Challenging Themes in 'The Quiet Things'

How do we tell stories which are based around sensitive and heavy themes? And how do we endeavor to portray an emotionally challenging, intimate narrative, as unflinchingly as possible, without causing trauma to a development team? Voice & Casting Director Kirsty Gillmore explores how Silver Script Games approached the creation of autobiographical narrative game The Quiet Things, which tells the story of Alice from childhood to late teens and her experiences with child abuse, mental health and trauma, with a deep focus on storytelling through audio.
CW: this talk will include reference to themes of childhood abuse, self-harm, mental health, attempted suicide, grooming and sexual abuse.

Takeaway

Attendees will learn considered ways in which you can approach the inclusion of challenging and heavy themes in narrative games, particularly those with autobiographical content. They will also learn how to prioritise and protect your team's emotional and mental health through the development process.

Intended Audience

This talk is for any indie devs who deal with or plan to incorporate sensitive, intimate or challenging themes in their games, particularly narrative games, and are looking for ways to explore them honestly and unflinchingly while supporting their team with the emotional and mental impact.

Location: Room 2009, West Hall

Date: Monday March 18

Time: 2:10pm - 2:40pm