Less Is More: A Writer/Narrative Designer’s Request for Fewer Words

With the rise of AI and the mentality that “anyone can write”, writers/narrative designers seem to be the first positions cut from game development teams or brought on too late.

This talk covers where teams can streamline dialogue, where to cut scope, and ultimately how to save time, money, and resources that can be better directed elsewhere. But this talk also makes the pitch that writers/narrative designers (even part-time or as consultants) can make games more emotionally resonant and memorable, ultimately helping sales in a market where 18,000+ games are released on Steam every year.