G-STAR 2025: The Multi-Layered Structure of Narrative – Environment, System, Character

Post GSTAR panel, left to right: Casey Al-Kaisy, Josh Sawyer, Kate Dollarhyde, Ben McCaw, and Lis Moberly.

This month I was given the privilege to do something I could have never dreamed of growing up–be invited to South Korea to speak at a game development conference about narrative and story. What's more, the conference, G-STAR, was held in my mother's hometown of Busan. This city means an incredible amount to me and to walk its streets with friends and colleagues was a surreal meeting of my two worlds I had never expected to experience.

Busan is the second largest city in Korea and it sits by the seaside down south. It's known for its extensive seaside port, beaches, cultural and historical heritage sites, and the world's largest department store. It is also home to G-STAR, Korea's largest gaming convention that happens each November. I, along with some other game writers and narrative designers, was asked to participate in a panel about narrative structure. The moderator was Casey Al-Kaisy, and the participants were Kate Dollarhyde, Ben McCaw, Josh Sawyer, and myself.

Left to right: A beautiful gift from G-STAR, the panel backdrop, and BEXCO at night, where the convention was held.

I truly believe that the game industry in Korea is on the cusp of something incredible in games. Their skill, ingenuity, and dedication to the craft was evident in every project I previewed and played. There is so much to learn from their development community, and when the conference ended this year I knew I would be back again.

Many thanks to G-STAR, and in particular Jinyoung, for the wonderful invitation to speak, and for arranging both my travel and accommodation. You have a friend in me for life.