28.09.2023: Serious Themes vs. Playful Schemes: Lecture with Game Designer Daisy Fernandez

In this lecture, Daisy Fernandez (Game Designer at Nerial / Devolver Digital, London UK) discusses how game mechanics can inadvertently undermine the weight of serious subjects, while also exploring the ways in which they can enhance a player’s engagement and emotional investment. Through case studies and practical strategies, attendees will gain insight into creating meaningful gaming experiences without compromising entertaining gameplay.

Beginning with an exploration of the place video games have in the cultural landscape, Fernandez discusses the ways in which we are now seeing a push for ‘deep’ content in games. Fernandez will then analyze instances where game mechanics undermine the emotional resonance of important dramatic beats in several titles. This, Fernandez argues, is why we often see a reliance on metaphor in indie and cutscenes in AAA titles.

In the third part of the talk, Fernandez will examine several video games that successfully use game mechanics to enhance a player’s emotional engagement through the process of abstraction, humour, and disruption.

About the speaker

Daisy Fernandez is a London-based game designer at indie studio Nerial („Card Shark“, “Reigns: Three Kingdoms”). She has previously worked at BAFTA winning State of Play (“South of the Circle”) and INT./NIGHT (“As Dusk Falls”) and wrote the poetry for George Batchelor’s “Bird Alone”.
After receiving a Bachelor’s degree in English Literature, Daisy went on to complete a Master of Arts in Games Design and Development at the National Film and Television School where she discovered a keen interest in experimental narrative games. She is currently working on an unannounced project.

The event will be held in English. Participation is possible without registration and free of charge.

The event in held in cooperation with the Vienna Business Agency.

Image: Card Shark © Nerial