Warren Spector
Videogames: The Medium of the 21st Century
#1about 8 minutes
A veteran's journey through game development history
The speaker recounts his 42-year career, from tabletop RPGs to influential video games like Ultima Underworld, System Shock, and Deus Ex.
#2about 5 minutes
The massive cultural and business impact of games
Video games have surpassed movies, music, and television combined in revenue and now appeal to a broad, diverse global audience.
#3about 5 minutes
The four unique elements that define video games
Games are a unique medium because they transport players to other worlds, require active participation, and create a responsive two-way dialogue.
#4about 8 minutes
Shared authorship as a core design philosophy
Inspired by Dungeons & Dragons, the concept of shared authorship empowers players to co-create the story through meaningful choices and consequences.
#5about 5 minutes
Defining the roles of the developer and the player
Developers create the context and boundaries of the experience, while players assess challenges, formulate plans, and execute them to create their unique story.
#6about 6 minutes
Why games are the defining medium of our time
Beyond entertainment, games provide joy, connection, and intellectual challenges while also driving major technological advancements in hardware and software.
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