Abstract:
The age of transmedial entertainment is upon us, and videogames are pushing storytelling
boundaries like never before. Audiences expect much more from a videogame based on a popular
film, book, or comic franchise, whether it be a single player console game, massively
multiplayer online game, or a mobile game. The challenge of how to capture the essence of an
IP in game form is more important than ever. By exploring how to analyze properties for action
words unique to that property and, thus, giving concrete form to their inherent game-like
aspects, game writers can create a road map for user experience which takes special advantage
of the IP's value. Attending writers will use this method to analyze past examples of game
adaptations and transmedia game extensions, including those based on the James Bond franchise
and George A. Romero~Rs zombie films. Writers will walk away with practical tools for
collaborating on innovative, exciting, and risk-conscious games that will widen a game's
appeal beyond the hardcore market.

Idea Takeaway
Writers will come out of this workshop with a practical strategy for how to collaborate on
games that will reach (rather than exclude) the wide audience that make popular transmedial
IP's attractive to publishers. Attendees will learn a simple method - derived from Miyamoto
and Crawford - for quickly focusing the game design process around an IP's unique game-like
qualities. This method can be used on multiple levels in a game company, from brainstorming
core mechanics design to developing an overall business and marketing strategy.

Intended Audience
This workshop is intended for game writers, designers, and marketers looking for practical
tools to help them get the most out of IP and reach a wider audience. Attendees should be
familiar with IP-based game development and have a basic understanding of the game design
process.