Nigel Twumasi
mayamada
Nigel Twumasi is a former software engineer turned creative entrepreneur. He is the co-founder of mayamada, a brand that reaches across comics, video games and youth engagement. In 2019 Nigel was recognised as a member of the nationwide 56 Black Men campaign, and in 2023 he was appointed as a member of the London mayor's Cultural Leadership Board. A keen advocate for diversity within creative industries, Nigel delivers creative workshops with young people across schools, colleges and other youth organisations. Through the fun and engaging use of storytelling, he works to empower future generations everywhere to realise their full creative potential. Nigel is passionate about video games and their power to engage various audiences. He leads a dedicated team that runs the community event and platform called GamePad. Since 2015 they have been promoting inclusion through video game events and discussions with industry while providing opportunities for young people from under-represented backgrounds to gain valuable work experience on their own creative journeys. In 2022, he launched the "Do I Look Like A Gamer?" representation campaign and continues to work with video games and other creative industries to challenge stereotypes and improve access for future generations of diverse talent.
Nigel Twumasi is speaking at the following session/s
Don’t Forget the Story: The Power of Video Game Narratives
In this talk, mayamada co-founder Nigel Twumasi will delve into the "why?" of stories and explain how powerful they can be to any game being made today. We'll explore the value of well-told stories in video games, arguing that they should always be a crucial consideration for developers of all types and sizes.
Video games have evolved far beyond solely mechanical experiences with stories tacked on. Whilst player agency will always distinguish games from other storytelling mediums, this hasn't prevented them from becoming powerful vehicles for compelling narratives that extend far beyond a sprinkling of cutscenes. From heavily guided narrative-driven games to player-created stories, we'll discover how narratives build emotional connections, helping the best examples stand out in a crowded market.
Nigel is the lead writer for the mayamada manga universe, organiser of the "Do I Look Like A Gamer?" representation campaign, and a storytelling consultant. This session will also examine lessons learned from mayamada's own storytelling experiences in addition to insights from other media to learn how video games can continue pushing their narratives and player experiences forward.
Video games thrive when they tell compelling stories, and we can learn much from well-executed examples in the medium. This includes authentically delivered narratives, diverse character representation, and the inclusion of varied experiences—both in the games themselves and within development teams making them.
We'll discuss practical steps for teams to consider and implement when it comes to narrative design. By the end of this session, you'll understand why storytelling is not just an add-on, but a core component that can elevate your game's impact and player engagement. We value open, honest dialogue, so the session will conclude with a Q&A, encouraging further discussion on the effective implementation of stories in video games.
Session Takeaway
- Understand how considering story and game mechanics together can enhance the player experience.
- Recognise the marketing potential of strong, emotionally resonant video game stories.
- Discover strategies for implementing narrative in your game beyond conventional cutscenes.
- Learn practical steps to improve narrative design in your development process, including positive approaches and ones to avoid.
Session speakers
