Mike Bithell

TL:DR - Keeping it Brief

When the audience for games was predominantly cash-strapped teens with ample free time, value could be measured by bigger is better. Gameplay content is wise to the ageing audience but unwise in the scale of that content. Does a parent who connects with Horizon Zero Dawn’s themes of compassion and responsibility have the time to enjoy all its side quests? In this presentation, Mike will talk about the work many devs are doing to make high-value short-duration games, and examine the trend’s successes and challenges.

Bio:

Mike Bithell is a British game designer best known for his breakout indie hit Thomas Was Alone. A story-driven platform puzzle game, Thomas Was Alone won a BAFTA for its star, Danny Wallace. In 2015 he launched Volume, a commercially and critically successful action stealth game. And in 2016, as a launch title for Google’s Daydream VR platform, he created EarthShape. Mike's work emphasizes storytelling and focused game design with a growing team of professionals."