Uncharted 2: Among Thieves — Or How to Become a Hero

Drew Davidson · Richard Lemarchand · James Gee

Thu., June 10, 9:00–10:30, Great Hall

With this presentation, we will discuss the experience of playing Uncharted 2: Among Thieves along with discussing the experience of designing and developing the game. Sequences from the game will be analyzed in detail in order to illustrate and interpret how the design of various components enable players to learn how to play through the game successfully, as well as how the design of the various elements combine together to create a fulfilling play experience. We will look at the narrative development and game design, highlighting overarching themes and game play mechanics. We are going to alternate between sharing insights from the play experience, and then exploring the design and development process. A goal of this presentation is to help further develop and define a literacy of games as well as a sense of their value. Videogames are a complex medium that merits careful interpretation and insightful analysis.