Crafting Immersive Realities: Storytelling, Game Design, and Spatial Computing

Abstract

Immersive design is revolutionizing the way we engage with stories, games, and digital experiences. In this session, we explore how storytelling, game design, and spatial computing converge to create powerful and emotionally resonant experiences. Storytelling is at the heart of human connection, capable of synchronizing brain waves and eliciting profound emotional responses. By blending timeless narrative structures like Joseph Campbell’s Hero’s Journey with game design principles such as the MDA framework, creators can craft interactive, meaningful worlds that captivate audiences. From the environmental storytelling of Zelda: Breath of the Wild to the transmedia successes of The Last of Us, this session highlights how narrative and design combine to deliver unforgettable impact. The session also delves into the cutting-edge potential of spatial computing, which merges the physical and digital worlds to redefine user interaction. Using real-world examples from augmented reality, XR treasure hunts, and virtual production technologies, participants will discover practical strategies for designing immersive spaces that inspire exploration and connection. Attendees will leave with actionable insights on crafting emotionally engaging experiences, applying game mechanics to enhance interactivity, and leveraging technology to blur the line between the real and the virtual. Whether you’re a designer, developer, or creative visionary, this session provides the tools to shape the next generation of immersive environments.

Presenters

Damir First
Lecturer, Zagreb School of Economics and Management, Grad Zagreb, Croatia

Details

Presentation Type

Workshop Presentation

Theme

2025 Special Focus—Thinking, Learning, Doing: Plural Ways of Design

KEYWORDS

Immersive Design, Spatial Computing, Transmedia Storytelling, Experience Design, Interdisciplinary Collaboration