In this 2017 GDC talk, Dakota State University's Jeff Howard explores how themes common in the heavy metal genre can become a foundation for video game storytelling.

This was a one-of-a-kind talk you should make time to watch, even if you have no interest in heavy metal, because Howard offers wry advice on everything from unleashing metal's black soul into your narrative design to doom-soaked art direction and brutal (yet elegant) game mechanics.

It was a remarkable session that you can now watch for yourself, completely free, over on the official GDC YouTube channel!

About the GDC Vault

In addition to this presentation, the GDC Vault and its accompanying YouTube channel offers numerous other free videos, audio recordings, and slides from many of the recent Game Developers Conference events, and the service offers even more members-only content for GDC Vault subscribers.

Those who purchased All Access passes to recent events like GDC or VRDC already have full access to GDC Vault, and interested parties can apply for the individual subscription via a GDC Vault subscription page. Group subscriptions are also available: game-related schools and development studios who sign up for GDC Vault Studio Subscriptions can receive access for their entire office or company by contacting staff via the GDC Vault group subscription page.