KENNESAW, Ga. | Mar 18, 2026

Anna Green never imagined that her love for video games would lead to a trip to San Francisco to present her work to one of the world’s largest gatherings of game developers.

When the Kennesaw State University English major submitted her video game narrative analysis paper, she thought of it simply as a class assignment. Weeks later, she opened her email to surprising news. She had been named a Platinum Winner, the highest distinction in the Game Narrative Review competition affiliated with the Game Developers Conference (GDC), one of the industry’s major events.

“I was over the moon,” said Green, who was one of only three Platinum winners nationally. “I had absolutely no expectation that I would get picked for it, and especially to receive the Platinum Award. I was totally bowled over.”

Green’s award-winning paper began as a midterm assignment in her Interactive Narrative and Games course taught by Victoria Lagrange, assistant professor of game narrative in the Norman J. Radow College of Humanities and Social Sciences. The course explores how storytelling in video games differs from traditional narratives found in books or films.

“A game narrative is about how the story unfolds through the player’s experience,” Green said. “It’s interactive in a way that other forms of storytelling can’t replicate.”

For the assignment, students conducted a detailed analysis of a video game of their choice, examining how narrative elements such as character development, dialogue and theme work alongside gameplay mechanics and environment to tell a story. Green and other students from game design courses across the country submit papers to the GDC Narrative Review board. Winners are then invited to the conference to present their work to a live audience of industry professionals.

For her paper, Green analyzed Bayonetta, a 2009 action-adventure game. Much like a book review, Green explored the game’s thematic elements including the portrayal of female identity and empowerment.

“A game narrative analysis is just stripping down the game and focusing on how things like the game play and the environment and all these other aspects work to reinforce the narrative and push it forward in a way that other types of media like books or films can’t,” Green explained.

Lagrange said Green’s work stood out for its originality and depth.

“Anna was a great writer and thoughtful researcher throughout the semester,” said Lagrange, who models the course assignment after the Game Narrative Review competition and always encourages students with strong analyses to submit their work.

“While this is the third time one of my students has been invited to present at GDC, it’s the first time one has received a Platinum distinction,” Lagrange added. “It’s a wonderful recognition for Anna and a great reflection of the cutting-edge research our English students are doing.”

Now in her final semester at KSU, Green said the recognition feels like a fitting way to close out her college experience.

“It feels like such a lovely way to finish my time here,” she said. “Kennesaw State was so generous in helping to fund this trip, and I’m incredibly grateful.”

Green, who will graduate with a bachelor’s degree in English and a minor in professional writing, said the experience has expanded her view of potential career paths. While she previously considered technical editing and professional writing, the competition sparked new interest in narrative design and storyboard writing for games.

“I always loved storytelling,” she said. “This helped me realize that I’m capable of contributing to video game narratives.”

She advises fellow Owls to not be afraid of taking chances.

“Don’t be afraid to submit your work,” Green said. “Just throw it at the wall. Who knows? Sometimes it sticks.”

– Story by Christin Senior

Photos provided

A leader in innovative teaching and learning, Kennesaw State University offers undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral degrees to its more than 51,000 students. Kennesaw State is a member of the University System of Georgia with 11 academic colleges. The university's vibrant campus culture, diverse population, strong global ties, and entrepreneurial spirit draw students from throughout the country and the world. Kennesaw State is a Carnegie-designated doctoral research institution (R2), placing it among an elite group of only 8 percent of U.S. colleges and universities with an R1 or R2 status. For more information, visit kennesaw.edu.