Jeremy Lee

Last week, I joined a panel at Gamesforum SF, where attendees and speakers showcased the innovation, passion, and energy that continue to define our industry. Here are three of my key takeaways — I’d love to hear yours: 1️⃣ Direct-to-Consumer (D2C) is redefining trust. In my panel, “Revenue, Retention & Trust with Out-of-Game Experiences: Unlocking D2C,” I shared how SciPlay’s D2C strategy is reshaping how we connect with players—focusing on value, trust, and lasting engagement beyond gameplay. 2️⃣ AI is reshaping every part of gaming. AI is expanding the boundaries of creativity and innovation. From player acquisition to design and production, it’s transforming how we imagine, build, and deliver experiences. We’re only beginning to uncover its potential—and it’s an incredible time to explore what’s next. 3️⃣ The industry never stands still. Change is the only constant in gaming. Insightful sessions from leaders like Corey Rosemond and Dobrinka Kostadinova highlighted how rapidly mobile and player behaviors are evolving—and why curiosity, adaptability, and forward thinking remain our greatest strengths.

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There is very little that screams "bad writing" (or possibly "bad management notes") louder than a character doing something dumb and completely out of character because if they don't, the plot doesn't happen. Any plot that falls apart without getting goosed by a character doing something that is both stupid and something that character demonstrably would never do is a bad and weak plot. The brilliant and meticulous scientist who suddenly goes "enh" and leaves the experiment untended and bubbling overnight? The serious and hyper-competent professional soldier who leaves a gate open because "nothing's going to happen?" These are all cases where the writer has gotten themself into a hole (or been pushed into one) and the only ladder out is made out of broken character motivations. It's obvious, and it's annoying, and it's a real good way to break immersion for anyone who's been paying attention. However, I didn't just say "stupid". I said "stupid /and/ out of character", and there's a massive difference. There are actually plenty of good reasons for even smart characters to do stupid things, and they can work wonders if they're applied and presented properly. Let's start with the obvious: People don't always make good decisions under pressure. This is as true for made up people as it is for real human beings. If someone is stressed, if someone is rushed, if someone is in danger, or if someone is operating from incomplete information? You can damn well bet they're not going to always make the same call they would from a bunker a mile away with hours to discuss and research their next move. Things happen in the heat of the moment. Characters panic and react instinctively for the sake of self-preservation. This can lead to bad results, even from the best of intentions. Why? Because very, very few people are processing at their best when there's a giant ravening monster bearing down on them at forty miles an hour. There's also the possibility that the character is doing the dumb thing for reasons that are in character. The audience may know something's a bad idea, but the character might have less information than they do. They might be clinging to an idea that's not true, or they might the dumb idea is actually the right one. They might be forced into the dumb thing - pull the trigger or your loved ones get it. They might be self destructive. The list goes on and on, and any of these can save a story from "because the plot said so" /if they are set up ahead of time/. If we've been shown multiple times that a character is looking to martyr themself, then it makes sense when they do so unnecessarily. If we've been shown that a character is weak, then it's believable when that weak character takes the easy way out, even if the real cost is higher. So yes, the stupid move can be the right move for the story, but only if it flows from what the story has already told the audience. By itself, it's odd and improper. In context, it can do wonders.

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