We are taught that conflict drives story – opposition, escalation, and victory are the only paths to meaning. Telling Conflict-Less Stories challenges this, arguing that adversarial narratives narrow our imagination, normalize violence, and reduce complex problems. Rooted in hero-centric themes, these stories offer violence without and real solutions.
This talk gives reframes narrative, redefining how we tell stories and creating engagement. Drawing on cozy literature and games, Indigenous and non-Western traditions, conflict-less storytelling centers cooperation, curiosity, and care.
The talk asks, “What business do you want to be in? Pushing more conflict and violence? or part of the solution by centering cooperation and coevolution?” It also elaborates why these forms of storytelling work best for the Metaverse, VR, and XR.