How Video Games Made the Metaverse: From Pixels to Portals

Drawing on over 30 years of industry experience, Kelly Vero explores the rich interplay between narrative, design, and technology, making the case for why story, far from being a cosmetic layer, is foundational to player engagement, emotional investment, and lasting value in games and virtual worlds.

Kelly Vero is a game developer, futurist, and technology pioneer with 30 years of experience in the interactive entertainment industry. She has worked with leading studios and brands worldwide, and is a frequent keynote speaker on the metaverse, narrative design, and AI. Her previous book Breaking Through Bytes was published in 2025.