Video Game Storytelling

1. Conflict fuels both story and gameplay

Conflict is the fuel of fiction.

Conflict drives narratives. It powers the story forward and provides the energy that propels it to its conclusion. In games, conflict manifests as challenges and obstacles that the player must overcome. This alignment between story conflict and gameplay challenges creates a natural synergy in game narratives.

Types of conflict vary. They can range from external conflicts with antagonists or environments to internal struggles within characters. In games, these conflicts translate into gameplay mechanics, level design, and character progression systems. The resolution of these conflicts, both in story and gameplay, provides satisfaction and a sense of accomplishment for the player.

Conflict creates stakes. The higher the stakes, the more engaged the audience or player becomes. However, it's important to note that the magnitude of the conflict doesn't always correlate with its impact. Personal, relatable conflicts often resonate more strongly than grand, world-ending scenarios.

2. The Three-Act Structure forms the backbone of most narratives

Beginning, middle, end.

Act I: Setup. This phase introduces the main characters, establishes the world, and presents the inciting incident that kicks off the main conflict. In games, this often corresponds to the tutorial or early levels where players learn the basics and are introduced to the game's premise.

Act II: Confrontation. The bulk of the story occurs here, with rising action, complications, and escalating challenges. In games, this typically includes the majority of the gameplay, where players face increasingly difficult obstacles and develop their skills or character abilities.

Act III: Resolution. The climax occurs, the main conflict is resolved, and loose ends are tied up. In games, this often involves the final boss battle, the ultimate challenge, or the final mission that brings the story to a close.

3. The Monomyth provides a universal template for character and story development

Every single character in a well-told story feels justified in their beliefs and actions.

The Hero's Journey. This archetypal story structure, identified by Joseph Campbell, appears in myths and stories across cultures. It outlines a common path that heroes follow, from the call to adventure to the return with newfound wisdom or power.

Character archetypes. The Monomyth identifies key character roles that appear in most stories, such as:

• The Hero: The protagonist who undergoes the journey
• The Mentor: A wise figure who guides the hero
• The Threshold Guardian: Represents obstacles the hero must overcome
• The Shadow: Often embodied by the main antagonist

Application in games. Game designers can use the Monomyth to structure their narratives and create compelling character arcs. This framework helps ensure that the story resonates with players on a deep, psychological level.

4. Character arcs drive emotional engagement and believability

The Hero usually starts the story in a state of dissatisfaction, formlessness, and/or incompleteness, and during the course of events is changed and grows to a more satisfied, evolved, and/or complete state.

Character growth. Well-developed characters undergo change throughout the story. This growth can be positive (becoming a better person) or negative (falling into darkness), but it should be significant and believable.

Types of arcs:

• Growth arc: The character fundamentally changes as a person
• Circumstantial arc: The character's situation changes, but their core remains the same

Player connection. In games, character arcs are particularly important as they help players form emotional connections with the characters they control or interact with. This connection enhances immersion and investment in the game world and story.

5. Effective exposition balances information delivery with audience engagement

Exposition is information the audience needs in order to understand and appreciate the story.

Show, don't tell. Whenever possible, convey information through action, visual cues, or environmental storytelling rather than explicit dialogue or narration. This engages the audience more effectively and avoids the dreaded "info dump."

Seeding information. Spread exposition throughout the story rather than frontloading it. This allows the audience to gradually piece together the world and characters, maintaining engagement and curiosity.

Techniques for exposition:

• Dialogue (as a last resort)
• Environmental storytelling
• Character actions and reactions
• Gradual reveal through gameplay mechanics

6. Maintaining believability is crucial for immersive storytelling

If they don't believe it, they won't feel it.

Consistency is key. Establish the rules of your world early and stick to them. Any deviations should be well-justified and explained within the context of the story.

Character consistency. Ensure that characters' actions and decisions align with their established personalities and motivations. Sudden, unexplained changes in behavior can break immersion.

Avoiding coincidences. While some coincidences are acceptable (especially those that create problems for characters), relying too heavily on convenient plot devices can strain believability. The "deus ex machina" should be avoided whenever possible.

7. Dialogue serves multiple functions beyond mere exposition

Every time a character in a story speaks, we learn more—if only a bit—about who that character is and what he's about.

Character revelation. Dialogue should reveal aspects of a character's personality, background, and current emotional state. Each character should have a unique "voice" that distinguishes them from others.

Advancing the plot. While exposition-heavy dialogue should be avoided, characters' conversations can subtly move the story forward and provide necessary information to the audience.

Emotional conveyance. Dialogue is a powerful tool for expressing and evoking emotions. The way characters speak to each other can reveal their relationships and feelings more effectively than explicit statements.

8. Collaborative storytelling is essential in game development

Everyone on the team ends up helping to implement the narrative and therefore becomes a storyteller.

Cross-disciplinary cooperation. Game narratives are not solely the responsibility of writers. Designers, artists, programmers, and audio specialists all contribute to how the story is conveyed to players.

Integration of story and gameplay. The narrative should be woven into the gameplay mechanics and level design, rather than existing as a separate layer. This creates a more cohesive and immersive experience for players.

Shared vision. All team members should have a clear understanding of the game's narrative goals and themes. Regular communication and collaboration between departments help ensure a unified storytelling approach.

9. Environmental storytelling enhances narrative immersion

Environments are characters with their own tales to tell.

Silent storytelling. The design of game environments can convey significant information about the world, its history, and its inhabitants without relying on explicit exposition.

Player engagement. Environmental storytelling encourages players to explore and piece together information on their own, increasing engagement and immersion.

Techniques for environmental storytelling:

• Architecture and urban planning that reflect cultural values
• Graffiti, posters, and other visual elements that hint at societal issues
• Placement of objects that suggest recent events or character traits
• Audio cues and ambient sounds that create atmosphere and context

10. Ludonarrative harmony aligns gameplay with narrative elements

The gameplay verbs that are available to a player character define, in a very basic way, who that character is.

Consistency between story and gameplay. The actions available to players should align with the narrative's portrayal of the character and the world. Dissonance between these elements can break immersion and player engagement.

Character-driven design. Game mechanics should be developed with the main character's personality and abilities in mind. This ensures that players feel they are truly embodying the character as they play.

Narrative justification for gameplay elements. Any limitations or special abilities in gameplay should have a narrative explanation. This helps maintain the believability of the game world and enhances the overall storytelling experience.

Last updated: October 7, 2024