Storytelling Principles
Should your game have a story? Does it need a story?
Unlike movies, TV shows, and novels, games do not always require a story in order to appeal to audiences and be successful. Tetris is a good example of a game that succeeds without a story. Ultimately, the most crucial aspect of a game is its gameplay and the level of interactivity players experience (Terence, 2013).
If you are, however, considering incorporating storytelling elements into your game, ask yourself the following questions:
- What is the story?
- What is the setting of the story?
- Who are the characters?
- Will there be narration and/or dialogue?
- How will I incorporate the story into my game?
Once you have finished reading through the above pages you will have a better idea of what decisions you have to make when creating a story for your video game.
Create a Story!Write the answers to the following questions in your Game Development Journal (remember to keep your answers brief as too much detail may limit you):
- What is your story? If your game is not story-driven, explain your rationale.
If your game is story-driven, answer these additional questions:
- Where will the story take place?
- Who are the characters?
- Is there a background story that players must know in order to understand your story? What is it?
- Do you want your story to have narration and/or dialogue?
- Do you want your story to have a linear or emergent storyline?
These questions are designed to help you start thinking about elements of your story and storytelling process. Keep in mind that your answers may change as you actually start designing your game (Rouse, 2004).
You can use some of these answers to complete the Game Design Canvas and to help you during the storyboarding process.
Mullich, D. (2014, June 09). LAFS Game Design 1 - Dramatic Elements. Retrieved March 29, 2018, from https://www.slideshare.net/dmullich/gd1-session-4
Rouse, R. (2004). Game Design: Theory and Practice (2nd Edition). Texas: Wordware Publishing, Inc.
Terence, L (2013). Designing game narrative: How to create a great story. MCV. Retrieved from https://www.mcvuk.com/development/designing-game-narrative-how-to-create-a-great-story.
Image Source: Carl Olsson
