Game Stories

Lara Croft: Tomb Raider logo. A perfect example of a game with a perfect story arc. Source:  Wikimedia

In past readings, we have been looking into MDA game framework. "Art games" are games primarily used for artistic expression. These games main focus is on the aesthetics part of the MDA framework. It can be argued whether or not these type of games are actually games because there are no rules involved or any challenge to overcome. Perhaps the way we see games is changing and are becoming a means of expression. ~ Canvas Network

Games have started to incorporate emotionally attaching elements to their games, such as a well-thought out storyline. This story creates an emotional connection with the player which makes the player want to come back again to continue on the story or to find out what happens at the end of the story. 

A good story involves conflict. Conflict in a game can be brought about by a story. Basic story structure is important in a successful game. There should be a basic story arc. A story structure ongoing throughout the game keeps the player engaged in the game. 

Basic story structure of a game from What Every Game Developer Needs to Know About Story.

• "First, there's a protagonist, a hero. 
• His or her world is thrown out of order by an inciting incident. (Look at the sabotaged dope deal in Grand Theft Auto: Vice City for a good example of this.) 
• A gap opens up between the hero and an orderly life. 
• The hero tries the normal, conservative action to overcome the gap. It fails. The world pushes back too hard. 
• The hero then has to take a risk to overcome the obstacles that are pushing back. 
• Then there is a reversal. Something new happens, or the hero learns something she didn't know before, and the world is out of whack again. A second gap has opened up. 
• The hero has to take a greater risk to overcome the second gap. 
• After overcoming the second gap, there is another reversal, opening a third gap. 
• The hero has to take the greatest risk of all to overcome this gap and get to that object of desire, which is usually an orderly life."

Good characterisation is important in game to create a connection with the player. A good character will have moral values and personality. 

A well thought out story is important in game design. Attention to detail is important in characterisation and storyline.