Gaming is one of the most vibrant spaces in the world right now. With several gaming platforms being especially popular, there’s a common misconception that things like the graphics and the gameplay hook people.
Don’t get it wrong – graphics and gameplay surely help. At the end of the day, gaming is a visually stimulating medium. And to get more people to play your game, you need to draw them in. However, there’s also a mental stimulant to gaming that gets ignored by many people – and for this to be activated, your game needs to have a proper storyline.
It is worth noting that not every game needs storylines. At the end of the day, a person looking to enjoy certain card games such as classic table games, as well as the possibility to play online video games at a safe gaming platform, doesn’t need a storyline to be fully immersed, as they are potentially looking to win money or enjoy the strategic elements that can be found.
Nevertheless, conventional games rely significantly on the stories they tell and their ability to draw people in.
The Importance of Storytelling in Gaming
Not every video game indeed relies on plotlines. However, regardless of the game, there are stories to it. Even sandbox games like Decentraland allow players to do anything they want in a digital universe with story elements that arouse interest. Backstories and plot lines within worlds allow players to enjoy a more multifaceted gaming environment.
The suspension of disbelief is another benefit that can be achieved through skilled digital storytelling. With a good storyline, it doesn’t matter if the plot is believable – as long as a player can fully immerse themselves in the game and the characters they are controlling, the job is done.
Unlike conventional novels or movies, video games allow players to engage and direct their characters’ decisions and actions. If you want your character to do “good guy” stuff, you can make him (or her) do that.
Take some lessons from the pros while putting your tale together. Find a few key components of the most captivating prior stories (told, written, viewed, or played) that can elevate a story from Tetris to the level of “Elden Ring” when you have the right equipment or something comparable.
3 Key Elements of Digital Storytelling
An Attractive Narrative
A narrative encompasses all the details in a storyline that makes the game unique – from the setting and character to the plot and its actions. As a game developer, your objective should be to create a storyline that gets players interested – not just initially, but in the long run too.
Player Immersion
The hallmark of every popular game is to make players more engaged in what they’re playing. Ultimately, if players don’t feel engaged enough, it’ll be impossible to hang on to them – no matter how great your graphics are.
This is one-way storylines can help game developers. Players want to keep playing when the story is engaging and interesting, won’t they?
Another trend that many developers are incorporating is the use of multiple plots. Essentially, you could incorporate different ones. Allow players to choose what happens to their characters, and they could quickly come back because they want to explore the other plot lines. Just like that, you’ve got yourself a hooked player.
Essentially, you can let players move from character to character and allow them to play from multiple perspectives. This will enable players to develop detailed knowledge of all characters, connect with others, and engage better with the game.
A Sentimental Angle
Everyone has that one special game that they love. Maybe it was one they turned to when childhood got rough or just one that brings back fond memories. Or, perhaps it was a game they went back to play repeatedly even though they kept completing it.
All of these experiences stick with people and form part of their identities. To create such memories, game developers need to be imaginative. However “crazy” an idea, consider it and look into how it might help the overall experience of your game.
Getting Started with Storytelling
You must get the right type of inspiration to build a lasting story for your game. Remember that you don’t have to make the story entirely believable. You have a winning formula as long as it is compelling enough to make a game keep following.
You should also remember to be flexible. Give players a choice, and let them make decisions on their own. If you need help, you could quickly test a possible storyline on people around you. Get opinions and make tweaks where necessary so you end up with something your players love.
