In the last decades, videogames have become a popular and flexible storytelling medium.
Since today “Just a To the Moon Series Beach Episode” launched (and since the entire saga, so far, as been an example of excellent storytelling), it’s a good opportunity to talk about immersive stories you should try.
See them not as a waste of time, but as a chance to add different type of interactions to your stories…
1: Player Choice Matters.
Give players real choices that impact the narrative. “Fallout: New Vegas” is a perfect example: your actions shape the fate of the Mojave Wasteland and have real consequences on the story.
And the way the endings are made (each one related to your actions or your inaction) make every action feel more important.
2: Emotional Impact.
Create a world where everything creates an emotional impact. “To the Moon” (and the chapters “A Bird’s Story”, “Finding Paradise” and “Impostor Factory”, with the simple pixel-art and emotional soundtrack takes you for a mighty emotional ride.
The love for remarkable storytelling here is palpable.
3: Immersive Worlds.
Develop worlds that feel real. The Witcher 3 is the only game that made me feel like I was adventuring in a realistic world.
When you walk through it, you never feel like “this is a level designed for a game”, but you feel like you are in a place you could find in the real world.
4: Branching Narratives.
Let players explore different paths. Telltale Games are masters of this, with choices leading to vastly different outcomes.
It’s like game books like “Lone Wolf“, but on an interactive medium.
5: Unique Gameplay.
“What Remains of Edith Finch” tackles heavy topics by using a gameplay style that transforms memories and emotions into action.
It’s even hard to describe, but it surely is a unique, memorable story.
6: Virtual Reality.
Years ago I tried “Vader Immortal” for VR. While I never really liked Star Wars, this game was an amazing use of the Oculus Quest 2 technology. Every detail was in the right place.
Through all the story, you felt really like a Jedi infiltrating a base.
7: There are many more.
There are so many, from Portal to Doki Doki Literature Club, passing through Slay the Princess and Lisa the Painful, the list could be endless.
Just experiment, find what you enjoy and see if you can integrate some elements into your own stories.