Blog

• 0
• 0
•  773

?

Games that make the grade among the gaming community do so because they combine a few key elements that make them stand out and become classics. One thing that probably all of your favourite games have in common is that perfect combination of great characters, gameplay and narrative. Regardless of genre of game, these are all important ingredients when creating classic games for consoles like Xbox, handheld devices or even the slot games found at PartyCasino.

So, why is a strong narrative so important? Are some genres in need of a compelling narrative more than others and how do developers make it happen? Get answers to these questions here.

 

Why Is Gaming Narrative Important?

The gaming narrative is one of the most important cogs in creating a video game. This is because the narrative is pivotal for keeping gamers sat in their chair playing the game. Exquisite graphics and bonus features will take you so far, but just like your current Netflix binge, the narrative is what keeps people tuning back in and wanting the action to unfold.

That being said, not all game genres rely on game narrative equally. Some can get away with the very best features and graphics to keep people entertained longer, while others require the narrative to uphold the genre of the game. For example, adventure or quest games need their narrative to be present and engaging a little more than first-person shooter games because the game is entirely based around the narrative while the latter type can dive into multiplayer action that goes without a narrative effortlessly.

Retro games are extremely popular and another type of game that relies heavily on game narrative. These games don’t have as many features or exceptional graphics as the newer games have, meaning they can compete better with them by offering interesting and innovative stories to accompany the action. Take a look at these retro games that lack viewing quality but boast a brilliant narrative.

 

What Makes a Good Game Narrative?

Game developers have wrestled with this question for years and although a definitive answer cannot be agreed by everyone, a few common pieces of a narrative usually help it be received well, including:

·   Player-character dynamic - this is about making the player and the character think the same. If at any point during the gaming process the gamer suddenly questions the actions of the character, the gaming illusion is busted, and the narrative suffers.

·   Interactive exploration space - the character needs enough space to explore to make the narrative be complex and with potential for twists or surprise.

Well-Crafted Narratives Excellent for Exposure

Creating games with a winning narrative isn’t just for gamers. It also benefits the developers because they become a talking point among the players. When the game gets more exposure and interaction, especially online, the game has a better chance of going viral or becoming more popular. This is set to expand further for mobile gaming when 5G technology arrives.

In the end, gaming narratives that keep us entertained improve all types of games, but are a prerequisite for certain genres.