Video game graphics and stories have advanced far beyond the two-dimensional, plotless back-and-forth of Pong. Today the imagery, narratives, and characters of video games are incredibly detailed and engrossing.
At Writer’s Relief, we know authors would love to have their readers riveted to the page in the same way gamers are glued to their screens. Here’s a closer look at the storytelling techniques behind the most popular video games, and how they can help you become a better creative writer!
Video Game Storytelling Techniques That Work For Creative Writers
Animal Crossing: Slice Of Life
This is an excellent example of the slice-of-life storytelling technique. In Animal Crossing, you are a new citizen of the town you are moving to (or the mayor, depending on the version you are playing), and you have a long to-do list of chores to perform to set yourself up in your new home. Meeting neighbors, paying off your mortgage, decorating your home, and attending town festivities are only the beginning of the work you need to do!
Spyro: A POV Twist
In this game, you play from the perspective of a purple dragon named Spyro. And telling your story from the point of view of an animal or even an inanimate object can make your story one that grabs your readers’ attention. For example: A fantasy story written from the viewpoint of the besieged dragon rather than the vengeful knight will be very different from what readers expect.
Sonic the Hedgehog: Multiple Characters
Like the three friends in the Harry Potter series, Sonic doesn’t move through this game alone. Multiple friends are involved in his missions, including Tails the Fox and a pink hedgehog named Amy. The interactions and dialogue between a diverse cast of characters will help add dimension to your story. And maybe even a little comic relief!
Cooking Mama: Involve The Senses
As you chop, peel, and mix ingredients in Cooking Mama, you can almost taste the delicious results of your gameplay. And Mama dishes out compliments when you get the recipe just right (but watch out if you make a mistake!). Don’t underestimate the power of writing about food in your scenes. Adding sensory details can help your story come alive.
Question: Which video games have story lines that have kept you enthralled?
I am currently trying to write a story based on the lives of a set of characters (or toons) I use in “World of Warcraft.” I find the game, and the universe its set in, to be very fertile ground for creating some very compelling fantasy stories.
Multiple friends are involved in his missions, including Tails the Fox and a pink hedgehog named Amy.