Intro to Narrative Design II - Story Structure

Hey gamers! Are you ready to dive into the world of Narrative Design for video games? Let's start with one of the most crucial elements of storytelling – structure.

So, what exactly is story structure? It's the framework that holds the narrative together, providing a clear path for the story to follow. A well-structured story ensures players are invested in the game by creating tension to make them want to know what happens next, fluctuating in tone and pace to keep them engaged, and

The five key elements of Story Structure are Introduction (Exposition and Inciting Incident), Rising Action, Climax, Falling Action, and Resolution. Let's dive into each one in more detail:

1. Introduction: This is where the game's world and its characters are introduced. In this stage, players learn about the game's setting, the main characters, their motivations, strengths and weaknesses. The Introduction sets the stage for the story, providing context and a foundation for what's to come. After we've shown the players where are who they are, we need to slam them with the inciting incident, which is essentially the problem that they'll be trying to solve throughout the rest of the game.

One example of an Introduction in a video game is The Last of Us. At the start of the game, players are introduced to Joel, a smuggler in post-apocalyptic America ravaged by fungus-ridden zombies. The game's opening scene sets up the world's bleak and dangerous nature, making players aware of the harsh reality they'll be navigating. The inciting incident is the challenge to escort teenage Ellie across the country, where she might be the cure to the fungal infection that has scourged the planet.

2. Rising Action: This stage builds up the tension, creating conflict and challenges for the characters to overcome. The Rising Action provides players with a sense of direction, showing them what they need to do to progress through the game.

Red Dead Redemption 2 is a great example of Rising Action done right. The game follows Arthur Morgan and his gang as they try to survive in the Wild West. As the story progresses, tensions between the gang members and rival factions increase, leading to a sense of impending doom that keeps players engaged.

3. Climax: This is the point of no return, where the stakes are the highest and the game's outcome is uncertain. The Climax is where everything comes to a head - the protagonist is either going to win or lose - and this moment should provide players with an unforgettable moment that leaves a lasting impression.

The Climax occurs in The Last of Us when Joel is faced with the ultimate moral decision that will determine the fate of humanity... and so blasts the s*** out of loads of people in a darkened hospital. The game's story builds up to this moment of peak intensity, making it an emotional and unforgettable experience for players.

4. Falling Action: This stage is the resolution to the conflict, providing players with closure and tying up any loose ends. The Falling Action is where the characters come to terms with what's happened and start to move forward.

In Red Dead Redemption 2, the Falling Action occurs when the gang is forced to disband and Arthur confronts his mortality. The game's story provides players with a sense of closure, showing them the consequences of the characters' actions and tying up any loose ends.

5. Resolution: This stage gives players a sense of completion and leaves a lasting impression. The Conclusion is where players reflect on their journey and the impact it had on them.

In The Last of Us, the resolution shows Joel and Ellie's relationship evolve as they come to terms with what they've been through. The game's resolution provides players with a sense of closure, leaving a lasting impression that stays with them long after the game is over.

In conclusion, Story Structure is a vital component of Narrative Design for video games, providing players with a clear path to follow while building tension and conflict. By understanding the critical elements of Story Structure, we Narrative Designers can create immersive and unforgettable stories that keep players engaged from beginning to end.

Next time you play your favourite game, take a moment to appreciate the story structure and how it adds to the overall gaming experience.

Now keep in mind, this is just the basic...or should I say the archetypal story structure. However, many more story structures are much more detailed. We'll take a look at them another time - for now, this one is enough to get you started.

In our next post, we'll be exploring character development. So be sure to check it out if you want to inflate those flat characters in your game.

If you could use some help crafting the narrative of your game, then send me an email at olivernarrativedesign@outlook.com