1. Game Development Essentials An Introduction

2. Storytelling creating the narrative
Chapter 4
Storytelling
creating the narrative

3. Key Chapter Questions
■ How do stories in games differ from those in films and other entertainment media?
■ What are some traditional story structures and how do they relate to plot?
■ What is interactivity and how can it be applied to storytelling?
■ What are some dramatic storytelling devices used in games?
■ How does story affect immersion in a game?

4. Traditional Storytelling

5. Traditional Storytelling

6. Story Elements Premise (High Concept) Backstory Synopsis Theme Setting
Plot

7. Plot Balancing conflict Shifting focus Foreshadowing events
Suspension of disbelief
Realism

8. Game Story Devices Interactivity Non-linearity (story layers/pathing)
Player control
Collaboration
Immersion
Cinematics & cut-scenes
Scripted events

9. The Lord of the Rings: The Battle for Middle-earth
Adaptations
Enter the Matrix
The Lord of the Rings: The Battle for Middle-earth

10. Machinima “machine cinema”
Steelwight
Tum Raider

11. Summary Traditional storytelling Story elements Plot
Game story devices
Adaptations
Machinima