Narrative

Game Narratives & Level Design

• Narrative Types:

• Explicit

  • Clearly presented

    Cutscenes Dialogue Written texts (journals/books)

  • Can be:

    Linear (no input) Branching (player choice)

  • Requires coordination with writing team

• Implicit

  • Through environment/audio

    World details Architecture Audio design

  • Example: BioShock’s Rapture

    Told through statues/structures

  • “Engages deductive thinking”

    Players find clues/hints Build world understanding

• Emergent

  • Created through gameplay
  • No predetermined story
  • Examples:

    Minecraft Dwarf Fortress

  • Designer role:

    Define procedural parameters Not crafting specific plots

• Designer Responsibility

• Work with narrative team
• Ensure robust storytelling
• Add narrative opportunities in level

Narrative serves as powerful engagement tool through explicit presentation, environmental storytelling, or emergent gameplay. Level designers must effectively implement all types while coordinating with narrative teams.