Video games have come a long way from where they started. The advanced graphics, life-like animations, and the ability to input complex commands are some of the obvious upgrades. But the improvement that really stands out to me is how games have become a great medium for storytelling. One that can even have more impact than film or theater when it’s done well.
Some of the best ones can leave you thinking about them for days, even after you’ve finished the entire game. One great example is Naughty Dog’s ‘The Last of Us’.
Morethan a game
At first glance, it may look like just a typical zombie game, but their plot goes deeper than that. It shows how the main characters (Joel and Ellie) explore the fine line between morality and survival as they make their way through the post-apocalyptic USA.
Aside from rich storylines, a good reason why games are so effective at immersing you is simply because you’re controlling the character. This lets you experience everything through the character’s eyes and establish an emotional connection with them. This shared experience is a key factor that helps drive the story forward.
The average RPG length is 40-50 hours. Why is this important? Well, this amount of time gives the story room to breathe. Nothing needs to be rushed. As the story progresses, you’ll get to see how the protagonists change; both in terms of character development and level progression.
This also gives the game a chance to let the player explore the environment and discover deeper lore. Although many are not directly connected to the main plot, it can make you feel like you’re really part of the world, and that’s effective storytelling.
More people are starting to realize that video games are more than just things you play with to pass time. It’s an art form that uses technology to showcase unique stories in a way that no other medium can replicate.
━━ Art By Angela Asino
