Telling a Story Through Video Games

Telling a Story through Video Games

Over the last 30 years video games have drastically developed from the classic but simple Super Mario Series that we all know, to storytelling masterpieces like The Last of Us. Granted, not all video games are created equal just as not all movies are The Godfather, but the ability to create an epic story through video games is here.

(The classic 8 and 16 bit styles still hold up today)

Video games used to be just that; games. The goal was usually simple and involved finding a princess in a castle, defeating minions and eventually a big baddie or two. Any story was either added through text screens or pixelated cut scenes (basically a stop in the game-play to help develop the story) and both options were rarely focused on. Even in some of the best classic games like the original Legend of Zelda, the story is basically just: a young lad collects a sword and some other items in order to fight an evil figure and save all the land (including a princess). It was great for its time, but not really mind blowing compared to some of today’s games.

(Not exactly a cinematic experience, but fun nonetheless)

Today we have video games that are on par with some movies in terms of their storytelling ability. Take the previously mentioned Last of Us for example. The first 10 minutes of the game go over the start of a zombie-esque outbreak from the point of main protagonist Joel. You witness civilization beginning to struggle and as Joel and his young daughter escape from their home and seek a safe haven, his daughter is accidentally but fatally shot by a solider trying to keep order. There are moments of fear, hope, anger and depression all within 10 MINUTES. Without spoiling the rest of the game, just know that it somehow gets even better, with an absolutely amazing ending.

(Main Protagonist Joel holds his daughter in fear)

In a movie, the viewer is forced to watch as the protagonist and antagonist make unpreventable bad choices that seem obvious to prevent. In many video games, the player can actually make those choices, and choose how to go through each situation uniquely. The Mass Effect series is a great example of choice in gaming, as each choice the player makes can actually ripple through to the next games in the series. Saving an individual in the first game could lead to a powerful ally in future games, and failing in an early campaign could cause detrimental damage to future missions. 

(An antagonist in the series, "The Illusive Man" is played by actor Martin Sheen)

It may seem like the sole reason newer games can tell a better story is because of the better graphics available, but this is not the case. True, better graphics allow for the player to visually see the emotions of each character, and create a more realistic setting to delve into. However, there are modern games that tell fantastic stories with seemingly outdated graphics. Firewatch is an example of a story-driven game that doesn't focus on being on visually realistic as possible, but instead uses a unique art style. An even more obvious example is the widely respected Undertale, which uses a type of 2-dimensional graphics similar to that of games from 20 years ago, but manages to tell a detailed story full of important possible choices.

(Navigating the wilderness in Firewatch)

Modern video games are more than just a way for a child to waste away a few hours on a lazy Sunday afternoon. There are some immensely detailed and polished stories available in modern gaming that everyone, no matter what age, should experience. 

(The Last of Us)