JE1 - Task 1 - Forms of Storytelling

Forms of Storytelling

Text:

An example of text being used to create a video game story is the Pokemon series of games, more specifically Pokemon Ruby. While there is the occasional cut scene, the story is told by interacting with numerous NPC's scattered around the game over-world. When interacted with, a series of text messages are displayed. They deliver key information regarding the game mechanics and narrative.

http://www.wikihow.com/Evolve-Golbat-on-Pokemon-Ruby-for-GBA

Another example of a game that uses text for its narrative is the game Earthbound. The premise of the game is of a boy who fights a alien entity called Gigyas. The premise is that NPC's scattered around the over world tell the story's narrative similar to Pokemon.

http://rpgmaker.net/articles/535/

Theatre:

An example of a game series that utilities Theatre in order to convey its narrative is the Half Life series. Cut Scenes are almost non-existent and the game rely's on the player coming across scripted sequences within the  game world in order to get an idea of the games overall narrative. The player also occasionally comes across NPC's in the levels, that tell the player the situation and what their next objective is.

http://www.pcgamesn.com/retro-half-life-returning-black-mesa

Another example of the medium Theatre being used to convey a games narrative is the game Puppeteer. In this game, you play a boy that was changed into a puppet via animation and is immediately decapitated. The game is set to the backdrop of a theatre and the characters are mostly if not puppets. This is arguably the game industry's most prolific use of this narrative form.

http://www.eggplante.com/2013/11/04/the-puppeteer-review/

Film:

An example of a game that uses film to convey its narrative are movie licensed games. My primary example shall be James Camerons Avatar The Game. It is a prequel to the film and due to it being released before the film, set up the universe for potential fans in preparation. It introduced the player to key characters shown in the film, such as the main antagonist, Colonel Miles Quaritch and the shows deuratagonist Doctor Grace Augustine.



The premise of the game is that a marine called Able Ryder is sent to Pandora, with his primary objective being to attempt to control Pandora's goddess Eywa and thus the planets Eco system. The events of the game lead to and directly affect the films narrative and three characters reprise their role for the game. The three characters that return for the film are Kendra, Doctor Grace Augustine and Colonel Miles Quaritch.


Television 

An example of a game using television in order to put across its narrative and background is Defiance. The game has a TV show that accompanies it, in order to flesh out the narrative. The show ran for 3 seasons, before it was cancelled. The developers have said that the next major update in game will be regarded as the unofficial fourth season.

Another game that uses Television to convey the narrative is Quantum Break. In game, the actors in the show utilize motion capture in order to put themselves into the game, and in between in game acts, a episode of a TV show is used to continue the narrative outside of game play.