Narrative Design
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The Sunday Papers
This article discusses various topics in game design and the industry, including Bruno Dias's thoughts on meaningful choice in narrative, Oma Keeling's analysis of modernism and postmodernism in platformers like Fallstruktur and Automaton Lung, and Justine Barron's critique of media bias regarding Long Covid. It also touches on the politics of Dungeons & Dragons, advice for writing about indie games from Michael Brough, and the Itch.io manifesto jam.
God of War Laufey Feels Too Similar to Kratos’ Norse Saga
The article discusses the narrative direction of God of War Laufey, suggesting that while shifting focus to Faye is interesting, the game risks feeling too similar to Kratos' previous Norse saga. It highlights a need for stronger narrative differentiation to establish its own unique identity.
Overwatch’s New Hero Is Hot For A Reason, Not To Be Gooner Bait, Devs Say
Blizzard Entertainment developers Kenny Hudson and Mirana Moyer discussed the new Overwatch hero, Shion, clarifying that her design is integral to the 'Reign of Talon' narrative and not merely 'gooner bait.' Shion's character, inspired by figures like O-Ren Ishii from Kill Bill, explores themes of identity and overcoming past trauma within the game's story.
The art of game writing in 'non-narrative' games
Veteran game writer Emma Kidwell and narrative designer Harrison Pink discuss the role of writing and narrative design in games that are not primarily story-driven, such as strategy or multiplayer titles. They explore how even simple narrative elements can complement complex gameplay systems and enhance player experience.
"I am utterly livid": Destiny 2 lore master says secret scene reveals "the potential that was ahead"…
Destiny 2 lore master My Name is Byf expressed frustration over a hidden scene in the Monument of Triumph update, which he believes reveals the compelling narrative potential that was cut from the game. The scene, featuring an interaction with the Winnower, suggests a grand cosmic saga that was planned but will now not be realized due to the end of Destiny 2's development. Byf and other players are calling for Bungie to greenlight Destiny 3 to explore these lost narrative threads.
God of War Laufey Director Says Phranque and Rue Are Important for Story and Gameplay
Director Ariel Lawrence discussed the inclusion of characters Phranque and Rue in God of War Laufey, stating they are crucial for both story and gameplay mechanics like combat, traversal, and puzzles. Lawrence revealed that Phranque, a cosmic jelly cube, was an early concept by Cory Barlog and a significant element for the Santa Monica Studio team. The game is in development exclusively for PlayStation 5, with rumors suggesting a release sooner rather than later.
Final Fantasy 7 Revelation Players Can Shape Its Story But the Trilogy Will Have a 'Singular Ending' for Everyone
Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth director Naoki Hamaguchi stated that while the remake trilogy will have a single, unified ending for all players, individual choices within the game will significantly shape Cloud's journey towards that conclusion. This approach aims to provide both player agency and a cohesive narrative arc across the trilogy.
Exodus narrative director dives into its inspirations from Interstellar to Star Wars to, yes, Mass Effect
Exodus narrative director Drew Karpyshyn discussed the game's diverse inspirations, ranging from classic sci-fi films like Star Wars and Interstellar to the Star Trek experience and the Dune novels. While Mass Effect is a natural comparison due to shared BioWare DNA, Karpyshyn emphasized that Exodus builds its own unique universe, with time dilation from Interstellar being a particularly strong narrative influence. Matthew McConaughey voices the mysterious character C.C. Orlev.
God of War's Cory Barlog has been planning Faye's story for a decade, says Laufey director, and her actor has "had to keep this under wraps" the whole time
Game director Ariel Lawrence revealed that Cory Barlog has been planning Faye's story for the upcoming God of War Laufey for about a decade, even before the 2018 God of War reboot. Actress Deborah Ann Woll, who reprises her role as Faye, has reportedly kept this secret for many years. While God of War Laufey can be played standalone, playing the previous titles is recommended for full appreciation.
Like The Witcher 4 and Cyberpunk 2, CD Projekt Red's new IP Hadar is "an emotional, open-world…
CD Projekt Red has revealed more details about its new open-world IP, codenamed Project Hadar, describing it as an "emotional, open-world experience." The studio is actively hiring for roles to develop the game, which is being built in Unreal Engine. While a small team is currently dedicated to Hadar, CD Projekt Red also has significant development underway for The Witcher 4, Cyberpunk 2, and Project Sirius.
Fallout: New Vegas director says it's "fine" Crimson Desert's story is so bad that developer Pearl Abyss has to patch it, "even if it isn't ideal"
Pearl Abyss is planning to refine the narrative of Crimson Desert based on player feedback, a move that Fallout: New Vegas director Josh Sawyer deems acceptable. The developer will focus on improving story coherence and engagement for Kliff's journey. This decision to rework narrative elements post-launch is seen as a positive step, even if unconventional.
Crimson Desert DLC officially in development at Pearl Abyss as the studio surprises everyone by agreeing to change the game's story
Pearl Abyss has announced plans for Crimson Desert, including a summer roadmap focused on player feedback and the official development of DLC. The studio will also rework the game's story to improve narrative coherence and engagement. Future updates will also introduce new combat content, improvements to other playable characters, and quality-of-life enhancements, with cross-saves planned.
Pearl Abyss heard you didn't like Crimson Desert's story, so it's fixing it to 'strengthen the…
Pearl Abyss is implementing significant updates to Crimson Desert based on player feedback, focusing on strengthening the game's narrative flow and character engagement. Improvements are also planned for the gameplay experience of playable characters Damiane and Oongka, alongside adjustments to the blockade system and combat-focused content. These updates are expected over the next few months, with a cross-save feature also in development.
There's one game Don't Nod narrative designer Nina Freeman won't ever uninstall from her PC, because it's banned on Steam: 'It's tragic, because everyone should play this game'
Narrative designer Nina Freeman discusses her PC gaming habits, highlighting Devotion as a game she will never uninstall due to its quality and controversial Steam ban. She also shares her most played game, Dota 2, and her appreciation for complex branching narratives in titles like Scarlet Hollow.
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4 Studio Says Cosmetics Will be “Anchored in the Game’s Narrative”
Infinity Ward has stated that all aspects of Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4, including cosmetics and collaborations, will be anchored in the game's narrative to ensure authenticity. The developer is seeking community feedback on cosmetic ideas. The game will launch on PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and Nintendo Switch 2, skipping previous-generation consoles.
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4 – First Details on the Next Epic Call of Duty Campaign
Infinity Ward has revealed new details for Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4, set to launch on October 23, 2026. The campaign will feature Captain Price in a major world conflict along the North and South Korea border, with Associate Design Director Alex Norris and Narrative Director Jeff Negus discussing the narrative, new characters, and cinematic mission design. The game will be available on Xbox Series X|S, PC, PlayStation 5, and Nintendo Switch 2.
Star Trek: Voyager - Across the Unknown reinvents TV storytelling for survival strategy - Narrative Notebook #3
Star Trek: Voyager - Across the Unknown adapts the TV series into a survival-strategy game, focusing on narrative choices and resource management. Developed by Gamexcite and published by Daedalic Entertainment, the game recreates episodes through main quests, side quests, and random events, allowing players to influence the story and crew's journey home. The article analyzes how the game's framework compresses television storytelling into a systems-driven experience, often rewriting episodes to enhance gameplay and preserve emotional stakes within its interactive format.
Former Bungie dev says 'you'd be surprised how many times' expansions were pitched for a fan-favorite Destiny archvillain who's now left hanging
A former Bungie narrative designer revealed that multiple expansion concepts for the Destiny archvillain Xivu Arath were pitched for Destiny 2. Despite significant narrative investment in the character, these expansions were never greenlit, leaving her story unresolved as Destiny 2's live service development concludes. The article also touches on Bungie's struggles following Sony's acquisition and the impact on the game's future.
Destiny 2 Is Ending Just As Its Story Started To Get Good
Despite a strong narrative conclusion with The Final Shape, Destiny 2's subsequent expansions, The Edge of Fate and Renegades, have continued to deliver compelling stories. However, issues with player onboarding and potential mass layoffs at Bungie cast doubt on the future of the franchise and the resolution of its ongoing narrative arcs, such as the conflict with The Nine and the exploration of Old Chicago.
Assassin’s Creed Black Flag Resynced Might Be Adding As Many Problems As It’s Fixing
A preview of Assassin's Creed Black Flag Resynced reveals mixed impressions, with concerns about narrative changes and potential bugs. While the remake aims to fix issues and enhance the original story, the author notes that new cutscenes appear stiff and that some narrative alterations might detract from Edward Kenway's character arc. The preview also highlights significant technical issues encountered during gameplay.