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Just an article that I thought may interest a few people - some nice tips and advice on things to bear in mind when you are writing for a game. Characterisation, choices, and so on. Figured it may come in handy for some of us in our upcoming levels ;)
http://www.newstatesman.com/blogs/he...aomi-character
Pretty much techniques I have picked up by playing dozens of RPGs and various games over year( i just beat Heavy Rain), though its cool to see what the gaming industry thinks about the importance of writing--Its very important. Its sad; i dont think people want to put that much effort and thought into their levels from a interesting perspective. Most people are so focused on making innovative game experiences rather than creating a compelling atmosphere and plot.
Very very true. I find that my gaming preferences lean towards RPG and Avdenture games with PLOT, and if the characters don't grab me from the beginning, it's buh bye game. Sadly, that's happening to me more and more of late . . . Some interesting points in this article, but you could truly go on for months about all the areas you can take into consideration.
My writing has been a little lax since I left college, and I find I've lost quite a bit of my knack for dialogue and characterisation, but I'm hoping that my new levels will help me get back into the swing of things, ready for me to delve back in to novel writing. :)
Thanks for your reply RPG :)
The games I've been playing as of late seem to have a trend. They have big, flashy showpieces, some tid-bits of slapstick humor, and then topped with no-nonsense, masculine, strong-headed (and large-shouldered) characters (i.e. protagonists & companions). It's depressing to see that in most games these days, the story is the low point. And, ironically enough... the story is usually the major factor that separates the average from the awesome. Red Dead Redemption, Mass Effect series, Assassin's Creed II- all of these great games and titles... all had compelling, deep stories, filled with likable characters, innovative plot twists, and passionate dialogue. That, and the environments themselves have as much personality as the characters that walk amongst them.
The lack of story within levels/games is appalling, and needs to be addressed. Because last time I heard, stories aren't outlined by the amount of explosions you cram into them.
Hallejujah! :DQuote:
Originally Posted by Outlaw-Jack
In complete agreement with you! I'll enjoy a game with simple mechanics and a few explosions, for oh . . . a few minutes maybe. It's the story and the emotional investment that'll keep me playing - glad to hear I'm not alone in this!