the importance of narrative

yet another brilliant freeplay article from gamespot, this time by Cliff Hicks… i get the feeling i’ve linked this guy before. i like his style. like it lots.

i’m not against heroes with no character, but i don’t identify with them or their journeys anywhere near as much as those with prescribed but detailed personalities and personal histories. for me this tends to divorce the gameplay from the narrative – it’s good to have a reason for doing what you do. not only does it make it meaningful and worthwhile, but it creates the potential for emotional responses.