| In response to criticism of video games as a narrative medium, this document discusses the innovative potential of narrative-centric design where the creator's authorial voice to tell stories is the driving force of development. Drawing from prior narrative-centric works and research on narrative in games, this document argues that videogames are not only capable of telling compelling stories, but also that videogames have already established a medium specific method of storytelling that validates narrative-centric design. Divided into three parts, the first part will offer a brief overview of the value of narrative-centric games and the unique storytelling potentials of the interactive medium. Part two will review common criticisms against narrative-centric games such as ludonarrative dissonance, player agency, and systemic design. Finally, using the author's own development experience of a narrative-centric game, The Toymaker's Bequest, part three will discuss the unique design methods and challenges of a narrative-centric design. |
