The Role of Narrative Design in Video Games

Hello creatives,

Today, we’ll be exploring the concept of Narrative Design in Video Games. I’ve taken a few independent study classes on this concept and I want to share some things I’ve learned from that experience. There is a whole language, art, and science around evoking emotion and engaging video game players. Much of this is determined by the game’s narrative design. If you’re an avid video game player, think about how games like The Last of Us, BioSchock, or even Animal Crossing made you feel based on the way you as the player were allowed to interact with the world in the game. This is the basis for narrative design.

What is Narrative Design in Video Games?

The term “narrative design” is still a relatively new practice, with the term having only been coined in 2006 and more widely accepted within the industry as a role in 2013. Although, there are differences between writers and narrative designers, some studios blend the two roles into one.

Narrative design is about creating branching storylines within the game based on their understanding of players’ intuitive decision-making processes. Said another way, narrative designers understand which storylines would be the most engaging based on how players would expect to engage with the world the video game developers are building.

What is the Role of Narrative Design and World Building?

If a video game were a quilt, narrative design would be the pattern woven into it. Narrative design means consulting with the world builders on which components within each scene will be able to trigger a decision, whether it;s uncovering a hidden bookshelf, making a food in the kitchen, picking up extra ammo from a stash of loot or something else entirely. Interactive elements become the crossroads to decision making that nudge the player through the game. The consequences of these decisions would fall into the narrative designer’s role. Finding that hidden bookshelf could lead uncovering a lab with clues to a mystery you are trying to solve. Making food in the kitchen could mean the bad guys catch up to you and there’s a shootout. Picking up extra ammo could be useful for a trade with some allies later.

Do you see what I mean?

Narrative design is about immersing the player into the world and giving the player enough agency to feel in control of the game while still leading them to important plot points. This is a high collaborative role with other team members such as the writers, level designers, artists and programmers. There’s a continual conversation about how to take the environment and the characters to create a believable world.

How Do You Get a Job As A Narrative Designer?

Getting a job in narrative design often means developing world building skills and having a deep understanding of game mechanics. This may include taking narrative design courses on platforms like Coursera, Udemy, and CG Spectrum which all offer courses on game writing and narrative design. Degrees or certificates in creative writing, screenwriting, interactive media, or game design can provide valuable skills and knowledge on the craft as well, but people from a wide variety of backgrounds can break into narrative design without these types of degrees.

You can build a portfolio of games by building small scale games yourself on Twine to showcase your storytelling skills. Within a project like this, you’ll likely have to create a branching logic tree with sample scripts for cut senes and dialogue, which can be a helpful visual for anyone looking to hire you.

There are opportunities to join indie game teams on platforms like Itch.io, Reddit’s GameDevClassifieds, or Discord servers. These projects help you gain hands-on experience and build a network. Network and showcase your work by connecting with industry professionals at game design conferences like GDC or local game jams. Networking is crucial for breaking into the industry.

Success in narrative design often comes from showing your passion for interactive storytelling and your ability to think critically about how stories and gameplay can work together. Build relationships, keep creating, and continuously learn from games and professionals in the industry!

I hope this was a helpful introduction to narrative design! Have you been in this role before? What was your experience like?

Until Next Time,

Rochele