Rise, Fallen Empire! Exploring the Possibilities of Narrative Storytelling in Video Games

Abstract

Narrative storytelling has come a long way in video games. What was once a man dodging barrels to save his lover from a gorilla is now forming relationships with complex and compelling characters who try to save the world from destruction. In this creative thesis, I take up the possibilities of narrative storytelling in video games by creating a game design document and a prototype for a narrative-driven role-playing game. Building on the video game industry standards for narrative-driven experiences, the game offers an experience shared by four main protagonists; however, the player plays in the perspective of one character per playthrough. They make their decisions that will affect what they can do, how they act, and how their story unfolds.