Games, Computer Games, and the stories they tell

 

I've played computer games pretty much since the invention of the personal computer. I've seen tons of changes over the years, but one thing that hasn't changed is that most games tell a story. Sure, the story may not be all that significant, or deep, but it's there. My first favorite was "Zork" by Infocom Games (you can play it online for free in a variety of places). It had no graphics at all, simply textual, and relied heavily on puzzles. These days it would make no impact, because there's hardly any gameplay whatsoever (if you use a walkthrough, you likely could finish it entirely in under an hour). But, that wasn't the point. There actually is a pretty deep story involved, but it's the journey you make puzzling it all out that creates the intrigue. Many games at the time survived only on the story they told--the gameplay was always secondary.

 

Now there are massively expensive games being created where the story is told during cutscenes (essentially mini-movies) and through items you pick up--like letters--that dump exposition. I love the "StarCraft" series, and have enjoyed watching gameplay videos, because there is a significant story to tell throughout. Gameplay has become the priority. The question reviewers love to answer is: "How many hours of gameplay are there?" The bigger the number, the better the game. Many of the new games have very little replayability, because you know the story, you know the sequences, and what point is there in doing it again? It's a very tough situation. I've replayed "Zork" many times, but I find it's the nostalgia that keeps me going back.

 

What do I mean by bringing all this up? Well, I'm saying that story is still important to games. It always will be. But, there is a secondary story that goes in parallel with the one in game. That is the story of the player, and it's different every time. When we play games, we build memories, create connections with people we may not even know (especially in multi-player games), and thereby fashion new experiences each time. Like the old saying goes: Life is a journey. Well, it's true for games too. Enjoy the journey. Take the trip, and forge a story between you and the game. Let it lead where it may. And, most of all, enjoy yourself.

 

- M