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Ah, the old “videogames as art” debate. An oldie, but a goodie. However today, we have a slightly different take on the topic, compliments of Silicon Knights founder Denis Dyack and Gamasutra.
During an interview at this year’s Develop Conference, Dyack clearly stated, “Gameplay is not everything. If you look at the most popular games today, they are far more narrative-focused.” Dyack didn't mention any specific games (other than his own Too Human), but he did say that he expects this trend to continue growing, with game narratives becoming “more and more dominant, possibly superseding gameplay.” However, Dyack was quick to clarify that “narrative is not the be all and end all.”
It’s all part of Dyack’s belief that gaming is the “Eight Art,” falling just behind film. And it’s that relationship between film and videogames that Dyack hopes will intensify in the coming years. "I would encourage us to apply filmic technique to our creations. If you can replicate these techniques extraordinarily well, then your game will resonate with people on a deep level."
This is obviously a very common and well-worn debate, but it seems particularly timely this week, because the first thing that came to mind as I read Dyack’s statements was LucasArts’ recently released The Secret of Monkey Island: Special Edition. Here’s a game that certainly doesn’t offer a “cinematic” game experience, nor does it feature earth-shattering gameplay, but because it’s driven by an engaging, entertaining and brilliantly written narrative, it’s able to deliver a satisfying game experience, despite its outdated point-and-click style gameplay design. (Quantic Dream’s Heavy Rain will obvious be the poster child for this whole discussion when it’s released next year.)
This is clearly a massive topic, and one that I could spend hours discussing, but I’ll cut myself off here and open the floor to you fine folks. How important is a game’s narrative to your overall experience? Should all games strive to have strong narratives? Isn’t there room in the medium for story-rich and story-poor games?
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Displaying 1–18 of 18
WhiteWolfAssassin
I have found it disappointing that most games these days have chosen to take a back seat with narrative. There are definitely exceptions with this trend, but it still seems more and more developers could care less about fleshing out the story. How many times must I play the mysterious nameless soldier who must defeat a superior enemy, despite insurmountable odds. It often feels like that many games are just treading old familiar grounds in stories and I am tired of it. It's amazing how much time developers take to make a unique game, but decide to just to phone-in the story. It is time for a change and developers need to realize that a good story is essential to drive the narrative forward. Instead of looking forward to games that have re-used the same tired cliche story formula [Modern Warfare 2, God of War 3, Halo 3: ODST], I will be looking forward to Heavy Rain the most and hope that it helps innovate the video game industry when it comes to stories and they are presented.
KLMcKinley
I think videogames should have always been considered art. They invoke an emotion and inspire. I also appreciate and admire anyone who can successfully mix a narrative that hasn't been done to death with gameplay that doesn't drive you into an insane rage (I think we've all been there.). Engines will become more and more advanced and awe-inspiring and the narrative should at least be on a respectable level with the internal mechanics. Otherwise, it just seems to cheapen the game.
As an aside, my husband tried out the Too Human demo. He said he'd buy it used. It hasn't made it into the house yet....
Giga
their are fun games with out a story but that doesnt make them great games. a great game will pull you in for hours because of the story when it comes to games the best ones iv ever play have all ways been story driven i find games with out to grow old real quick. Its easy to go back and replay a game with a good story. When i think of a games replay ability it has nothing to do with graphics or sound effects but with the story that is told. Lets be honest would you rather reread your high school geometry book or LOTR books.
camaro72toy
Make some new Soul Reaver Games,and some new Blood Omen games,
the graphics on those games are still better than half of the games out these days,not to mention alot more fun.
BRING BACK THE LEGACY OF KAIN SERIES
down311
I had fun playing Too Human, it didn't blow me away but it's a great rent.
I think Bioshock proved that stories can really enhance the gaming experience, what an amazing game. I think I'm gonna play that tonight, that game is F'N awesome !
jhoe45
after too human this guy should not be giving his advice to anyone until he redeems himself. of course games are art and i dont think there is any real debate on that subject. as for watching instead of playing i would rather be playing. bioshock and modern warfare showed u can have awesome story while you play
HoFoShow
I'm not sure if Dyack realizes this or not, but trying to focus on the narrative and NOT on the gameplay is pretty much the reason that TOO HUMAN sucked balls.
SkullOne360
I play games for storyline and gameplay but mostly just for the story. Hence why I prefer RPG's over anything other genre. But its important to have a balance of both story and gameplay. The sad thing is that with shooters, people don't care about story and just skip to the gameplay and multiplayer aspects. This one of my main reasons why I can't wait for Heavy Rain.
Oinkness
The Secret of Monkey Island:SE Kicked ass... This is what more games should be like. It has great gameplay, a great story, and music that you can bob your head to.
StrongestSaiyan
Games have a very difficult balance to live up to since to be truly great they need both story and gameplay. The games I enjoy most and come back to again and again have lengthy, well-thought out stories. However, they also have fun and deep gameplay that keeps one from feeling like they might as well watch a movie. Neither is more important to me.
an_undead_warr
A videogame can still be art and have great gameplay. Those two things are not mutually exclusive.
-Eternal Darkness 2 would be awesome, but can we really trust franchises anymore?
IcemanMX
Art is defined as the quality, production, expression, or realm, according to aesthetic principles, of what is beautiful, appealing, or of more than ordinary significance.
I'm no Rhodes Scholar, but I'm pretty sure that video games fit that criteria. Therefore, games can be considered art.
Screw you, Roger Ebert. As for Mr. Dyack; would you kindly get to work on Eternal Darkness 2?
-M
an_undead_warr
When it comes to a videogame, yeah a good narrative is something that helps move along the game. But to actually sacrifice good game-play to have a better story or graphics is something borderline unforgivable. Being a gamer that cries when i hear the term casual gamer, its interviews like these that make me not want to even support this burnout sector of our entertainment. Sorry your game failed, it was trite and unoriginal. The story, which you claim to be the most important aspect was brutal. Is it any wonder that the video game sector lost money last quarter? No! the games churned out today are uninspired trite knockoffs. Games used to have to have good gameplay to self itself. Now it just needs flashy lights and a shiny box. ALL HAIL THE RISE OF THE CASUAL GAMER
ProjektX13
Games = Art
Plain and simple the creator of any type of project be it a vehicle, building, or device is an artist. He defines what his project is and does, from the essential qualities to the bonus attributes.
cmdluke
great comments you too ^^ (sigh)
back on topic, I think a strong narrative is a huge part of a game. I know there are people out there who want to skip all the cut scenes and just get to shooting people, but I want feel like I am a part of a story. Thats one of the greatest things a game can do for us, but us in the center of a great story.
BONERJAM
Love the picture.
EvanFavreau
Maybe if Dyack spent more time working on games than talking about them he'd finally give us another game worth playing.
antagonist_wes
Dyack finally crawled out from under his rock after Too Human bombed. What did he have to say? Nothing. I loved how he didn't comment on his own massive failure. Game play is not everything. If you look at the most popular games today, they are far more narrative-focused. I am guessing he truly believes this as Too Human suffered from horrible game play, and piss-poor plot structure that leaves you wondering where it is throughout the entire game.
Displaying 1–18 of 18