The booming gaming world debates whether a good storyline is what makes an online game successful or not. Some people get interested in richly presented narratives, while others prefer experience through gameplay.
Does storytelling in an online game matter or doesn't? Let’s delve into how narration impinges upon player engagement, retention, and the overall gaming experience.
Storytelling has always been one of the strengths that can hold an audience for such a long time. Often, it just takes a great story to keep people playing games for hours as they want to get to the next event in the storyline. Games such as The Witcher and Final Fantasy can show what a good plot can do-for it makes games an experience to hold players glued to screens for hours on end.
Even though story-driven games may provide some of the most creative themes, most mainstream games are heavily playability-based. For example, many action-oriented and mobile games can entertain gamers without the support of complex storylines. But even simple themes can give a game a meaning that allows players to find it enjoyable in some way.
Not all successful games are based on a storyline. Puzzle, sports, or racing-type games compete for top attention with gameplay mechanics and competitiveness. Huge successes were Candy Crush and Fortnite—without necessarily requiring storyline development. They mostly did it through interactive gameplay, social functionality, and reward systems.
Such a storyline may appear even more oppressive in games if the former is more action- and skill-oriented. Instead, it is the progress, levels, and achievements that motivate players in games like this. Other features and design can still keep the players hooked even if a game does not contain an overarching narrative.
For most games, balancing storytelling and gameplay will sometimes be important. A good storyline provides this context and meaning, while great gameplay takes care so that the mechanics are smooth and fun.
For instance, take the Sonsy Game App. It boasts a wealth of games offering immersive play, though sometimes with lighter narrative elements. Mildly narrative will feature flashes incorporated purposefully and, if anything, will act as an experience enhancer, not overburdening the action. It will appeal to the more laid-back player and those who want to delve deeper into more action-like worlds.
Such balance allows for games that appeal to a wide range of gamers.
A good story makes the players want to know what is going to happen next, thus driving retention. The discovery and the feeling of connection toward characters and events can attract a player repeatedly, especially when a game is a well-crafted storytelling session. For instance, games with episodic content attract users with cliffhangers and changing plotlines.
But if there's no story, then something else is going to have to take its place as the retention factor. Social interaction, accomplishments in the game itself, or consistent updates could all be effective in keeping the players' attention, even if there is little to no storyline.
A good story attached to a game is certainly helpful but isn't necessary. And for the best games, it's the balance between enjoyable mechanics with just the right amount of storytelling. It all boils down to how they can craft an experience, be it in narrative or gameplay, which players will find engagingly interesting.