Video games haven’t started the apocalypse quite yet.  Before the end of the world, we had time to talk about traditional narrative and open, sandbox-style gaming.  Does the natural human compulsion to seek patterns and meanings make narrative easier or harder to find in games?  And how do individuals appropriate that to a personal, and meaningful experience?

References and recommendations:

‘Being Amused by Apophenia’, by Bruce Poulsen: Short and sharp article about our need and desire to find patterns and meanings in our interactions, whether they exist or not.

‘Games, Story, and An Extended Metaphor’, by Andrea Phillips: A blog raising some interesting theories about the gamer’s relationship to narrative.

‘The first great works of digital literature are already being written’, by Naomi Alderman: Title says it all.  Good point, well made.

‘Simulation versus Narrative: Introduction to Ludology’, by Gonzalo Frasca: Well referenced academic article contemplating the difference between simulation and representation in games.

Robert Redford: ‘Technology deprives us of coming up with our own stories’ – video interview

4-Layers, A Narrative Design Approach

How RimWorld Generates Great Stories

No Man’s Sky: The Kotaku Review