Kelsey Beachum: Relying Solely on Cutscenes for Storytelling is 'Utter Madness'

Game developers who confine their storytelling to cutscenes and linear dialogue are severely restricting their narrative potential and may be driving players away, according to Kelsey Beachum, renowned for her work on Outer Wilds. Beachum emphasized that this approach is akin to making films in black and white with only fixed shots, significantly limiting the storytelling capabilities. She highlighted the importance of collaborative effort between writers, narrative designers, and other departments to create a more engaging and immersive gaming experience. By incorporating various narrative tools such as dialogue, voiceovers, environmental storytelling, and interactive elements, developers can craft a more compelling story that is deeply intertwined with the gameplay. Beachum stressed that relying solely on cutscenes and linear dialogue can lead to info dumps, which are ineffective and frustrating for players. She advocated for a more integrated approach to storytelling, where narrative and gameplay are intertwined, and suggested planning for fewer cutscenes, shorter dialogue, and aligning story beats with major gameplay moments to create a more memorable and engaging experience.