The Evolution of Interactive Storytelling: How Games Consoles Are Limiting Narrative Potential

One key aspect that distinguishes video games from other forms of entertainment is the level of control players have over the story. Unlike in books, TV shows, or films, where the narrative is predetermined, games offer players the power to influence the characters' fate. This agency is what makes gaming so compelling, and developers like Interior Night are exploring ways to further enhance this experience. The studio's debut title, As Dusk Falls, is a prime example of an interactive crime drama that leverages tools from TV and film to create a more immersive experience. By incorporating cinematic storytelling and interactivity, games like As Dusk Falls have the potential to draw players into the world and its characters in a more powerful way. Marchal believes that games like As Dusk Falls demonstrate the full potential of interactive narratives, enabling players to share and shape stories together. However, she also acknowledges that the genre is much broader and that games like Unpacking, Norco, and Papers, Please offer different takes on interactive storytelling. The challenge lies in making these games accessible to a wider audience, and Marchal suggests that traditional gaming platforms may not be the best way to achieve this. Instead, she proposes that mobile devices, smart TVs, or streaming services like Netflix could provide a more suitable platform for interactive narratives to reach a broader audience. Nevertheless, Marchal recognizes that there are barriers to overcome, including the nature of the mobile games market, which is largely based on free-to-play models that can hinder the narrative flow of interactive stories. To make narrative games more approachable, Marchal recommends removing 3D navigation and focusing on control over pacing, which allows developers to take players on a more immersive journey. She also emphasizes the importance of multiplayer and ensuring that every player is involved throughout the experience. By making these games more accessible and focusing on characters, story, and real-life problems, Marchal believes that interactive narratives can become a more mainstream form of entertainment, offering a unique and compelling experience that combines the best of gaming and storytelling.