Five games where your choices write the next chapter
Welcome to the World of Non-Linear Storytelling in Games – a place where your choices matter, and the narrative unfolds differently every time. If you’re tired of predictable plots and crave a more active, engaging experience, this list is for you.
Non-linear storytelling in games isn’t just a trend; it’s a revolution. It gives players the power to shape the story, making each playthrough a unique adventure. Whether you’re a seasoned gamer or a curious newcomer, these games will enthrall your imagination and keep you on the edge of your seat.
Ready to dive into the unexpected? Let’s check out some of the most intriguing games with non-linear storytelling.
Highlights
- Games where your choices truly impact the story
- Unique narratives that offer different experiences with each playthrough
- A mix of genres, from RPGs to interactive dramas
The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt
When it comes to non-linear storytelling, The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt is a masterclass. Developed by CD Projekt Red, this open-world RPG places you in the boots of Geralt of Rivia, a monster hunter navigating a war-torn world. Every decision you make can drastically alter the story, leading to multiple endings.
The game’s intricate narrative is woven with complex characters and moral dilemmas. Will you save a village at the cost of a friend? Do you pursue a lost love or focus on your mission? The choices are yours, and they all matter.
The Witcher 3’s storytelling is also enriched by its detailed side quests. Each one is a mini-narrative in itself, adding layers to the main story and making the world feel alive and reactive to your actions.
- Game of the Year at The Game Awards 2015
- Over 30 possible endings
- More than 200 hours of gameplay
Detroit: Become Human
Developed by Quantic Dream, Detroit: Become Human is an interactive drama set in a futuristic Detroit where androids serve humans. The game follows three androids – Kara, Connor, and Markus – whose stories intertwine based on your decisions.
Detroit: Become Human pushes the boundaries of non-linear storytelling with its branching narrative. Each choice you make can lead to vastly different outcomes, affecting not only the protagonists but the entire city. Will you lead a peaceful revolution or incite a violent uprising? The fate of Detroit rests in your hands.
The game’s narrative complexity is matched by its emotional depth. You’ll find yourself questioning the nature of humanity and empathy as you find your way the moral dilemmas faced by each character.
- Over 85 unique endings
- Released in 2018 with critical acclaim
- Sold over 3 million copies worldwide
Life is Strange
Life is Strange, developed by Dontnod Entertainment, is an episodic adventure game that follows Max Caulfield, a teenager with the power to rewind time. The game’s narrative is driven by the choices you make, which can have immediate or far-reaching consequences.
What sets Life is Strange apart is its focus on character development and emotional storytelling. Max’s trip is deeply personal, and your decisions shape her relationships and the world around her. Will you reveal a friend’s secret, risking their trust? Or keep it, potentially endangering others?
The game’s unique time-rewind mechanic allows you to see the immediate effects of your choices and reconsider them, adding a layer of complexity to the decision-making process. It’s a poignant, thought-provoking experience that stays with you long after the credits roll.
- Winner of the BAFTA Games Award for Story in 2016
- Over 3 million copies sold
- Praised for its representation of LGBTQ+ characters
Mass Effect Series
The Mass Effect series, developed by BioWare, is a sci-fi RPG saga that puts you in the role of Commander Shepard. Your choices throughout the series affect not only the narrative but also the fate of the galaxy. From forming alliances to making life-and-death decisions, every action has consequences.
Mass Effect’s branching narrative is supported by its rich character development. Your relationships with your crew members change based on your interactions, leading to different story arcs and endings. The game also features a morality system, allowing you to play as a paragon of virtue or a ruthless renegade.
The series is renowned for its deep lore and immersive world-building. Each game builds on the choices made in the previous ones, creating a cohesive and personalized narrative experience that few games can match.
- Over 20 possible endings across the series
- Winner of the 2010 AIAS Interactive Achievement Award for Role-Playing/Massively Multiplayer Game of the Year
- Sold over 20 million units globally
The Stanley Parable
The Stanley Parable is a unique, mind-bending experience that defies traditional gaming conventions. Developed by Galactic Cafe, this first-person exploration game places you in the shoes of Stanley, an office worker navigating a seemingly empty building.
The game’s narrative is driven by your choices, with a narrator guiding you – or not, depending on whether you choose to follow his instructions. Each decision you make leads to different outcomes, ranging from the mundane to the surreal. The Stanley Parable is a game that constantly questions the nature of choice and free will.
Its non-linear storytelling is complemented by its humor and philosophical undertones. The game is a commentary on the nature of video games themselves, making it a must-play for anyone interested in narrative-driven experiences.
- Winner of the 2013 VGX Award for Best Independent Game
- Over 19 possible endings
- Praised for its innovative narrative structure
These games with non-linear storytelling offer more than just entertainment; they provide a canvas for your choices, making every playthrough a unique adventure. Whether you’re navigating the moral complexities of The Witcher 3 or exploring the existential questions in The Stanley Parable, these games invite you to be an active participant in the story.
Dive into these worlds, make your choices, and see where the story takes you. The trip is yours to shape, and the possibilities are endless.
References
- The Game Awards
- BAFTA Games
- VGChartz
- dialogue – Any software for video game non-linear story design …
- Creating Non-Linear Story Arcs (Playtested by The Gollicking) : r …
- game design – Examples of 2D side-scrollers that achieve open non …
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