interactive story layouts

[starstutter]

So I've been thinking about game's stories latley and how so often that there's a lack of real connection between the story and gameplay. I think a big reason for this is because a game's story is written as a script whereas the gameplay is all shoved into the design document.

I think for maybe something along the lines of an adventure game it might be an ok idea to have the script, dialouge and gameplay all combined in the form of something like a text adventure. I just think it may provide a clearer foundation and the end result of the story would feel less "tagged on" to the gameplay or vise-versa.

Good idea? Bad idea? Thoughts?

[fireside]

They mainly feel different because they are different. Story is directed whereas game play is undirected. It feels the most natural when triggers in the game play set off story elements. You found the lost pearl so now characters will tell you more story elements, etc. Also, the story elements should be brief or they feel disconnected. Long cut scenes or long dialogues that try to expose story don't work well in games, except maybe in the Final Fantasy type games. I've written a couple short adventure games and I coudn't even follow a script with those. I have a general outline of things that happen and try to work story in with puzzles to get there. That's more the fun of it anyway if you ask me. Those design documents are basically a pain in the neck.

[starstutter]

I have a general outline of things that happen and try to work story in with puzzles to get there. That's more the fun of it anyway if you ask me. Those design documents are basically a pain in the neck.

So.... are you saying I should do it?

I guess I'm not totally getting your message *_*

[fireside]

Yeah, do it, but forget about the design document and use an outline. That's just my opinion of course. Story elements need to be small and built into the game as much as possible so it's best to put them in there while you are working on game play also. You need an outline, because the story has to be slowly learned by the gamer, which is the whole key to a good story in my book. You always have them wondering what is going on and then you slowly reveal it as they play the game.