The Toymaker’s Bequest: a defense of narrative‐centric game design

In response to criticism of video games as a narrative medium, this document discusses the innovative potential of narrative‐centric design where the creator’s authorial voice to tell stories is the driving force of development. Drawing from prior narrative‐centric works and research on narrative in games, this document argues that videogames are not only capable of telling compelling stories, but also that videogames have already established a medium specific method of storytelling that validates narrative‐centric design. Divided into three parts, the first part will offer a brief overview of the value of narrative‐centric games and the unique storytelling potentials of the interactive medium. Part two will review common criticisms against narrative‐centric games such as ludonarrative dissonance, player agency, and systemic design. Finally, using the author’s own development experience of a narrative‐centric game, The Toymaker’s Bequest, part three will discuss the unique design methods and challenges of a narrative‐centric design.