Ludo-Narrative Synergy
Welcome to a storytelling smackdown! In one corner, we have TV shows, the masters of episodic narratives for the lean-back crowd. In the other corner, we have video games, the champs of interactive storytelling and emergent gameplay.
While they might seem worlds apart, they share a surprising number of similarities in how they're crafted, developed, and consumed. Let's ready up and explore these connections.
Characters as Avatars: The Protagonist-Player Connection
In shows and games, I often think my characters are akin to player-controlled avatars. Scribblers endow them with unique abilities, characteristics, and flaws, just as developers craft the mechanics and traits of playable characters. The lean-back couch cruiser or try-hard gamer gets emotionally invested in these personas, sharing their triumphs and tribulations throughout the ludo-narrative journey.
World-Building and System Design: Overlapping Realms
Intricate worlds, teeming with life and complexity, are the lifeblood of TV shows and video games. Whether it's Westeros in "Game of Thrones" or the immersive landscapes in "The Witcher 3," these realms are designed with overlapping systems that challenge the characters or players with conflict and drama. This synergy between world-building and system design creates an immersive experience that mirrors the dynamic gameplay of video games.
Skill Mastery and Challenges: Repeatable Mechanics
Just as players hone their skills in games to overcome obstacles, characters in shows develop and evolve. Writers craft scenarios that test their abilities, just like game developers design challenges that require mastery of repeatable mechanics. Whether it's the “Criminal Minds” solving a complex case or Nathan Drake perfecting his parkour, evolution is key to success.
Achievements and Character Arcs: Leveling Up
In both mediums, achievements and character arcs play a pivotal role. Video game achievements reward players for accomplishing specific tasks, while character arcs grant TV show characters personal growth and transformation. These ludo-narrative milestones not only engage gamers and viewers but also generate fresh opportunities for new games and shows.
Collaborative Endeavors: The Power of Teamwork
Creating TV shows and video games demands collaboration. Scribblers, directors, designers, actors, and developers must unite to serve the greater narrative. Egos must be set aside as each contributor strives to enhance the overall project. This synergy is the secret sauce behind many beloved TV series and video games.
Supporting Cast and NPCs: Quest Givers and Antagonists
Supporting characters in TV shows are the NPCs (non-playable characters) of the storytelling world. They provide quests, comic relief, and antagonistic elements that drive the plot forward. As NPCs enrich the gaming experience, supporting cast members add depth and dimension to TV narratives.
The Episodic Journey: Levels and Episodes
In video games, levels provide distinct challenges and objectives. Similarly, TV show episodes are standalone yet interconnected narratives, each with its own trials and tribulations. Both serve as building blocks that contribute to the overarching storyline and dramatic evolution.
Adaptations and Fan Expectations: Navigating Existing IP
TV shows and games often delve into existing intellectual property, from classic novels and toys to beloved franchises. Scribblers and developers must navigate the expectations of dedicated fanbases, ensuring that their adaptations honor the source material while forging new and exciting paths that feel relevant to modern fans. This was a real challenge on "Star Trek: Discovery" and "Hannibal," but I think we succeeded. Most of the time.
A few more comparisons:
Player Choice and Viewer Influence: In certain video games, player decisions shape the narrative and outcomes. Similarly, some groundbreaking shows like "Black Mirror: Bandersnatch" experiment with interactive storytelling, allowing viewers to make critical choices that impact the plot. We tried a rudimentary version of this on “Heroes.” Fans playing the alternative reality game contributed to the outcome of season two’s finale.
Season Passes and DLC: The concept of season passes in video games, where additional content is released over time, mirrors TV show seasons. Both keep audiences engaged and eager for what's next. Just as DLC requires payment, renewing that Max sub takes cash.
Side Quests and Subplots: As video games feature side quests that deepen the game world and characters, TV shows often incorporate subplots that enrich the overarching narrative. Creating space to explore fan-favorite guest characters and opportunities for shipping a romantic relationship between two characters who are not otherwise romantically linked.
Puzzles and Mysteries: Puzzle-solving is a common element in both mediums. Whether it's the audience playing the home game as Sherlock or the “CSI” crew solves a murder or gamers unraveling intricate puzzles in “Portal 2” and "The Witness," the dopamine thrill of discovery is shared.
Emotional Engagement: TV shows and video games excel at evoking emotions. Both can make players or viewers laugh, cry, or experience intense fear. For example, the emotional journey of Joel and Ellie in "The Last of Us" game was exquisitely replicated in the TV adaptation.
Sequels and Spin-offs: Like a successful game that spawns sequels and spin-offs, shows like "Breaking Bad" have led to the spin-off "Better Call Saul." And “NCIS” has a division in every city.
Fan Theories and Easter Eggs: TV and games often include hidden references, foreshadowing, and Easter eggs that fans love to uncover and speculate about. We developed this “Mystery Box” approach on “Alias” and perfected it on "Lost" and “Heroes”. It was our experiences playing “Resident Evil” and “Myst” that hooked us on this approach to storytelling.
So, whether you’re scribbling a captivating TV series or designing an interactive video game, remember the universal storytelling connections that transcend both mediums.
