Discussion Topic: Story Lines

Every once and awhile people can be seen with these things called books. Now I am not sure how many of you pick one up over a magazine. Then again technology has also provided us ways to read books with out having the book it self.

Many people know that games have story lines. We play the games to watch a story unfold in front of us. One of the most memorable story lines for me that I have played has been from Mystical Ninja 64 or Earthbound for the SNES.

So with the writers who write these story lines where does the print version go? Really though why are some of these stories not published into books for gamers to read? One of the newest games I think that would be a wonderful book to read is Rachet & Clank Future: A Crack In Time. Now not every game needs a book or form of printed media.

With today's society wanting our children to read more print. I can see why RPG games make you read everything as it is doing two things. First it is making you read a driven story line to make you more connected to the game. Second I think they are trying to bring the players vocabulary of words to new heights on words they may have not known.

So on that note what do you all think about Game story lines being turned into reading books/media? If you could choose one game's story line you would love to read what would it be? If your anti story lines into books please let me know why.

(3)

Mike Burns

November 16, 2009

Hey toby,

while i can see the concept of your idea being very sound i feel it would not cater to the more mainstream of gamers

say for example modern warfare2 was made into a novel the vast majority of the fanbase would think 'i just played this game and understood the story fairly well. Why should i spend Â£5 to read what i just played'

There does exist novels, lore and sidestories but they are for the hardcore fanbase of franchises generally.

Rpgs are the closest to reading that most gamers do i occasionally indulge in the odd novel but when im finished and i like the book i get this real empty satisfaction that people dont know what they are missing thos should be a movie or a game.

I like your concept but the games story line would have to be worth the novel which doesnt tend to happen with modern games, no one says; hey have you heard about this new game it has an amazing story line, they like hearing 'the graphix are awwwwsome!'

when games used to about the story breath of fire series, secret of mana snes, and alundra1 ps1 are among my favourite the novel would be justfied because a novel can paint a more vivd image than a 32bit console ever really could.

Travis McReynolds

Some games do have expanded universe novels- Gears of War and Halo spring to mind. Also, The Force Unleashed had an accompanying novelization for non-gaming Star Wars nerds.
They've been novelizing movies for some time and, to be honest, I hate it. When something is written, directed, and acted for the screen I really don't need a separate break down of the same events. Considering video games are already an engaging, succesful medium, I really don't see a need for novelizations. Even gamers on the go have mobile platforms to play, so they'd not need a long-hand account either.

Lance Darnell

Yeah, there has been a few novels based on games but I would like to expand your question Toby to include all forms of media.

Novel - Final Fantasy VII - This would sell out...

Anime - Shadow of the Colossus - A short well done anime would serve the story well.

Live Action Film - Psychonauts, directed by Tim Burton