Blog / Of Games

 Reading Games and Playing Books: Storytelling and Videogames by Dr  Souvik Mukherjee, 25 Aug 2013

Khoj Studios, S-17, Khirki Extension, New Delhi

Graphically realistic and often provoking us to explore deeper questions, videogames  have changed from simplistic beat-em-ups to more thought provoking media through  which stories can be shaped and retold. Although both traditional Humanities and  Information Technology both struggle with this notion, videogames are storytelling  media.Recent trends in Humanities criticism and in Computing recognise the synergy  between the disciplines. Gaming is no longer all about creating Shooters such as  Doom; videogames have changed in concept, have entered social networking        platforms and are increasingly beginning to comment on real-world issues. In terms of software development,the storytelling game has made it imperative to study the player’s responses; how players interact with the game-world and innovate strategies are of key importance to designing successful gameplay. As far as the Humanities are concerned, the game-narrative can make us rethink philosophical problems and to think about inherent linkages between games, stories and machines.

The aim of this talk is to raise questions regarding the storytelling aspect of videogames rather than coming up with any set conclusions. It also explores how understanding this new storytelling could result in the creation of eminently more innovative and arguably, more marketable gaming software.