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Creating Emotion in Games: The Craft and Art of Emotioneering™

Name: Creating Emotion in Games: The Craft and Art of Emotioneering™
Author: David Freeman
ISBN: 9781592730070

by David Freeman

October 2003

Beginner to intermediate

576 pages

10h 24m

English

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Copyright
Acknowledgments
About the Author
About the Technical ReviewerTell Us What You Think
Foreword
Gallery
I. Introduction
1.1. Communicate… Explore… Help… Words… Edge…
CommunicateExploreHelpWordsEdge
1.2. An Introduction to Emotioneering
1.3. Why Put Emotion into Games?
Reason #1: Expanded DemographicsReason #2: Better BuzzReason #3: Better PressReason #4: So Games Don't Seem AmateurishReason #5: An Inspired and Dedicated Creative TeamReason #6: Consumer Loyalty to the Brand, Which Is Worth a FortuneReason #7: So You Don't Burn Millions of Dollars of Potential ProfitReason #8: Competitive AdvantageReason #9: So You Don't Come in LastSummary
1.4. 17 Things Screenwriters Don't Know About Games
What Screenwriters Need to Learn About GamesThe Shortest Distance May Be a Straight Line—But Who Wants a Straight Line?Creating Playable RolesDialogue in Films Versus GamesWell, at Least They Can Write the CinematicsA Different Kind of ProcessHello, HollywoodAnd It Doesn't End TherePutting It in FocusFacing the Challenge: A Guide to Hiring a ScreenwriterFinal Thoughts

1.5. Why Game Designers Often Find Writing to Be So Challenging
The Same Problem Often Besets Game DesignersYes, But Games Aren't Movies, so That Isn't RelevantFinal Thoughts
1.6. Why “Writing” Is a Bad Word and “Emotioneering” Is a Better One
1.7. How to Hopefully Be Unappreciated
1.8. Where Screenwriting Leaves Off and Emotioneering Begins
Deep Isn't Necessarily InterestingFrom Screenwriting to Emotioneering
II. The 32 Categories of Emotioneering Techniques
2.1. Emotioneering Techniques Category #1: NPC Interesting Techniques
Major NPCs (NPCs Who Recur Throughout the Game)More About TraitsThe Hypothetical GameThe Hypothetical GameClearing Up Some Possible MisunderstandingsArtful or Arbitrary?“Traits” Versus “Quirks”Minor NPCs“But Game Players Like Cliché Characters.”Final Thoughts
2.2. Emotioneering Techniques Category #2: NPC Deepening Techniques
Emotional PainAn Example of Technique StackingRegret—and Hiding a SecretAppreciation—and WisdomCover a Real Emotion with a False EmotionCombining NPC Deepening TechniquesHaving Emotion Relate to Player Actions and DecisionsFinal Thoughts
2.3. Emotioneering Techniques Category #3: Dialogue Interesting Techniques
NPC Dialogue to Add ColorAn Example of Weak DialogueBetter DialogueNPC Dialogue to Prompt ActionAn Example of Weak DialogueBetter DialogueSplitting Up the InformationSome Common Fallacies and ProblemsFinal Thoughts
2.4. Emotioneering Techniques Category #4: Deepening Deepening Techniques
Give Your NPC Some DepthWorriesDeep DoubtsRegretSelf-SacrificeWisdom or InsightThe Hypothetical GameCombining Emotioneering TechniquesAn Example of Technique StackingWorriesAn Example of Technique StackingThe NPC Has Emotions Beneath the SurfaceThe Hypothetical GameDeconstructing the DialogueAmbivalenceFinal Thoughts
2.5. Emotioneering Techniques Category #5: Group Interesting Techniques
The Basic Idea of KlingonsRelevance for GamesTwo Important ConsiderationsTraits Versus Quirks—Carrying the Analogy into GroupsHypothetical Game Case StudyTribe 3: The BladesTribe 4: The TabreneTribe 5: The KorimutaySo, All Groups Need a Diamond?The Diamond of the Group and the Diamond of the IndividualFinal Thoughts
2.6. Emotioneering Techniques Category #6: Group Deepening Techniques
Giving Depth to GroupsThe Hypothetical GameWisdomAestheticsNobilityA Deeper GroupFinal Thoughts
2.7. Emotioneering Techniques Category #7: NPC Toward NPC Chemistry Techniques
The Characters Think in the Same WayFightingPerson #1 Talks Warmly About Person #2 in Person #2's AbsenceAnother Example of Technique StackingUnderkill Is Sometimes Better than OverkillPerson #1 Can Read Person #2's Hidden FeelingsThey Have Shared BitsFinal Thoughts
2.8. Emotioneering Techniques Category #8: NPC Toward NPC Relationship Deepening Techniques
An Analogy to the Character DiamondMore Than One Layer Can Be Present in One LineThere Doesn't Need to Be a Relationship Between the Two Characters' Layer Cakes Toward Each Other—But There Can BeSome Dangers in the FamiliarFinal Thoughts
2.9. Emotioneering Techniques Category #9: NPC Character Arc Techniques
A Character Arc Doesn't Come Easily to a CharacterRelevance for GamesIns and OutsOne ArcRocky GrowthHappy Events Cause Growth TooGrowth in IncrementsDarkness Before GrowthA Mask to Hide LimitationsImply Success, Don't State ItFailed Character ArcsThe Consistency of VillainsExceptionsFinal Thoughts
2.10. Emotioneering Techniques Category #10: NPC Rooting Interest Techniques
The Sorcerer Among Us Is YouRelationship to the Character DiamondPut the NPC in DangerSelf-SacrificeUndeserved MisfortuneLearn About a Painful Part of Their PastBraverySome Techniques Fall into Two Different CategoriesCharacters You Invest with LifeCharacters for Whom You're ResponsibleA Note About Multi-Function TechniquesUsing Rooting Interest Techniques and Their Opposites to “Dial Up” or “Dial Down” an NPC's Likability and the Degree to Which We Identify with Him or HerFinal Thoughts
2.11. Emotioneering Techniques Category #11: Player Toward NPC Chemistry Techniques
The NPC Admires YouThe NPC Reads Your MindThe NPC Has Things in Common with YouThe NPC Anticipates Your Needs and DesiresAn NPC Makes You Grow to Become a Better PersonSummary of This ExampleFinal Thoughts
2.12. Emotioneering Techniques Category #12: NPC Toward Player Relationship Deepening Techniques
Layers of FeelingHypothetical Game Case Study: Post-Apocalyptic America GameHypothetical Game Case Study: The DetectivesHypothetical Game Case Study: Another Hypothetical Game ExampleAn Example of Technique StackingFinal Thoughts
2.13. Emotioneering Techniques Category #13: Player Toward NPC Relationship Deepening Techniques
Hypothetical Game Case Study: Our Post-Apocalyptic GunslingerA Hypothetical Game: Mixed Emotions in WWIIFinal Thoughts
2.14. Emotioneering Techniques Category #14: Group Bonding Techniques
Elements of Shared AppearanceShared GoalsShared RitualsGoing Through Shared Ordeals and AdventuresTaking Heroic Actions to Protect Each OtherComplementary SkillsSay Good Things Behind Each Others' Back—Even if They Don't to Their FacesBam-Bam Dialogue in CinematicsShared ReferencesAn Example from a Hypothetical GameGroup Bonding Challenges in Squad-Based First-Person ShootersFinal Thoughts
2.15. Emotioneering Techniques Category #15: Emotionally Complex Moments and Situations Techniques
You Are Forced to Do Potential EvilYou Are Forced to See Through the Eyes of Someone You Don't Like or Are Ambivalent AboutAmbivalence Toward a “Friend”Ambivalence Toward an “Enemy”Another Way You Could Employ This TechniqueAmbivalence Toward a SituationYou Discover You've Been TrickedFurther ThoughtsHelpless to Aid Someone You LoveWhat's Good and What's Evil Is Not Black and WhiteOther Techniques at Work in This Scenario (An Example of Technique Stacking)Forced to Violate Your Own IntegrityCreating Emotionally Complex Moments and Situations Through IncongruenceFinal Thoughts
2.16. Emotioneering Techniques Category #16: Plot Interesting Techniques
You Call This a Story?Breaking These Different Structures into ElementsCreative Toolbox or Wellspring of Psychosis?Structure TwistsHypothetical Game Case StudyA Revelation Changes EverythingInnocent People Are in the WayA Key Piece of Equipment Breaks DownA Character Changes SidesYou Fall into a TrapA Hostage Is TakenForced to Carry Out Another's AgendaMini-GoalsOut of the Frying Pan, into the FireA Problem with No Obvious SolutionPancaking Scripted SequencesMeaningful Nonlinear Re-Sequencing (MNR)The Problem with Past EffortsA Fatalistic ArgumentApplying Meaningful Nonlinear Re-Sequencing to GamesSummaryFinal ThoughtsMan Cannot Live by Twists Alone
2.17. Emotioneering Techniques Category #17: Plot Deepening Techniques
Two Key Characters Trade PlacesThe Story Makes a Spiritual Power PalpableA Symbol Takes on More and More Emotional AssociationsA Character We Like DiesA Bittersweet EndingAn Ending That's a Little UncertainGreetings from a Land Outside Your AwarenessRelevance of Crouching Tiger for GamesA Downside to VictoryEmotion MappingIdea MappingIdea Mapping Is Often Synonymous with “Theme,” But Doesn't Have to BeAn Important Note: Ideas Are Not EnoughBetter Late Than Never, But Better Early Than LateFinal Thoughts
2.18. Emotioneering Techniques Category #18: World Induction Techniques
Creating a Rich WorldWhat Can You Be?Choice of ActionsChoice of PossessionsAdding HistoryLevel of DetailUnique Cultural Art FormsCreating a Rich World Through Visual Incongruence Using Emotionally Resonant ItemsHaving the Visual Incongruence Relate to GameplayA World That Takes A While to Figure OutFriendship or Responsibility Toward NPCs You Care AboutRevengeDon't Hold Back on Cool Weapons or Cool Things to DoDon't Change All the Rules at the EndWorld Induction Techniques Commonly Used in Massively Multiplayer Online Games (MMOGs—Sometimes Called MMOs)Final Thoughts
2.19. Emotioneering Techniques Category #19: Role Induction Techniques
Skill SetsRewards for Playing the RoleAgainst All OddsAccomplishmentLeadership Attitudes and AbilitiesA Valuable and Appreciated RoleA Story About BreadLicense to Break the RulesBeguiling New IdentitiesAbilities Beyond the NormCharacter DiamondsThe Character Has Emotional Responses We Recognize and Can Identify WithSelf Auto-Talk and Self Auto-ThoughtFewer Words Usually Invites the Player to Identify with the CharacterCharacter Silence (No Self Auto-Talk and No Self-Auto Talk)Generalizing a ProblemTradeoffs When Using Role Induction TechniquesA Case Study in Role Induction: ThiefFinal Thoughts
2.20. Emotioneering Techniques Category #20: First-Person Character Arc Techniques
Defining the ProblemPast Attempts to Create a First-Person Character ArcProblems with Past EffortsEmulating Life ItselfApplying This to a Hypothetical Game Case StudyAnother Hypothetical Game Case StudyThe Role of PunishmentsWould This Character Arc Be Real?Should Going Through a First-Person Character Arc Be Essential to Winning a Game?Various Types of Rewards and PunishmentsRewards Type 1Rewards Type 2Where a First-Person Character Arc BeginsAlternative Character ArcsTo Become a LeaderTo Learn You Are Worthy of LoveTo Achieve a Spiritual Connection to the WorldTo Learn EthicsFinal Thoughts
2.21. Emotioneering Techniques Category #21: First-Person Deepening Techniques
Emotionally and/or Morally Difficult DecisionsHypothetical Game Case Study: Woman from the FutureAnother Example of Technique StackingProblem #1: One Choice Seems Better than the OtherProblem #2: Save Points Mitigate the Emotion of Making a Tough ChoiceProblem #3: This Scenario Means You Need to Build Assets for Two Different PathsProblem #4: There Are No Long-Term Consequences in the GameCase Study SummaryHypothetical Game Case Study: Choice of Player CharacterA Problem with This Idea—and a SolutionHypothetical Game Case Study: The Kidnapped TeenagerTechnique SummaryResponsibilityHypothetical Game Case Study: The TerrellensGiving a Face to a GroupMultiple and Sometimes Even Conflicting Viewpoints (Learning from Mr. Bill)Hypothetical Game Case Study: Return to the TerrellensGetting Even Fancier with This TechniqueAnother Way of Using Different Ways of Using Multiple Viewpoints to Create First-Person DeepeningCertain First-Person Character ArcsHypothetical Game Case Study: Returning to the CitySeeing Situations That Aren't Black and WhiteFinal Thoughts
2.22. Emotioneering Techniques Category #22: Revealing Complex Characters Through Their Actions
A Real Game Case StudyKhensaKhensa's Character DiamondDepth Communicated NonverballyFinal Thoughts
2.23. Emotioneering Techniques Category #23: Enhancing Emotional Depth Through Symbols
Usable SymbolsSymbol of a Character's Condition or Change in Condition—Visual or VerbalVisual Example from TVVisual Example from FilmVerbal Example from FilmVerbal Example from TVGame Case Study: IcoHypothetical Game Case Study: Symbols of Sadness and AchievementSymbolic SubplotOperating Outside of Conscious AwarenessUsing This Technique in GamesTurning These into Usable Symbols in GameplayGame Case Study: Aidyn ChroniclesSymbols Used in ForeshadowingHypothetical Game Case Study: The SamuraiA Symbol That Takes on Increasing Emotional Associations—Visual or VerbalVisual Example from FilmHypothetical Game Case Study: The PendantGame Case Study: Max PayneHypothetical Game Case Study: The Hood OrnamentFinal Thoughts
2.24. Emotioneering Techniques Category #24: Self-Created Story Techniques (a.k.a. Agency Techniques)
A Spectrum of ImpactMixing Impact ModesDifferent Ways of Fulfilling the MissionOther Ways to Create Self-Created StoriesFinal Thoughts
2.25. Emotioneering Techniques Category #25: Motivation Techniques
Don't Interrupt GameplayIf Possible, Try Not to Let the Way the Player Receives Information Interrupt the GameDon't Hold Back Too Long on the CarrotsAvoid the Feeling of Repetitive Gameplay…SometimesKeep Those Plot Twists ComingSometimes Provide Unexpected Consequences to the Player's ActionsAction PuzzlesA Mysterious or Interesting World That Takes A While to Sort OutAn ExampleAn Interesting Plot That Unfolds in an Interesting WayA Higher ScoreFinal Thoughts
2.26. Emotioneering Techniques Category #26: Cohesiveness Techniques
Your Character Gets a ReputationKarmaNPCs in One Part of the Game Refer to NPCs in Other Parts of the GameGive Your Game a ThemeRelationships Between People or Groups That Take A While to Decipher, But Eventually Form Their Own Coherent WorldAbilities You Learn in One Part of the Game Are Useful Later in the GameRemind Us of the StakesFinal Thoughts
2.27. Emotioneering Techniques Category #27: “True-to-Life” Techniques
Final Thoughts
2.28. Emotioneering Techniques Category #28: Cross-Demographic Techniques
Cross-Demographic TechniquesThe General IdeaSelf-Deconstructing HumorGiving NPCs Character ArcsTrendy ComedyA Game That Takes Place in a Rich WorldHave Characters Who Undergo Either Adult or Complicated EmotionsThe Use of Deepening TechniquesFinal Thoughts
2.29. Emotioneering Techniques Category #29: Injecting Emotion into a Game's Story Elements
Dissecting a StoryStory Elements in Types of Games That We Normally Don't Think of as Possessing “Stories”Simple and Complex EmotionUsing Story Elements to Brainstorm Emotional ComplexityAn EnemyDangerRacingA MysteryTensionSpyingGood Guys and Bad Guys (or Good and Evil)Final Thoughts
2.30. Emotioneering Techniques Category #30: Tying Story to Gameplay and Mechanics
Contrasting ExamplesThe Obvious ExampleThe Not-So-Obvious ExampleJust the Other DayFinal Thoughts
2.31. Emotioneering Techniques Category #31: Writing Powerful Pre-Rendered and In-Game Cinematics
Learning from FilmFew or No “Blocks”Give Major Characters Interesting DiamondsAmbivalence Between Characters Can Make a Cinematic More InterestingUse Layer Cakes Between Characters to Give Their Relationships Complexity Beyond Simple AmbivalenceWatch Out for the Clichè and Bland LinesCan It Be Said or Told Better with Actions Rather Than Words?Time Permitting, It's Okay to Briefly Stray from the Topic at HandNo PredictabiltyObstacles and Interruptions Can Make a Cinematic More InterestingUse Dialogue Devices to Make the Dialogue Sound NaturalSummaryThe ExampleThe Student's SceneDavid's SceneDeconstructed SceneFinal ThoughtsGlossary for This Chapter
2.32. Emotioneering Techniques Category #32: Opening Cinematic Techniques
Begin with a “Fakeout Scene” (Faking Out the Player)Begin with a MysteryBegin by Introducing Us to a Unique CharacterBegin by Throwing Us into a Suspenseful Piece of the PlotBegin by Entering into a Unique WorldFinal ThoughtsLooking Back
III. An Emotioneering Gallery
3.1. Introduction
Emotioneering in Reality-Based Games Versus Fantasy and Sci-Fi Games
3.2. Chasm
Hypothetical Game Case Study: Boston PhysicistThe First Group of MissionsThe Next Group of MissionsNPC Interesting Techniques (Chapter 2.1)Player Toward NPC Chemistry Techniques (Chapter 2.11)World Induction Techniques (Chapter 2.18)First-Person Deepening Techniques (Chapter 2.21)Player Toward NPC Relationship Deepening Techniques (Chapter 2.13)Emotionally Complex Moments and Situations Techniques (Chapter 2.15)Plot Deepening Techniques (Chapter 2.17)Adding Emotional Depth to a Game Through Symbols (Chapter 2.23)Final Thoughts
3.3. Styx
Hypothetical Game Case Study: The Roman EmpireEmotionally Complex Moments and Situations Techniques (Chapter 2.15)NPC Deepening Techniques (Chapter 2.2)NPC Toward Player Relationship Deepening Techniques (Chapter 2.12)First-Person Character Arc and First-Person Deepening Techniques (Chapters 2.20 and 2.21)Your First-Person Character Arc After Escaping the RealmPlot Deepening Techniques (Chapter 2.17)Two More Doubling BacksFinal Thoughts
3.4. Rough Trade
Hypothetical Game Case Study: Cyberpunk NovelistNPC Interesting Techniques (Chapter 2.1)NPC Deepening Techniques (Chapter 2.2)Player Toward NPC Chemistry Techniques (Chapter 2.11)Player Toward NPC Relationship Deepening Techniques (Chapter 2.13)Role Induction Techniques (Chapter 2.19)First-Person Character Arc Techniques (Chapter 2.20)First-Person Deepening Techniques (Chapter 2.21)Motivation Techniques (Chapter 2.25)Plot Deepening Techniques (Chapter 2.17)Final Thoughts
IV. Magic
4. Magic
Let's Get Real—But in Whose Reality?A Secret Land Where Smiles Are BornCreating Life Out of Nothing: Hard for Scientists, a Cakewalk for YouThe Ultimate GiftFinal Thoughts
V. Addenda
5.1. Introduction
5.2. Techniques for Creating Fun
Types of FunIncongruenceWhat's Wrong with This ApproachWhat's Right with This ApproachThe ExerciseExample #1: A Racing Game with Building, Combat, and SneakingExample #2: A Fighting Game with Sneaking, Resource Management, and Training of NPCsExample #3: An Online Combat Game with Superhuman Abilities and with Making and Breaking Alliances (Betrayal)Exercise SummaryFinal Thoughts
5.3. Gatherings
Art Credits
CoverColor SectionInterior
Artists' Bios and Contact Information
Glossary

Content preview from Creating Emotion in Games: The Craft and Art of Emotioneering™

Chapter 2.2. Emotioneering Techniques Category #2: NPC Deepening Techniques

Giving your NPCs heart and soul.

This chapter

focuses on techniques that give major NPCs emotional depth and complexity.

They say children usually drown in the shallow end and I believe it. The word “shallow” itself has a cold breeze blowing through it, as in “shallow grave.” Try diving into the shallow end of a pool, and there's nowhere to go. All that comes of it is an opportunity to get to know your local head-trauma specialist on a first-name basis.

note

For either major or minor NPCs, it's not a requirement that they have emotional depth. If your game is comedic in tone, you might not have a single NPC with depth. This would be completely fine.

That having been said, you'll ...

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Creating Emotion in Games: The Craft and Art of Emotioneering™

by David Freeman

Chapter 2.2. Emotioneering Techniques Category #2: NPC Deepening Techniques

note

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