Interactive Storytelling for Video Games

CHAPTER

Five

Making Stories Emotional

One of the hallmarks of a good story is the way it makes the player (or reader or viewer) feel. You want the player to feel fear when the heroes are in danger, triumph when they succeed, and sadness when they fall. Naturally, some people are more easily affected than others. I’m sure you all know someone (whether a friend, family member, or even yourself) who is easily swept up in the moment when playing games, reading books, or watching movies and often screams, laughs, and cries as the story plays out. I’m sure you also know people who can sit through those same stories stone faced with little to no hint of outward emotion, though that doesn’t necessarily mean they aren’t feeling the emotions – just that ...