by James Ninness, creative director

First things first: Ryan already wrote a great blog about the ways in which gaming can prepare someone for a career in advertising. You should go read it. It’s solid.

In this blog, we’re going to take things a small step forward, and I will make a claim that may seem too bold. Ready? Here it is:

The best storytelling happening over the last twenty years has happened in video games.

Don’t get me wrong, I love books and movies and music and television shows. HBO’s “Succession” is top-notch. Kendrick Lamar blows my mind. “Everything Everywhere All at Once” is phenomenal. I consume everything Stephen King. And I still believe Stieg Larsson’s Millennium trilogy was one of the most expertly told prose narratives of the last twenty years.

I cherish stories and devour them however I can, whenever I can. And I wholeheartedly believe that video games are telling them best. Subjective take? Totally. Does that mean I’m wrong? Nope.

With the advancement of technology, video games have progressed from simple, pixelated graphics to immersive worlds with complex gameplay mechanics and narratives to experience—not just view or hear—by the players. Leveraging the medium, expert storytellers have tapped into and are taking advantage of the ways video games can change the thoughts and actions of their players. Below are examples of the ways stories are being told from three of my favorite games. (These are just a few of my faves, but numerous games are breaking down and rebuilding the ways stories are told.)

Fallout 3

What Is Fallout 3?

Fallout 3 is a post-apocalyptic open-world game set in the year 2277, and probably my favorite video game of all time.

Here’s the official synopsis from Bethesda:

For 200 years, Vault 101 has faithfully served the surviving residents of the Capital Wasteland. The residents of Vault 101 enjoy a life free from the constant stress of the outside world. Yet, one fateful morning, you awake to find that your father has defied the Overseer and left the comfort and security afforded by Vault 101 for reasons unknown. Leaving the only home you’ve ever known, you emerge from the Vault into the harsh Wasteland sun to search for your father, and the truth.”

Why Is the Story in Fallout 3 so Amazing?

This post-apocalyptic, open-world masterpiece is a testament to the power of storytelling, fully immersing players in a world of danger and humanity. The game’s captivating dialogue, intricate relationship-building, and thoughtfully crafted characters ensure an enthralling experience that is both engaging and poignant.

Set in a post-nuclear wasteland, Fallout 3 tells a compelling story of survival, sacrifice, and discovering one’s true identity, expressed parallel to equal parts horror, humor, and heroism. Every moment of Fallout 3 serves a larger narrative, even when serving a small subplot. It’s grand in scope and meticulous in detail. No detail is spared in creating a believable and engaging world, from the haunting soundtrack to the detailed environments that hint at the game’s rich backstory and beg for exploration. With each decision and action, Fallout 3 offers a glimpse into a world that is both bleak and beautiful, and one that leaves an indelible mark on those who experience it.

The Best (Read: My Favorite) Aspect of Storytelling in Fallout 3: Immersion

The Witcher 3

What Is The Witcher 3?

Throughout the game, players embody Geralt of Rivia, a monster hunter who is on a quest to find his adopted daughter, Ciri. Along the way, they’ll encounter warring kingdoms, assassins, sorceresses, and more. Each character has a unique backstory that enriches their interactions with Geralt and the overarching plot. It’s a masterclass in storytelling that reminds us why we love immersing ourselves in fictional worlds.

Why Is the Story in The Witcher 3 so Amazing?

Among video games that have proven themselves as an art form able to deliver memorable stories, The Witcher 3 has managed to leave an indelible mark. The game stands out because it doesn’t spoon-feed the plot to the player; instead, it immerses them in a well-crafted world that is full of morally gray characters, unexpected plot twists, and multiple endings that are determined by your choices.(Imagine that, advertisers: letting your audience engage with something instead of spoon-feeding everything to them.) Most people finish The Witcher 3 without actually doing every quest, side quest, and random explorable location—and that’s okay. The main story is served in a fashion that allows embellishment to be experienced at the player’s behest.

The Best (Read: My Favorite) Aspect of Storytelling in The Witcher 3: Choice

Soulsborne

What Is the Soulsborne Series?

Yes, this is a series of games and not a single game. It’s my blog, and I can write what I want.

Hidetaka Miyazaki, the genius behind the Soulsborne Series, is a master storyteller for several reasons. His ability to create a cohesive and engrossing narrative that seamlessly blends with gameplay is unmatched. Take for instance the intricacies of the Soulsborne lore: Miyazaki has created a world rich in history and populated by fascinating characters with their own motivations and backstories. The player learns about the story through exploration and interaction with the environment, which adds a layer of immersion that is rare in gaming. Nothing is about the stories in these games is presented without challenge. Miyazaki’s storytelling is not just about world-building and character development, though. He also excels at creating mystery and tension, which keeps players engaged and wanting to know more. Miyazaki is a master of his craft, and his contributions to the gaming world are nothing short of legendary.

Why Is the Story in Soulsborne Series so Amazing?

Let’s pick a Soulsborne game and run with it to make this easier. I choose Bloodborne.

From the very first cutscene, Bloodborne captivates players with its intricate and enthralling storytelling. The game’s dark and fantastical world is brought to life through masterful dialogue, subtle hints scattered throughout the environments, and a brilliant soundtrack that guides players through each twist and turn.

What truly sets Bloodborne apart, however, is its commitment to uncovering the lore and history of its world through non-linear storytelling. As players explore the game’s sprawling, labyrinthine levels, they encounter a wealth of cryptic clues and hidden secrets that paint a vivid picture of the game’s grim and intricate mythology. Whether you’re hearing an eerie whisper in the wind or discovering a long-forgotten tome in a dusty corner of the map, the story of Bloodborne is always there, waiting to be unearthed. It’s a testament to the game’s brilliant storytelling that so many fans continue to dissect and debate its intricacies even years after its release.

The Best (Read: My Favorite) Aspect of Storytelling in the Soulsborne Series: Discovery

Why Consuming Video Game Stories Matters as a Creative

Video Games Have the Power to Inspire and Spark Your Own Creativity

By exposing yourself to a variety of narratives, you can tap into new ideas and perspectives, infusing your own work with fresh insights. Gaming is a [relatively] new medium, ever-evolving the way stories are told, and yet to find its narrative limits. Keep your diet of film, music, and prose consistent. However, throw some video game roughage in there every once in a while.

Mediums Matter as Much as Genres to Growth

You’ll develop a more profound understanding of the human experience by immersing yourself in as many stories as possible. Yes, even a game about monster hunting can help inform your own work. Challenging yourself to experience new forms of storytelling can be just as crucial to your growth as a storyteller as experiencing different genres within a particular medium. Try new things. Be uncomfortable.

Consuming Stories Can Help You Stand out in a Crowded Market

The more well-read, well-versed, well-gamed, and generally well-storied you are, the more potential you have to come up with unique and compelling ideas that set you apart from the competition. So, whether it’s through books, movies, or video games, make sure you’re consuming as many stories as possible to help fuel your own creative endeavors.

Gaming is an enormous industry, five times bigger than films. Chances are, many of you play games, at least casually. If you don’t, you should start. Try one of the above games, or grab yourself a mobile game to test the waters. And if you are a hardcore gamer who read this and was like, “I game all day every day and I know all of this already,” then do yourself a favor and pick up a book, watch a movie, or listen to more music. 

Experience every tale you can. Find things to love. Discover things you hate.

Knowing more about storytelling isn’t likely to make you a worse storyteller.