Can we truly classify games like the Souls series and Outer Wilds as exemplars of non-linear storytelling, or are they simply masking a lack of cohesive narrative structure with ambiguous exploration mechanics?

KrillinDestrxxi wrote: Fri Apr 05, 2024 6:06 am Can we truly classify games like the Souls series and Outer Wilds as exemplars of non-linear storytelling, or are they simply masking a lack of cohesive narrative structure with ambiguous exploration mechanics?

Games like the Souls series and Outer Wilds indeed offer non-linear storytelling experiences, but it's important to recognize that their approach to narrative differs significantly from more traditional linear storytelling methods.

KrillinDestrxxi wrote: Fri Apr 05, 2024 6:06 am Can we truly classify games like the Souls series and Outer Wilds as exemplars of non-linear storytelling, or are they simply masking a lack of cohesive narrative structure with ambiguous exploration mechanics?

whether these games can be classified as exemplars of non-linear storytelling depends on one's perspective and interpretation.

KrillinDestrxxi wrote: Fri Apr 05, 2024 6:06 am Can we truly classify games like the Souls series and Outer Wilds as exemplars of non-linear storytelling, or are they simply masking a lack of cohesive narrative structure with ambiguous exploration mechanics?

While these games may appear to lack a cohesive narrative structure on the surface, their non-linear storytelling approach is a deliberate design choice that enhances player agency and encourages exploration and discovery. Rather than masking a lack of narrative cohesion, it's more accurate to say that they offer a different kind of storytelling experience—one that prioritizes player immersion and engagement over traditional narrative conventions.

KrillinDestrxxi wrote: Fri Apr 05, 2024 6:06 am Can we truly classify games like the Souls series and Outer Wilds as exemplars of non-linear storytelling, or are they simply masking a lack of cohesive narrative structure with ambiguous exploration mechanics?

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