The Role of Storytelling in RTS Games

[Al]

Does storytelling make any difference to you in real-time strategy games?

Most games have a single player mode and a narrative campaign. How important is a good narrative to you? I personally enjoy being able to play through a story but feel most RTS experiences are a little bit impersonal. You're not going to care about a particular unit and the genre doesn't have that 'human element' you get with other game types. Do you care about the story or is it just a mechanism for moving between levels?

 

[Maria]

In my line of work as a writer, I place emphasis on the quality of storytelling. When I engage in real-time strategy games, I find myself immersed in the narrative, as it plays a key role in my overall experience. The story not only motivates me to actively participate in the game but also enables me to establish a deeper connection with the game characters. In addition, a powerful storyline makes the game more unforgettable. It also helps in clarifying the overarching goals of the game, which in turn improves my overall engagement.

 

[eLdavis]

Storytelling makes gameplay a lot more fun, it helps to explain why certain missions needs to be carried out, or why certain actions needs to be taken. Storytelling gives the players a sense of purpose and meaning.