101
Chapter 3 Story Composition
A foldback story may also contain one or more foldback events. A
foldback
event
is a resolution point within the game that the player must go through to
move the story forward. A series of foldback events creates a linear structure,
while the branching paths between foldback events create a nonlinear structure.
An example of a foldback event might be traveling to a riverside hut. The
player has the choice to travel through the jungle by truck or boat. Traveling by
truck will have certain obstacles and perils and require certain decisions. Traveling
by boat will have different obstacles and perils and require different decisions. But,
either choice for method of travel brings the player to the riverside hut destination.
When the story structure
has been determined, you can
design the layout of your game.
The level design will mimic the
story design and
rooms
will be
organized in a similar layout to
the story tree. There is one basic
Examine the story in a favorite game. Which
type of structure is used for the story?
Explain why the story meets the criteria of
that structure.
UP!
3.3
Design for the Story
CHEAT CODE: ROOMS
In video game design, a room is a
scene in a level. The player will travel
from one scene, or room, to another
in a pattern to match the story.
Figure 3-10.
Goodheart-Willcox Publisher
In a foldback story, the overall story is linear, but between foldback events the story is nonlinear.
Start
Decision
Decision
Decision
Decision
Decision
Decision Decision
Decision
Decision
Decision
Decision
Decision
Ending
Foldback Story
Foldback
Event
Foldback
Event
Decision
Decision
Decision
Nonlinear Structure Nonlinear Structure
Linear Structure
Nonlinear Structure