Game Mechanic: Storytelling Games

Once upon a time in a far away land there lived some courageous  board gamers who went on wondrous adventures.  They battled dragons, aided sultans, and discovered mystical worlds.  And the best part is they never had to leave the comfort of their kitchen table.  How?  Well they played a story-telling game and became lost in a world of their own making.


Story telling games, like a good book, draw you into their world, surround you with colorful characters and artistic scenes, and leave you with a story all your own.


Hallmarks of Story-telling Games

As I write and re-write this blog I have struggled with my definition of what a story telling game is.   In fact my husband and I had quite a discussion as to what does and does not constitute a story-telling game and concluded that well, its pretty gray.   One could argue that many thematic games like Battlestar Galatica, Runebound and Descent tell a story as they follow characters on their adventures.  The story is not the central element, but one ends with a story none the less.  But are these really story-telling games?  I can see the argument either way. 

Another argument could be for games based off of real novels.  They certainly attempt to recreate a part of or the whole story.  In War of the Ring, players battle it out as the forces for good and evil, following the ring bearers on their quest to Mount Doom and Saruman the White as he amasses his army.  In Pillars of the Earth, you follow the building of the Cathedral, as you do in the epic novel of the same name.  But are these story-telling games?  Again, you could argue either way.

Pillars of the Earth

Most of us would agree that Tales of Arabian Nights, Dixit, and Once Upon a Time certainly are story telling games.  The story is the whole game and everything is driven by the created story or stories.  So it is these games that I will use for this mechanic.


Theme

I would contend that the most crucial element in story-telling games is the theme.  There is no room for a pasted-on theme in story-telling games.  Like a good book the game creates a world for the players to travel through and explore.  A kaleidoscope of characters, villains,  terrain, weather, and events are woven together to create a unique tale each session. And, the theme goes deeper still.  The central idea comes through during the struggles between good and evil, personal sacrifices, quests for love, and unwavering loyalties players encounter throughout the game.

Setting

Where does your story occur?  Light years away in an unknown galaxy encountering creatures never seen with human eyes,  tracking down Dracula to stop his evil ways, or perhaps riding a flying carpet with your beloved through a beautiful Arabian world?  The world created is a fundamental element of story-telling games.

Characters

Who is your story about?  Written stories contain two types of characters.  The people, animals and so forth that the story is about and the characteristics they possess.  Good story-telling games can accomplish this in a multitude of ways.

In the game Werewolf, your character determines not only your abilities during the game, but also your winning conditions.  Werewolves feign innocence as they stealthily hunt their villager prey.  Villagers have only their own wits and wisdom to use against their evil foe. 

In other story telling games like Rory's Story Cubes or Dixit, player create the characters.  In Rory's Story Cubes, players create their own story to correspond with the dice they rolled.  In Dixit, players may connect to an animal or person on the card and create a personality for that character in their clue.  In this type of game players have only their imagination to limit the characters and story they deliver. 

Plot / Story


I have always been a avid reader and find it easy to become lost in the world the story creates.  I feel connected to the characters and rejoice or cry with them as if they were close friends.  A good book does this, it connects and unites you with the story as it separates you from the real world (at least for me).  A good story- telling game does the same.  You are connected to your character as she experiences the world; your hurt when she is wounded, or delight when she learns a new skill.  You may have an ultimate goal to reach, your resolution, but you can only achieve that goal as you take your journey. 



Resolution

And they all lived happily ever after.  The ending for so many fairy tales could be the ending for story telling games as well.  The resolution of the game may vary:  scoring the most points, telling the best story, defeating the monsters, and so forth.  Yet, players seem to remember the story itself more than the end result.  Many of these games can be played and enjoyed without ever worrying about the score.  It isn't about winning or losing, it's about creating a story with your fellow players.  Win or lose, smiles, chuckles, and jokes are the real measures of victory.