Crafting a compelling narrative for a video game is a unique and intricate dance, a blend of traditional storytelling and interactive design. For Sky of Tides, we embarked on a journey to create a world that not only captivated players with its visuals but also resonated deeply with its story. Today, we’re delving into the heart of that process, exploring how we wove the narrative fabric of numen9.
One of the most rewarding aspects of creating a narrative video game is the ability to tell a story through the player’s own journey of discovery. In Sky of Tides, players explore diverse environments, uncovering objects and clues that reveal the world’s lore, its characters’ motivations, and the central conflict. This approach allowed us to layer depth and detail into the narrative as they explored, enriching the player’s experience in a way that’s unique to interactive storytelling.
Unlike film, TV, or novels, where the story is often delivered through dialogue or narration, games prioritize player agency. The player is the main character; their choices drive the narrative forward. This interactive element allows for non-linear storytelling, multiple endings, and a deeply personal connection to the story. Sky of Tides presented a fascinating case study, as we simultaneously developed the game, an animated series, and a collection of short stories, each offering a distinct perspective on the world of numen9.
Our story development process began with the core question: Who is the player inhabiting? From there, we considered the game’s mechanics and user experience. The story needed to organically integrate with gameplay, reaching a climax and conclusion that felt earned. In Sky of Tides, given the setting of a broken planet with oceans hovering in the sky and two factions vying for power, the theme of balance emerged as a central pillar. We then worked hard to align the narrative with the character stat mechanics. This thematic unity was crucial in shaping the final form of the story, creating a cohesive and meaningful experience.
Creating memorable characters in a game requires a delicate balance of surprise, motivation, and depth. We wanted characters that felt both relatable and intriguing, individuals with distinct personalities and compelling goals. The Syndicate Agent Streak Tybo’s relentless pursuit of Rin, or the enigmatic wild man in the bleached relics, Loaj, are examples of characters designed to pique curiosity and invite exploration.
Great video game dialogue is concise, impactful, and action-driven. It needs to propel the story forward, never feeling like a drag. Drawing inspiration from stage plays and small-budget films, we focused on crafting dialogue that revealed character and advanced the plot in meaningful ways. The dialogue choice mechanic further engages players, allowing them to shape conversations and explore alternate responses that feel authentic to the characters.
The story of Sky of Tides evolved significantly throughout production. Initially, we drafted a linear narrative, akin to a film script. As game mechanics and gameplay elements were refined, we adapted the story to fit the interactive format, creating scripts that could be integrated into the game engine. The theme of balance, which became central to the gameplay, also influenced the narrative, leading to a revised ending that felt more thematically resonant.
The collaborative nature of game development was crucial in shaping the story. Writers, designers, and developers worked closely to ensure that the narrative and gameplay elements were seamlessly integrated. This iterative process allowed us to refine the story, ensuring that it resonated with players on a deeper level.
Creating Sky of Tides was a unique endeavour, particularly as we developed the game and animated series simultaneously. This allowed us to explore the world from multiple perspectives, enriching the overall narrative and creating a more immersive cross-platform experience. The interconnected stories of Rin and the characters that inhabit numen9 all add up to a rich and detailed tapestry.
Ultimately, we aimed to craft a story that felt both personal and expansive, a journey of discovery that resonated with players on an emotional level. We hope you’ll find yourselves immersed in the world of numen9, uncovering its secrets and forging your own path through the fractured skies.
– The Sky of Tides Team.
