Quick Facts
I Don’t Believe in Chasing Narratives: Gabby Dizon of X Hall of Flame
In an industry where storytelling and immersive narratives are increasingly emphasized, it is refreshing to find individuals who prioritize a different approach. Gabby Dizon, co-founder of Yield Guild Games, recently shared his thoughts on the importance of “conviction” in gaming over “chasing narratives”. In this article, we’ll delve into his perspective and explore what it means for the gaming industry.
The Power of Conviction
For Dizon, conviction refers to the unwavering dedication to a specific vision or approach. In the context of gaming, this means abandoning the pursuit of narratives that may be contrived or artificial, and instead focusing on creating experiences that resonate with players on a deeper level. This conviction is rooted in a passion for the gaming community, rather than a desire to craft elaborate stories.
“When I think about what makes a game great, it’s not about the narrative, it’s about the conviction of the developers,” Dizon explains. “If you’re passionate about something and that passion shines through in the game, that’s what’s going to make it special.”
In practice, this means embracing simplicity and authenticity, rather than trying to create complex, cinematic experiences. By focusing on the core mechanics and gameplay, developers can create immersive and enjoyable experiences that players can sink their teeth into.
The Overemphasis on Storytelling
The rise of narrative-driven games has led to a proliferation of cutscenes, dialogue trees, and scripted events. While these elements can be effective in enhancing the story, they also risk overshadowing the gameplay itself. As a result, many games struggle to balance the demands of storytelling with the pursuit of pure gameplay.
Dizon’s approach acknowledges that stories can be important, but they should not be the sole focus of game development. By prioritizing conviction and gameplay, developers can create experiences that are more engaging and memorable.
Chasing Narratives: The Dangers and Drawbacks
While narratives can be a powerful tool in gaming, there are several risks and drawbacks to relying too heavily on storytelling. For one, the pressure to create complex, cinematic experiences can lead to games feeling disjointed and fragmented. This is often the result of trying to force storytelling elements into a game that may not be well-suited for it.
Furthermore, the emphasis on storytelling can lead to a sense of detachment from the game itself. Rather than playing a game for its gameplay or mechanics, players may find themselves focusing on the story, which can detract from the overall experience.
The Future of Gaming: Conviction Over Chasing Narratives
Dizon’s approach to gaming is not just about rejecting storytelling altogether; it’s about struck a balance between passion, conviction, and creativity. By prioritizing conviction in gaming, developers can create experiences that are authentic, engaging, and memorable.
In the future, we may see a shift towards games that prioritize gameplay and conviction over elaborate narratives. This could lead to a renewed focus on 2D games, indie titles, and other genres that have traditionally emphasized gameplay over storytelling.
Additional Ideas and Contributions
- The rise of streaming and influencer culture has created a new level of pressure on game developers to create narratives that are both engaging and easily digestible for a wide audience. By prioritizing conviction and gameplay, developers can create experiences that stand on their own merit, rather than relying on narrative hooks to drive engagement.
- The importance of conviction in gaming is not limited to narrative-driven games. Even genres like sports games, fighting games, and strategy titles can benefit from a focus on conviction and gameplay, rather than narrative.
- The concept of conviction in gaming has implications for game development as a whole. By prioritizing passion and conviction, developers can create experiences that are more authentic and meaningful, rather than trying to force-fit a narrative into a game that may not be well-suited for it.
- The rise of virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) gaming presents a new set of opportunities for developers to create immersive experiences that prioritize gameplay and conviction over narrative.
