Importance of a story/plot in a rpg game

[RebekahAmberClark]

RPG = role playing game

So, an RPG literally depends on the story that the player is role playing through.

Of course, it's completely possible to make a non-RPG in RPG Maker -- but as the name implies, RPGs are what it's built for. XD

 

[ZombieKidzRule]

RPG = role playing game

So, an RPG literally depends on the story that the player is role playing through.

Of course, it's completely possible to make a non-RPG in RPG Maker -- but as the name implies, RPGs are what it's built for. XD

Not that I completely disagree, but the earliest CRPGs had minimal, if any, stories.

The "role playing" element was that the player got to pretend to be something that they aren't. Like a Mage, or a Cleric, or a Paladin. That was the "role playing". Fighting enemies in the role was role playing. Walking through a dungeon in that role was role playing.

Now, I understand that ideally the concept of role playing is much more involved.

But I just wanted to point out that early RPG games didn't rely too heavily on story and they are still definitely RPGs.

 

[Tai_MT]

Generally speaking, the implication of "RPG" is that it is story and character based. It's a Role Playing Game. A game where you are playing a role. So, the definition of this genre basically determines what sorts of players will be flocking to it. This is important, so keep it in mind.

So, how good does a story actually have to be?

Much as I love a good story and wonderful characters... the answer is "not much". Tastes are going to play pretty heavily in what stories will do well and the quality of those stories.

Personally, my tastes run the gamut, and are going to be heavily influenced by things I can relate to, or things that are "well told". I also have a soft spot for "new twists on old things" or "unique concepts".

I liked the story of Final Fantasy Mystic Quest (much maligned as that game is). I liked the story of Final Fantasy X. I liked the story of Secret of Mana. I liked the story of Deus Ex: Human Revolution (the first of the reboot, I think?). All easily "low hanging fruit" or decently maligned story experiences by the masses. But, they kept me engaged in the story.

Meanwhile, I didn't like the story of Skyrim. I didn't like the story of Final Fantasy XII. I didn't like the story of Final Fantasy XV. I didn't like the story of Rune Factory IV. The premise behind "Bravely Default" means I never gave the game a shot, because it didn't sound interesting.

On and on.

These would be catered to my particular tastes in what a story is and what is on offer. I deeply enjoyed the story of Pokemon Red and Blue, simplistic as it is. I burned with hatred through every single moment in Pokemon Sun/Moon and Sword/Shield at their stories.

So, that begs the question... do you NEED a good story? Not necessarily. Much as I appreciate well-written stories and amazing characters, there are games where I never needed them to enjoy my time with the experience. In fact, I think there are even a few RPG's I've played where story was basically non-existent and I enjoyed my time with them.

I have fond memories of "Dragon Quest Monsters" and its story (which is basically non-existent as the whole game is basically a better version of Pokemon filled with fanservice for Dragon Quest games). I don't have any fondness for Dragon Quest 1-3 and found their stories to just be boring. I have found a deep enjoyment in the story of Dragon Quest Builders 2, but couldn't get into Dragon Quest XI (or was it 9? Lord, I don't even know which one of them I played!).

Do you need a good story?

Sometimes, yes. Sometimes, no. Your story needs a hook. Just like any good song. It needs to remain consistent on that hook. That hook needs to be executed well. It can't overstay it's welcome. It can't be too frequent. It can't be too infrequent. You need to master Pacing.

If you can't write a good story, you can still create a good story. You can do so with game mechanics and level design just as well as with words and characters (I suggest playing Metroid 2 and Super Metroid for the absolute BEST WAYS to tell a story with mechanics and level design. Both of those games are MASTERS at the craft and they aren't even RPG's!).

There are hundreds of ways to tell a story. Not all of them have to be done with words and choices and characters. Find the way you excel at telling the story, and then just do that.

 

[Arrowgantt]

Story is what holds every RPG together, and it gives the player focus throughout his or her playtime. However, great storytelling isn't just about the main narrative, but also compelling mini story arcs and side quests narratives. I think The story either needs to stay out of the way or at least be decent enough like wow that it doesn't actively detract from the game.

 

[coyotecraft]

There are times in games were I wish I knew what the story behind a place was. Is it important? Not really, maybe so-so. I think world building is important, but a lot of games get by with the vaguest settings confined to a hub town or island.
You find some old ruins with statues to all the gods. The game only names 7 of them, but there's 8th alcove that's been destroyed. ~What does it mean~
That kind of thing is great for player engagement. Even if it's not intentional, or just an easter egg, players can touch on the smallest details and fly off into a world of imagination contemplating an iceburg of implications.

I think there's actually an ancient literary genre called Gnostic, which is Greek for knowledge or insight. Not to be confused with many other things called Gnostic.
An example I'm making up, if we took a popular Aesop Fable character, and invented a new story without a moral or lesson. That might have been categorized as "gnostic".
Like, The Fox and the Grapes. What happens next? What does it eat if not the grapes? There is no moral to the story-beyond-the-story, but I'm asking the question. I could write a story to answer it. Is it an important story? That might depend on how many other people lay awake at night pondering the same question. I think closure is important.

 

[JanSimmons]

I think any game or any character needs a plot and a character bio.

 

[thenerdmansion]

I’d deep in 10 minutes of plot ain’t good.