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Lore refers to the body of knowledge, stories and traditions associated with mythology and fantasy passed down from one generation to another. Generally, it is used to explain the origin of things such as the world of the human race, culture and mythical and magical things associated with them.
Lore in video games–commonly in fantasy and science fiction genres–narrates us backstory and world-building of game characters. It details the background of a game character including their powers, or the lack of it, their journey and missions, etc. Lores and the way it is told in video games create a more immersive and engaging experience for players.
Video games with compelling storytelling techniques of its lore are more likely to keep their players interested and reach out more audience as it trends in social networks. For game developers, lore does not only help them conceptualize the plotlines of the game but is also a tool for them to tell complex themes and messages to the players and community. With this, the game can branch out and expand through creating new characters, events and other elements.
Moreover, with hype and love coming from the gaming community lore can also be a powerful merchandising tool. Characters that are well-written and have great story backgrounds are, more often than not, well-loved and patronized by players. Hence, it is easy for developers to market merchandise such as skins and other in-game purchases to the players.
Generally, lore has been a vital aspect of gaming as it creates impactful and immersive experiences for players and contributes to the benefits of the game itself. In this article, we will explore more on how it is used in gaming and what games have the most talked story plotline.
How is Lore Used in Gaming?
As already established in this article, lore definitely creates world-building in video games. This involves crafting immersive worlds with rich history and culture, often including fictional countries, races, and religions. This depth helps players understand character motivations and social structures. Games like Elder Scrolls utilize extensive lore, including detailed histories and cultural artifacts, to establish authenticity and complexity.
Moreover, storytelling in games utilizes lore to develop compelling narratives and characters. Players uncover lore throughout the game, creating intrigue and immersion. Mass Effect uses lore to explain conflicts, villains and character motivations, enriching the player experience.
Player engagement is also enhanced by immersive lore, fostering community and exploration. Warcraft’s expanded lore through novels and comics deepens fan engagement, while in-game texts and online discussions create a shared knowledge base and community. With this kind of impact on player engagement, lore and storytelling has also slowly revolutionized other online entertainment such as online casinos. Marvel-style and universe concepts are evident to most of these casinos–found in widely accessible and reputable casino review sites–and have improved customer retention.
And lastly, merchandising opportunities arise from gaming lore, with franchises like Fallout extending into novels, comics, and collectibles. Fans eager for deeper immersion and knowledge contribute to additional revenue streams for developers.
Games with Incredible Lore and Storytelling
Last of Us
The storyline of this survival horror video games centers on the relationship of the survivors, Joel and Ellie. The action filled game navigates on how the two works together to survive a post-apocalyptic United States that has been infested by deadly fungal plague. Alongside with exceptional voice acting, animations and world-building, the game was hailed as one of the most emotionally impactful games. Its success has led to an HBO TV adaptation. Notably, it ranks among the best-rated games on Metacritic.
Genshin Impact
“Genshin Impact” unfolds in the vast world of Teyvat, comprising seven nations ruled by Archons tied to different elements. The enigmatic floating island of Celestia looms above, while the ruins of Khaenri’ah lie underground. Individuals with ambitions may receive Visions, granting elemental control, or Delusions, powered by divine remains. The Traveler, accompanied by Paimon, seeks their lost twin across Teyvat, encountering various factions and threats, including the Abyss Order and the Fatui. Separated by a mysterious god, The Traveler embarks on a quest to reunite with their sibling, aided by Paimon’s guidance.
The remarkable storytelling in this video game is what hooked the gaming community to them the most of course, accompanied by great visuals and music. This video game has also evidently integrated what has been discussed in the earlier part of this article from its lore being the cornerstone of the unparalleled immersion which has elevated the game from just a mere action-adventure to successfully launching in-app and physical merchandise.
Resident Evil
The Resident Evil is well-known for its pure and extensive story content spanning over 30 games including remakes and spin-offs. This video game is popular for its extremely lore-dense storyline that unfolds through the years. Despite it being a 27-year old game franchise the series maintains a consistent level of storytelling quality. Resident Evil 4 marks a pivotal moment with its dynamic camera and increased focus on action. The game shifts away from previous settings and introduces new characters and concepts, injecting a dose of charm with its lighter tone.
