Tim and Joel examine the difference between passively experiencing and actively performing or participating in narrative, and the different degrees to which games make that participation meaningful. We begin by looking at branching narrative, with reference to The Witcher 2: Assassins of Kings, a game that takes narrative divergence in bold directions. We briefly examine the dynamics of what makes us choose various character actions in games, take a brief look at romance in games, and look once again at Disco Elysium -- one of the best expressions of these principles so far.

 

Games mentioned:

 

• The Witcher 2: Assassins of Kings
• Dishonored
• Cyberpunk 2077
• Mass Effect Trilogy
• Fallout 1
• Firewatch
• Baldur's Gate 2
• Disco Elysium
• Fallout 2