The thing video games had to learn was to write, which is…
“The thing video games had to learn was to write, which is not to let people choose their own stuff, but actually prescribe it. To say, "This character is not a blank canvas that you can project onto. I'm going to tell you what this character is like. And I'm going to tell you what happens to them. You're going to feel involved in other ways." Video games made the mistake of thinking everything had to be projectable, and this doesn't do that at all.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
The quote critiques games that force rigid narratives, arguing they should allow player agency rather than dictating every character detail.
In simple terms: Games should let players shape stories, not just follow preset scripts.
Key Takeaway
Give players agency.
Themes
gaming
storytelling
creativity
Mood
thought‑provoking
critical
Type
analytical
reflective
When to use this quote
- role‑playing games
- open‑world adventures
- story‑driven indie titles
Key Concepts
Narrative design
player agency
interactive media
Questions to Reflect On
- What balance between story and freedom works best?
- How can designers preserve narrative depth?
A Different Perspective
Too much control can limit immersion.