Lifesigns: Successful Storytelling in Open-World Games

Due to their unique capability to be altered by those experiencing them, games have the potential to tell a more immersive story and evoke a stronger emotional response than traditional entertainment media. Moreover, it is in the nature of open world games to facilitate the most personal and immersive gameplay and narrative experience. Admittedly, sacrifices have to be made on both sides in order for the best match of gameplay and narrative to be found. By studying the shortcomings of other sandbox games, and carefully balancing modular developer controlled content with player freedom, or at least the appearance of player freedom, this potential can be attained.