BioWare and ArenaNet aren't the only MMO studios to be beating on the drums of storytelling lately -- Funcom feels just as strongly that good stories not only have a place in MMOs but are essential to making memorable games.
In a new post over at The Secret World, Ragnar Tørnquist attempts to whet our appetite for a main course of storytelling. "The story in The Secret World is a giant jigsaw puzzle. That's really the only way to describe it. There are thousands of pieces scattered all over the game world, both figuratively and geographically, and as you play the game, you are actively uncovering -- unearthing -- the stories, large and small, that form the enormous tapestry of a backstory that goes back aeons."
All aspects of The Secret World are "infused with story," Tørnquist promises; the game will connect players to the world through context and meaning. He hopes that TSW's mysteries will keep players coming back to the game due to our insatiable desire to know the secrets behind them. He also hints that some of these stories will feature tough decisions and painful consequences: "Joining the ranks of the shadow-masters, it's in your best interest to play by their rules, follow their agenda, ensure that the secret world remains a secret, and if that means making compromises and allowing people to get hurt... Well. No one ever said being a hero would be easy."
These mysteries will come to light during many of the player missions, which we heard about yesterday. While we wait for the launch, Tørnquist encourages us to check out the elements of story that Funcom's released already such as fake websites and other ARG activities.
Reader Comments (19)
Posted: Apr 6th 2011 2:49PM Space Cobra said
Sounds great, but don't forget the psychology of many players and don't kill yourself for "art's sake".
Puzzles are fine. Hard world can be fine, but if you give off too many penalties, you are going to tick people off. Waiting on timers ain't fun. The balance of both is not easy; this is what we need to see.
Puzzles are fine. Hard world can be fine, but if you give off too many penalties, you are going to tick people off. Waiting on timers ain't fun. The balance of both is not easy; this is what we need to see.
Posted: Apr 6th 2011 2:54PM Draccan said
Sounds much more like how story should be implemented than for example SW:ToR.
Where SW:ToR will put you on rails through stories even in Space, this approach seems (!) to be more sandboxy, open..
Posted: Apr 6th 2011 2:54PM kgptzac said
All hail to the Age of Wiki.
Posted: Apr 6th 2011 3:23PM SnarkRitter said
Well, Funcome certainly beat Bioware when it come to the quality of the storyline. Now if only they actually fix their games then I might actually play it.
Posted: Apr 6th 2011 4:01PM Space Cobra said
@SnarkRitter
I take exception to that; I did like the "Longest Journey" and while there have been some good stuff in Funcom MMOs, there have been stinkers.
Same with Bioware. You really can't dismiss KOTOR or other efforts, such as Mass Effect. There have been awesome story elements within those works among some "meh" stuff. Just got through Mass Effect1 again and the overall story/ending is still pretty killer.
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I take exception to that; I did like the "Longest Journey" and while there have been some good stuff in Funcom MMOs, there have been stinkers.
Same with Bioware. You really can't dismiss KOTOR or other efforts, such as Mass Effect. There have been awesome story elements within those works among some "meh" stuff. Just got through Mass Effect1 again and the overall story/ending is still pretty killer.
Posted: Apr 6th 2011 3:42PM (Unverified) said
I can only hope the player decisions have a weighty feeling to them instead of uncompelling. It could still work out regardless, but it'd be nice to have story draw you in an MMO.
Posted: Apr 6th 2011 5:31PM DancingCow said
@(Unverified)
They have a big story event called 'Exodus' planned. A major game location will be permanently changed based on how players respond to that event (separately for each sever).
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They have a big story event called 'Exodus' planned. A major game location will be permanently changed based on how players respond to that event (separately for each sever).
Posted: Apr 6th 2011 4:22PM Faryon said
The story and setting is the for me the second biggest reason to try this game when it's finally released. Hopefully it won't get buried by alot of "go kill stuff" missions as the game is nearing release.
Posted: Apr 6th 2011 5:47PM Valentina said
Must...play.....
Posted: Apr 6th 2011 8:34PM Valdur said
I'll take TSW story telling over SWTOR anytime because I want to play an MMO not an interactive cinematic.
Posted: Apr 6th 2011 8:49PM Space Cobra said
...just like Tortuga and the intro of AoC was!
Posted: Apr 6th 2011 9:24PM nomore7734 said
The only way this game won't be where I spend the next 10 years (or however long it lasts) of MMO gaming is if the game play is unbelievably broken and boring. I haven't seen one piece of solid info released so far that has suggested this will be the case.
Every new bit of info they throw out is delicious.
Every new bit of info they throw out is delicious.
Posted: Apr 7th 2011 1:47AM mmogaddict said
Fool me once with AO's launch - shame on you.
Fool me twice with AOC's launch - shame on me.
Fool me thrice...... no bloody way. Funcom can DIAF.
Fool me twice with AOC's launch - shame on me.
Fool me thrice...... no bloody way. Funcom can DIAF.
Posted: Apr 7th 2011 5:29AM Snichy said
Hilarious how people are saying they wont try the game just because "Funcom" is on the box. Surely they realise its a new development team and lead developer with a history of good game making and nothing to do with any previous titles.
Oh well, their loss I suppose...!
Oh well, their loss I suppose...!
Posted: Apr 7th 2011 10:20PM mmogaddict said
@Snichy
ORLY? What history of good game making have they had with MMORPGs?
Certainly neither AO or AOC.
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ORLY? What history of good game making have they had with MMORPGs?
Certainly neither AO or AOC.
Posted: Apr 9th 2011 11:33AM socialenemy2007 said
@mmogaddict While AO's launch was abysmal, you obviously never played AO post Shadowlands. I'm no Funcom apologist, but at least they are trying something completely new. Tired of elves and dwarves.
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Posted: Apr 7th 2011 5:47AM (Unverified) said
Another game I must find the time to try.
Can`t wait for this.
Can`t wait for this.
Posted: Apr 8th 2011 8:35AM Snichy said
Maybe you misunderstood. Ragnar Tørnquist had nothing to do with AoC and was only a writer of AO (which I'm told was its strong point) as well as making quality games like Dreamfall and The Longest Journey which were well received, and he is lead developer on TSW.
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