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Ways to deliver story without voice acting?

Discussion in 'Game Design' started by Vefery, Mar 18, 2021.

  1. Vefery

    Vefery

    Joined:
    Feb 23, 2018
    Posts:
    119
    The game is a sort of story-driven first-person puzzle. The main story will be delivered through the environment and hints (it meant to be a bit vague). But I want the setup of the plot to be clear, so players would get the idea why everything is happening. And the problem that I don't have npcs in the game (but I have a few characters in the story which can interact with the player indirectly).
    I can't use speech bubbles because the game has a pretty serious atmosphere. However I have the basic idea to make the first level to be a player's house with a PC where player can read messages (or something like this) which explain the plot. But it feels like a bad decision, are there any other ways to tell the plot without voice?
     
  2. LaneFox

    LaneFox

    Joined:
    Jun 29, 2011
    Posts:
    7,462
    Check out The Talos Principle.

    Personally I really enjoyed A Tale Of Two Sons as well.
     
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  3. SparrowGS

    SparrowGS

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    Apr 6, 2017
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    2,536
    Do you need a way to do an exposition dump with a single text wall and without breaking the lore of the game?

    Or are you looking to slowly tell the story though visuals in game?
     
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  4. Vefery

    Vefery

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    Feb 23, 2018
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    More of the first one but mixed actually. Dump the plot in the beginning and then gradually tell the actual story
     
  5. Joe-Censored

    Joe-Censored

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    Mar 26, 2013
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    11,847
    Go re-watch the start of the original Star Wars. It starts with a text plot dump in a visually appealing way, and then the current situation is conveyed primarily through visuals instead of dialog. The first dialog actually explaining what is happening is when Darth Vader is demanding the death star plans, but by then the initial battle is already over, the princess has already been captured, and the droids are already off the ship and down on the planet.
     
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  6. warthos3399

    warthos3399

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    Just use a dictator/narrator asset., youll see the text on-screen, and go from there...
     
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  7. BrandyStarbrite

    BrandyStarbrite

    Joined:
    Aug 4, 2013
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    2,074
    @Vefery
    You can tell a story using visuals and graphics, by using certain colours, and effects, to capture the serious tone and mood of the games story. And you can even use sound, to help amplify and bring out the serious tone, of the story too. I think you asked a similar question, in another topic you made.
     
    Last edited: Apr 11, 2021
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  8. Not_Sure

    Not_Sure

    Joined:
    Dec 13, 2011
    Posts:
    3,546
    Watch silent movies.
     
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