The Emotion-Driven Gameplay of War Stories | Ars Technica

The Emotion-Driven Gameplay of War Stories | Ars Technica

Table of Contents:

1. Introduction
2. The Vision Behind This War of Mine
3. The Game Mechanics and Inspiration
4. Creating an Emotional Experience for the Player 4.1 Setting Emotional Traps 4.2 Introducing the Depression Level System 4.3 Generating the Feeling of Lost Control
5. The Power of Consequences and Choices
6. Recognition and Impact
7. The Message of This War of Mine
8. Meaningful Entertainment: The Value in Emotional Impact
9. Frostpunk: Continuing the Concept of Meaningful Entertainment
10. Conclusion

Article: How "This War of Mine" Transformed a Sim Game into an Emotional Experience about Civilians at War

Introduction

In the world of gaming, there are numerous titles that aim to provide entertainment and escapism. However, some games go beyond the typical gaming experience and strive to convey deeper meanings and provoke emotional responses from players. One such game is "This War of Mine," developed by a team of passionate individuals at 11-bit studios. In this article, we will explore how "This War of Mine" evolved from a modern sim game into a visceral experience that delves into the lives of civilians during war.

The Vision Behind "This War of Mine"

The development of "This War of Mine" began with a clear vision - to tell a compelling story about civilians dealing with the terrible conditions of war. Inspired by real-life experiences and stories from their own families, the team at 11-bit studios aimed to Create an emotional connection between the players and the characters they controlled.

The Game Mechanics and Inspiration

To achieve their goal, the team drew inspiration from games like "Papers, Please" and implemented gameplay mechanics that evoked a Sense of unease and discomfort. They chose a Pencil-like filter, reminiscent of sketches, which distorted the image and added tension to every moment of the game. However, as development progressed, they realized that their initial mechanics focused too much on management rather than storytelling.

Creating an Emotional Experience for the Player

To create a truly emotional experience, the team decided to set emotional traps throughout the game. Every decision the player made seemed to be the wrong one, leaving them with a constant sense of guilt and moral dilemma. One such trap involved an elderly couple in desperate need of supplies. The player had to decide whether to steal from them or leave them behind, knowing that their survival depended on those supplies. When revisiting the location later, the player would discover the couple dead, a poignant consequence of their actions.

Introducing the Depression Level System

To Deepen the players' emotional connection with the characters, the team introduced a depression level system. Different actions, such as helping others or stealing, would affect the characters' mental well-being. An altruistic character might become more depressed after stealing, while a survivalist would prioritize their own survival. Over time, characters could develop alcoholism, instability, or even commit suicide, reflecting the traumatic events they experienced during the war.

Generating the Feeling of Lost Control

To enhance the feeling of immersion and engagement, the team incorporated random events and unexpected outcomes into the gameplay. Players had no control over these events, which mirrored the unpredictability of war. Characters could encounter helpful civilians or dangerous deserters, adding another layer of complexity to their choices. This lack of control forced players to pay Attention to every Detail and be more vested in the characters' survival.

The Power of Consequences and Choices

"This War of Mine" gained widespread recognition for its ability to make players reflect on the consequences of their actions. There were no easy or clear-cut endings, reinforcing the idea that war brings about difficult choices and people must live with the consequences. The game served as an educational tool, teaching players, even children, about the harsh conditions civilians face during conflicts.

Recognition and Impact

The success of "This War of Mine" extended beyond gaming media, with mass media outlets such as The Guardian recognizing its meaningful impact. Schools incorporated the game into their curriculum, using it to educate students about the realities of war. The game's popularity highlighted the growing demand for more profound and emotionally impactful gaming experiences.

The Message of "This War of Mine"

Above all, "This War of Mine" aims to convey the message that war is not a distant concept confined to fantasy realms but a real-world occurrence that affects lives and forces people to do unthinkable things. The game sparks unanswered questions and Prompts players to contemplate the consequences of their actions on both a personal and societal level.

Meaningful Entertainment: The Value in Emotional Impact

The success of "This War of Mine" reaffirmed the belief at 11-bit studios that games could be a medium for meaningful entertainment. The emotional impact on players became a priority, fostering a strong bond between players and the game's characters. The studio continued this concept with their next game, "Frostpunk," which explores survival and decision-making in a dystopian city.

Conclusion

"This War of Mine" exemplifies the power of games to Raise awareness about serious topics while providing a captivating and emotionally charged experience. It demonstrated that players crave more than simple fun in their gaming experiences; they Seek meaningful narratives that challenge their perspectives and make them reflect on their own actions. As game developers, the team at 11-bit studios aims to create titles that they can be proud to share with future generations, ones that spark meaningful conversations and provoke thoughtful introspection.

Highlights:

1. "This War of Mine" transformed a sim game into a visceral experience about civilians at war
2. The game aimed to create an emotional connection between players and characters
3. Emotional traps, depression levels, and unexpected events added depth to the gameplay
4. The game's success showcased the demand for emotionally impactful gaming experiences
5. "This War of Mine" served as an educational tool and prompted players to reflect on the consequences of their actions during war
6. The game's message highlighted the reality of war and its impact on people's lives
7. 11-bit studios aims to create games that provide meaningful entertainment and provoke thought and reflection

FAQ:

Q: What was the inspiration behind "This War of Mine"? A: The game was inspired by real-life stories of civilians living in war-torn cities and the desire to shed light on the consequences of war.

Q: What sets "This War of Mine" apart from other games? A: "This War of Mine" goes beyond traditional gaming experiences by focusing on storytelling and evoking emotions from the players.

Q: How did the team create an emotional experience for the players? A: The team set emotional traps, introduced a depression level system, and incorporated random events that generated a feeling of lost control.

Q: How did the game impact players and wider media? A: "This War of Mine" received recognition from both gaming press and mass media, with schools even using it as an educational resource.

Q: What is the message behind "This War of Mine"? A: The game aims to showcase the realities of war and prompt players to question the consequences of their actions.

Q: How does "This War of Mine" fit into the concept of meaningful entertainment? A: The game demonstrates that games can go beyond mere entertainment and serve as a medium for thought-provoking experiences.

Q: What is the future direction of 11-bit studios? A: The success of "This War of Mine" sparked a commitment from 11-bit studios to create games that have a meaningful impact on players and promote valuable conversations.