The dataset consists of various technologies and tools used in the development of narrative-driven games. It includes information about game engines, programming languages, and tools that facilitate interactive storytelling, providing insights into their descriptions, types, release years, and developers.
| Technology | Description | Type | Release Year | Developer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Twine | An open-source tool for telling interactive, nonlinear stories. | Game Engine | 2009 | Chris Klimas |
| Ren'Py | A visual novel engine that uses Python to create interactive narratives. | Game Engine | 2004 | Tom Rothamel |
| Unity | A flexible game development platform for 2D and 3D games, often used for narrative-driven experiences. | Game Engine | 2005 | Unity Technologies |
| Unreal Engine | A powerful game engine known for its high-fidelity graphics, used in many narrative-driven games. | Game Engine | 1998 | Epic Games |
| ChoiceScript | A programming language for writing multiple-choice games. | Programming Language | 2009 | H site |
| Inform | A design system for interactive fiction based on natural language. | Game Engine | 1993 | Graham Nelson |
| StoryNexus | A platform for creating narrative games with a focus on player choice and engagement. | Game Engine | 2012 | Failbetter Games |
| Interactive Fiction (IF) | Text-based games focused on narrative and player choices. | Game Genre | 1976 | Various |
| Dialogue System for Unity | A Unity plugin for creating complex dialogue systems. | Plugin | 2014 | Arteen Korkmaz |
| GameMaker Studio | A 2D game development environment that can be used for narrative-driven games. | Game Engine | 2012 | YoYo Games |
| Arya | A lightweight framework for creating narrative-driven games. | Game Engine | 2018 | Arya Project Team |
| Inklewriter | A simple tool for writing interactive stories that can be published online. | Web Tool | 2012 | Inkle Studios |
| Crafty | A JavaScript framework for making 2D games, suitable for narrative-driven experiences. | Game Engine | 2011 | CraftyJS Team |
| Ren'Py Visual Novel Engine | A visual novel engine for creating interactive fiction with graphics. | Game Engine | 2004 | Tom Rothamel |
| Storyline Framework | A C# library for creating branching narratives. | Library | 2015 | Nick Parker |
| ChoiceScript | A scripting language for creating text-based choice games. | Programming Language | 2009 | Choice of Games |
| Fungus | An open-source tool for creating storytelling in Unity. | Game Engine | 2013 | Fungus Team |
| Ogre | A 3D graphics rendering engine used in narrative-driven games. | Graphics Engine | 2000 | The OGRE Project |
| Scirra Construct | A 2D game development tool geared towards creating narrative-driven experiences. | Game Engine | 2011 | Scirra Ltd |
| Adventure Game Studio | A software designed for creating graphic adventure games. | Game Engine | 1997 | Chris Jones |
| Twine 2 | The updated version of Twine for creating interactive stories. | Game Engine | 2013 | Chris Klimas |
| Voice Acting Club | A community-driven platform for voice acting in games with narratives. | Community | 2014 | NaN |
| Godot | An open-source game engine that supports narrative designs in both 2D and 3D. | Game Engine | 2014 | Juan Linietsky |
| Zork | A classic interactive fiction game that set the standard for text-based narrative. | Game | 1977 | Infocom |
| Fate Core System | A narrative-focused tabletop RPG system that inspires game adaptations. | Tabletop RPG | 2013 | Evil Hat Productions |
| RPG Maker MV | A game engine for creating 2D role-playing games with narrative elements. | Game Engine | 2015 | KADOKAWA] |
| Narrative Generator | An AI tool that generates narrative ideas and structures for game developers. | AI Tool | 2020 | NaN |
| Chatbot Framework | A framework for building conversational agents that can drive narrative experiences. | Tool | 2018 | Various |
| Visual Novel Maker | An engine for creating visual novels with built-in features for storytelling. | Game Engine | 2018 | Degica |
| Choose Your Own Adventure Books | Interactive narrative books that allow readers to make choices that affect the story. | Book Series | 1979 | Various |
| Zero Sum | A narrative-driven card game with branching storylines. | Card Game | 2021 | Inquiring Minds |
| Fallout Series Scripting | Tools and engines used to create quest and dialogue systems in Fallout games. | Tool | 1997 | Bethesda Game Studios |
| World Anvil | World-building and RPG campaign management tool; can be used for narrative-driven games. | Tool | 2016 | World Anvil Team |
| Alter Ego | A computer simulation of a life that allows players to make choices affecting their character's life. | Game | 1986 | Activision |
| Yarn Spinner | A tool for writing dialogue and narrative structure in games. | Script Editor | 2019 | Yarn Spinner Team |
| Variable Story Engine | A customizable narrative engine allowing developers to create interactive stories. | Game Engine | 2021 | NaN |
| Gamebook | Interactive fiction as a published book in which the reader makes decisions to influence the narrative. | Book Format | Various | Various |
| Novelty | A tool for creating interactive fiction, putting an emphasis on story branches. | Tool | 2014 | G. Turel |
| Chatmapper | A visual tool for designing interactive dialogue and branching narratives. | Software | 2010 | Chatmapper Team |
| ChoiceScript IDE | An Integrated Development Environment for creating games with ChoiceScript. | Tool | 2014 | Choice of Games |
| Reality Gaming | Augmented reality technologies used to create narrative-driven gameplay experiences. | Technology | 2018 | Various |
| Fragmented Narratives | Techniques used to tell stories in non-linear formats across various mediums. | Concept | 2010 | Various |
| Quests | A narrative system that provides missions or tasks to players in games. | Game Mechanic | Varies | Various |
| Board Game Narratives | Games like Gloomhaven that combine board mechanics with rich storytelling. | Board Game | 2017 | Cephalofair Games |
| Digital Narrative Tools | Various online platforms for creating digital narrations, e-books, and interactive stories. | Online Tool | Various | Various |
| Grim Fandango Remastered | An example of a remastered classic game focusing on narrative and story-telling. | Game | 2015 | Double Fine Productions |
| Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic | An RPG based heavily on narrative choices and story progression. | Game | 2003 | Bioware |
| Life is Strange | An episodic graphic adventure game that revolves around time manipulation and story choices. | Game | 2015 | Dontnod Entertainment |
| Baldur's Gate III | An RPG emphasizing player choice and narrative depth in a fantasy setting. | Game | 2020 | Larian Studios |
| The Stanley Parable | A narrative-driven experience exploring choices and consequences in gaming. | Game | 2013 | Galactic Cafe |
| Oxenfree | A supernatural thriller that uses dialogue choices to shape the narrative experience. | Game | 2016 | Night School Studio |
| Detroit: Become Human | An interactive drama that is heavily influenced by player choices. | Game | 2018 | Quantic Dream |
| Firewatch | A first-person adventure that focuses on story and character development. | Game | 2016 | Campo Santo |
| The Walking Dead | An episodic adventure game that focuses on narrative and player choices. | Game | 2012 | Telltale Games |
| Celeste | A platformer with a narrative component that explores mental health through its story. | Game | 2018 | Maddy Makes Games |
| Journey | An exploration game that tells a story through visuals and interactions, with minimal text. | Game | 2012 | Thatgamecompany |
| Undertale | A unique RPG that allows players to choose between combat and dialogue, altering the narrative's outcome. | Game | 2015 | Toby Fox |
| Disco Elysium | A narrative-heavy RPG focusing on dialogue and player choices to explore philosophical themes. | Game | 2019 | ZA/UM |
| Outer Wilds | An exploration game driven by its mystery and narrative, focused on intergalactic storytelling. | Game | 2019 | Mobius Digital |
| Subnautica | An open-world survival game that provides a narrative experience through exploration and survival mechanics. | Game | 2018 | Unknown Worlds Entertainment |
| Assassin's Creed Odyssey | An open-world action RPG with a strong narrative driven by player choices. | Game | 2018 | Ubisoft |
| God of War (2018) | An action-adventure game that features a rich narrative and character development. | Game | 2018 | Santa Monica Studio |
| Shadow of the Colossus | An action-adventure game known for its minimalist approach to storytelling and deep narrative. | Game | 2005 | Bluepoint Games |
| Grim Fandango | A classic adventure game mixing narrative with unique artistic style. | Game | 1998 | LucasArts |
| The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt | An open-world RPG that focuses heavily on narrative and player choices throughout its quests. | Game | 2015 | CD Projekt Red |
| Portal 2 | A puzzle-platform game that integrates humor and narrative to enhance gameplay experience. | Game | 2011 | Valve Corporation |
| The Last of Us | An action-adventure survival horror game rich in emotional storytelling. | Game | 2013 | Naughty Dog |
| Red Dead Redemption 2 | An open-world game known for its immersive story and character depth. | Game | 2018 | Rockstar Games |
| Max Payne 2: The Fall of Max Payne | An action game featuring a film noir narrative style. | Game | 2003 | Remedy Entertainment |
| Shadowrun Returns | A tactical RPG with a strong focus on storytelling and branching narratives. | Game | 2013 | Harebrained Schemes |
| Cyberpunk 2077 | An open-world RPG that offers deep narrative experiences influenced by player choices. | Game | 2020 | CD Projekt Red |
| Vampire: The Masquerade - Bloodlines | A cult classic RPG that emphasizes choice and narrative in a dark environment. | Game | 2004 | Troika Games |
| Brothers: A Tale of Two Sons | An adventure game that tells a poignant story through gameplay mechanics and narrative structure. | Game | 2013 | Starbreeze Studios |
| Life is Strange 2 | The sequel to Life is Strange, continuing the theme of choice-driven storylines. | Game | 2018 | Dontnod Entertainment |
| Portal | A puzzle-platform game that uses humor and narrative cleverly to create engagement. | Game | 2007 | Valve Corporation |
| Amnesia: The Dark Descent | A horror game that utilizes narrative to create a terrifying atmosphere. | Game | 2010 | Frictional Games |
| Spec Ops: The Line | A military shooter with narrative choices that challenge moral dilemmas. | Game | 2012 | Yager Development |
| Journey to the Savage Planet | A humorous exploration game with a lighthearted narrative. | Game | 2020 | Typhoon Studios |
| Timberborn | A city-builder game where the narrative evolves with your actions in a post-human world. | Game | 2021 | Mechanistry |
| Death Stranding | An action game that blends story and gameplay in a unique world. | Game | 2019 | Kojima Productions |
| Moon Hunters | A cooperative action RPG with rich character-driven narratives based on mythology. | Game | 2016 | Kitfox Games |
| A Plague Tale: Innocence | An action-adventure game that combines stealth and narrative about two siblings during the plague. | Game | 2019 | Asobo Studio |
| Darkest Dungeon | A gothic roguelike RPG that emphasizes narrative and atmosphere as players manage a team of adventurers. | Game | 2016 | Red Hook Studios |
| Bioshock Infinite | An FPS with strong narrative elements that dive into complex themes and storytelling techniques. | Game | 2013 | Irrational Games |
| Enslaved: Odyssey to the West | An action-adventure game that incorporates a strong narrative with gameplay mechanics. | Game | 2010 | Ninja Theory |
| Ghost of Tsushima | An action-adventure game set in feudal Japan that emphasizes storytelling and choice. | Game | 2020 | Sucker Punch Productions |
| The Banner Saga | A tactical RPG that combines decision-making elements with a gripping narrative. | Game | 2014 | Stoic Studio |
| Heavy Rain | An interactive drama that puts heavy emphasis on narrative and character choices. | Game | 2010 | Quantic Dream |
| Oxenfree II | The sequel to Oxenfree, continuing the legacy of strong narrative-driven gameplay. | Game | TBA | Night School Studio |
| House of Ashes | This horror game focuses on narrative through choice and character interaction. | Game | 2021 | Supermassive Games |
| The Surge 2 | An action RPG that explores the narrative in a dystopian future with some RPG elements. | Game | 2019 | Deck 13 |
| Death's Door | An action-adventure game with a rich narrative and unique gameplay mechanics. | Game | 2021 | Acid Nerve |
| Stray | An adventure game that follows a cat in a cyberpunk world, telling a narrative through exploration. | Game | 2022 | BlueTwelve Studio |
| CyberConnect2's Naruto RPGs | These RPGs adapt the Naruto series, heavily involving narrative and player choices. | Game Series | 2003-2020 | CyberConnect2 |
| The Outer Worlds | An action RPG that emphasizes player choice and narrative decisions affecting the game world. | Game | 2019 | Obsidian Entertainment |
| Chicory: A Colorful Tale | An adventure game that combines art and narrative, allowing players to color their way through a story. | Game | 2021 | Greg Lobanov |
| Fable Series | An action RPG series known for its choices and moral storytelling. | Game Series | 2004-2010 | Lionhead Studios |
| Persona 5 | A Japanese RPG that blends daily life simulation with a deep narrative involving social links. | Game | 2016 | Atlus |
| Fallout: New Vegas | An RPG known for its depth in narrative and branching storylines based on player choices. | Game | 2010 | Obsidian Entertainment |
| To the Moon | An indie adventure game known for its emotional storytelling. | Game | 2011 | Freebird Games |
| Her Story | A narrative-driven game that uses live-action video to tell a story through puzzle-solving. | Game | 2015 | Sam Barlow |
| Fire Emblem Series | A tactical RPG series where the narrative evolves based on player decisions in battles. | Game Series | 1990-Present | Intelligent Systems |
| Spiritfarer | An adventure game about guiding souls to the afterlife, emphasizing storytelling and character interaction. | Game | 2020 | Thunder Lotus Games |
| A Short Hike | An exploration game that tells a charming story through discovery. | Game | 2019 | Adam Robinson-Yu |
| Monster Hunter Stories | A turn-based RPG with a narrative-driven approach set in the Monster Hunter universe. | Game | 2016 | Capcom |
| Bioshock Series | FPS games known for their narrative depth and philosophical themes. | Game Series | 2007-2016 | Irrational Games |
| Pathologic 2 | A narrative-driven game that explores choice and consequence in a plague-ridden world. | Game | 2019 | Ice-Pick Lodge |
| Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic II | An RPG that builds on its predecessor with deeper storytelling and character development. | Game | 2004 | Obsidian Entertainment |
| Vampire: The Masquerade - Bloodlines 2 | A sequel to the cult classic focusing on narrative RPG elements and choices. | Game | TBA | Hardsuit Labs |
| Children of Morta | An action RPG with a narrative that revolves around family and love. | Game | 2019 | Dead Mage |
| Sunless Sea | A survival/exploration game with a rich narrative set in a dark universe. | Game | 2015 | Failbetter Games |
| Portal Knights | An action RPG with crafting elements and a whimsical narrative. | Game | 2017 | Keen Games |
| Astrologaster | An interactive narrative game based on a 16th-century astrologer and his readings. | Game | 2019 | Nyamyam |
| Afterparty | A narrative-driven game where players must outdrink the devil in Hell. | Game | 2019 | Night School Studio |
| Prey (2017) | An action-adventure game with a focus on narrative and player-driven storytelling elements. | Game | 2017 | Arkane Studios |
| Twilight Zone: The Film Game | A game that focuses on creating narratives inspired by various Twilight Zone episodes. | Game | 2021 | Twilight Zone Team |
| Find Yourself | An interactive fiction game with a choice-based narrative focusing on personal growth. | Game | 2018 | NaN |
| Kingdom Hearts Series | An action RPG franchise that blends Disney narratives with original characters and stories. | Game Series | 2002-Present | Square Enix |
| Fahrenheit: Indigo Prophecy Remastered | An interactive drama game that includes choice-driven narrative elements remastered. | Game | 2015 | Quantic Dream |
| Persona 5 Royal | An expanded version of Persona 5 with new narrative elements and characters. | Game | 2019 | Atlus |
| SCP: Containment Breach | A horror game that allows players to explore narratives centered around SCP lore. | Game | 2014 | Regalis |
| Thimbleweed Park | A point-and-click adventure game with a strong narrative and retro design. | Game | 2017 | Terrible Toybox |
| Toem | A photography adventure game that explores a narrative through various quests and interactions. | Game | 2021 | Something We Made |
| Unpacking | A narrative experience centered on unpacking boxes and exploring a person's life journey. | Game | 2021 | Gentle Barn |
| Kentucky Route Zero | A magical realist adventure game focused on narrative and atmosphere. | Game | 2013 | Cardboard Computer |
| Night in the Woods | An adventure game focusing on story and character with a strong narrative about mental health. | Game | 2017 | Infinite Fall |
| Return of the Obra Dinn | An investigation game that unfolds a narrative through deduction and observation. | Game | 2018 | Lucas Pope |
| Eastshade | An open-world exploration game that focuses on storytelling through artistic expression. | Game | 2019 | Eastshade Studios |
| Chicory: A Colorful Tale | A whimsical exploration game where creativity drives the narrative. | Game | 2021 | Greg Lobanov |
| Fox and Forests | A platformer with an emphasis on narrative and exploration of a magical world. | Game | 2018 | Bonus Level Entertainment |
| Lake | An adventure game revolving around choices and storytelling in a rural setting. | Game | 2021 | Gamious |
| Disco Elysium: The Final Cut | An expanded version of the acclaimed narrative RPG with new voice acting and content. | Game | 2021 | ZA/UM |
| Little Nightmares II | A dark adventure with a heavy narrative influence, focusing on atmosphere and storytelling. | Game | 2021 | Tarsier Studios |
| Mad Max | An open-world action-adventure with a narrative propelled by its post-apocalyptic setting. | Game | 2015 | Avalanche Studios |
| Space Quest Series | A classic sci-fi adventure game series known for its humor and strong narrative. | Game Series | 1986-1995 | Sierra On-Line |
| Final Fantasy VII Remake | A reimagining of the original that emphasizes expanded narratives and character depth. | Game | 2020 | Square Enix |
| Gravity Rush | An action-adventure game with a strong narrative about gravity manipulation and discovery. | Game | 2012 | Japan Studio |
| Octopath Traveler | A turn-based RPG that features multiple narratives woven together in a unique storytelling format. | Game | 2018 | Square Enix |
| Disgaea Series | A tactical RPG series known for its humorous narrative and extensive character development. | Game Series | 2003-Present | Nippon Ichi Software |
| Hades | A roguelike dungeon crawler that tells an evolving story through gameplay and character interactions. | Game | 2020 | Supergiant Games |
| Bully | An open-world action-adventure game that focuses on narrative and character interactions in a school setting. | Game | 2006 | Rockstar Games |
| Cities: Skylines | While primarily a city-building game, it encourages narrative through urban storytelling and player creativity. | Game | 2015 | Colossal Order |
| Celestial | A narrative-focused adventure exploring themes of life and existence in a celestial environment. | Game | 2021 | Celestial Studio |
| Toem: A Photo Adventure | An exploration game that engages players through narrative and photography. | Game | 2021 | Something We Made |
| Valhalla | A cyberpunk bartending simulator with strong narrative-driven interactions. | Game | 2016 | Suvaka |
| Outer Wilds | An open-world exploration game showcasing a deeply interwoven narrative in a unique world. | Game | 2019 | Mobius Digital |
| The Forgotten Ones | A horror game that draws players into its narrative through atmospheric storytelling. | Game | 2021 | Unknown |
| StarDew Valley | A farming simulation RPG that allows players to engage in narrative through community interactions and quests. | Game | 2016 | ConcernedApe |
| Knights and Bikes | A co-op adventure game with an emphasis on narrative and friendship themes. | Game | 2019 | Foam Sword |
| Disaster Report Series | A series focusing on survival amid disasters, narrating personal stories and struggles. | Game Series | 2002-2021 | Nippon Ichi Software |
| The Last Express | An adventure game known for its real-time narrative and unique storytelling techniques. | Game | 1997 | D.O.A. Productions |
| Narrative-driven Board Games | Tabletop games designed around storytelling experiences and player interactions. | Game Type | Various | Various |
| Keep Talking and Nobody Explodes | A party game focusing on communication and narrative elements to defuse bombs. | Game | 2015 | Steel Crate Games |
| Unavowed | A NYC-based narrative-driven adventure game with supernatural themes. | Game | 2018 | Wadjet Eye Games |
| Fable: The Journey | A branch of the Fable series focusing on a narrative-centric adventure. | Game | 2012 | Lionhead Studios |
| Chicory: A Colorful Tale | A creative adventure game that incorporates narrative through art and discovery. | Game | 2021 | Greg Lobanov |
| The Invisible Hours | A narrative-driven VR experience focused on running a mystery story. | Game | 2017 | Tequila Works |
| Godfall | A looter-slasher emphasizing cooperative storytelling and immersive narrative experiences. | Game | 2020 | Counterplay Games |
| Little Nightmares II | An atmospheric horror adventure game with a focus on narrative through environmental storytelling. | Game | 2021 | Tarsier Studios |
| The Council | An episodic narrative adventure game that emphasizes player choices and dialogue interactions. | Game | 2018 | Big Bad Wolf |
| Slay the Spire | A roguelike deck-building game with a story developed through encounters and character interactions. | Game | 2019 | Mega Crit Games |
| The Club | An action game focused on competitive gameplay and narrative elements within tight-knit settings. | Game | 2007 | Bizarre Creations |
| Biomutant | An open-world action RPG that combines martial arts and narrative in a post-apocalyptic setting. | Game | 2021 | Experiment 101 |
| Catherine: Full Body | A remastered version of the classic puzzle game that blends narrative and gameplay. | Game | 2019 | Atlus |