| 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 |