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Understanding Organic vs. Inorganic Storytelling in Games: A Deep Dive

By Daniel Hunter Dowsing, June 29, 2015 | 20 Min Read

The Rise of Narrative Language in Gaming

Games as a medium are often described as “young” compared to film, books, or theatre, but they are rapidly evolving. Just as early film experimented with storytelling techniques before developing its unique narrative language, video games are on the cusp of defining their own. Unlike traditional media, games blend interactivity and narrative in complex ways, creating opportunities for deeper storytelling innovation.

Defining Storytelling in Games: Organic and Inorganic

Story Basics
At its core, a story is “change through conflict.” Characters, driven by motivations, confront obstacles, experiences tension, climax, and ultimately change—emotionally, morally, physically, or otherwise.

Organic Storytelling
Organic storytelling uses narrative techniques intrinsic to gameplay itself. This means the story unfolds through player actions, decisions, and game mechanics—the narrative is woven directly into the interactive experience, creating seamless engagement.

Inorganic Storytelling
Inorganic storytelling employs narrative tools borrowed from other mediums (e.g., film or novels) that are not native to gameplay. A classic example is the use of cutscenes: cinematic sequences that pause gameplay to deliver story exposition, using camera angles, acting, and editing—elements inherent to film rather than games.

Inorganic Storytelling: Pros and Cons

Cutscenes and narrative films inside games can be powerful for character development and delivering complex stories. Daniel admires games like Legacy of Kain: Soul Reaver for their expertly crafted cutscenes that deepen character arcs and plot.

However, inorganic storytelling can fragment the player’s immersion by interrupting gameplay to “watch” rather than “play,” potentially disconnecting narrative impact from interactive engagement.

The Case for Organic Storytelling in Games

The ultimate narrative potential of games lies in fully integrating the story with gameplay mechanics—letting players experience the narrative through their actions and choices rather than passively observing it.

As game storytelling matures, blending organic approaches carefully with inorganic elements enables richer, more emotionally resonant experiences that leverage the strengths unique to gaming.

Conclusion: Toward a New Narrative Language for Games

• Games are evolving beyond “inorganic” cinematic storytelling to explore organic storytelling, where narrative and gameplay harmonize.
• Recognizing and balancing these storytelling forms is crucial for game writers and designers seeking to deepen engagement and artistic value.
• The distinction helps clarify how the medium can grow, much like early film developed its language to move past simple recorded scenes toward complex storytelling.

Additional Context

This reflection from a seasoned game writer highlights foundational concepts for those in game design, narrative development, and interactive media studies. It underscores the importance of storytelling innovation as gaming reaches new cultural and artistic heights.

*For readers eager to explore storytelling dynamics in games, works cited include:

• Legacy of Kain: Soul Reaver (Crystal Dynamics)
• Half-Life series
• Portal and Portal 2 (Valve)
• Journey (Thatgamecompany)
• Prince of Persia: Sands of Time (Ubisoft)

These titles exemplify both organic and inorganic narrative techniques, serving as case studies in evolving game storytelling.

Published on Game Developer Blogs by Opposable Games. Original article length approximately 20 minutes read.

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