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Dragoniae Magis

Elements of a video game's story mode/campaign, optional or not

Updated: Sep 20


 

Why should you design or play a video games' campaign?


A campaign is different from other gamemodes because they focus on story and characters. Its different from other gamemodes if you are a player who prefers more story-focused gamemodes.

Video game have the most potential of any entertainment media in story because they are digitally interactive. When the campaign comes out, the player wants to try it.

Tip:Know and understand your audience

Tip: Balance the elements to make sure the game is fun



Inspirations:

SWS

PG3D

Pokemon

Zelda: BOTW

SW2

TR

CR

 

Aspects of a video games' story mode

1.Gameplay

Gameplay tops all other aspects of a video game. The gameplay for a video game campaign needs to be innovative and accurate to the audience. Without good gameplay, the player will not enjoy playing the campaign if the gameplay is not fun and interesting. Gimmicky gameplay gets the player excited, interested, and addicted.


2. Cutscenes

You don't need them because they're expensive and time-consuming, but they are great if you have the resources. Make sure they can actually work, and get positive feedback. Cutscenes carry the entire story. They are fueled by sound, characters, story, and dialogue. Make sure to balance the amount of cutscenes and don't make playing the campaign feel like a chore. Cutscene can take the form of comics, videos, and even in-game cinematic. Some are more expensive and time consuming than others.


You have defeated monsters, and you are finding the location of the next level
In PG3D, after each level, there are 4(or maybe 8) comic panels as cutscenes


3. Sound and music

Sound is everything a player hears in the game so it is obviously important. Music fits the vibe and makes sure the player knows what to feel. Everything can feel so powerful with sound and music. Sound sets the emotion and expects a reaction from the player.


4. Characters

Characters are important because they are whom the story is centered around. You need good characters for a good story. Players will like to see characters if they are enjoyable. Characters are who say the dialogue. The characters fuel the entire story. You could have a character for every purpose, like being complex, funny, and greedy.


The order empire have just slayed medusa
In SWS intro, Zilaros(wizard) is surprised, King Zarek(with the crown) is also excited, and the spearton is faithful

5. Story

The story aspect is what most sets the campaign apart from other gamemodes. It is what drives players to play the campaign. Pick a fitting way of storytelling for video games, which are interactive. Focus on both story and gameplay, both of which are top elements of a video games' campaign. Make sure they both fit together and combine them to make the perfect campaign.


6. Progression

Progression is important because it keeps things new and give players a reason to play more. Sometimes the campaign has separate progression from other gamemodes, sometimes not.

Progression is important and is an interesting aspect. Some games have no progression, which is more unique and keeps things easier for players, new or not, but that is not always a likable trait for a video game. However, the progression must not be grindy and boring and tiring .


You get exp. for winning battles. You level up and get rewards and unlock new things.
Pixel gun 3d progress road. Rewards for leveling up like new gamemodes, currency, and cosmetics

7. Difficulty

A game should be easy to learn, hard to master. That makes a game fun. Difficulty must be balanced and maybe separated into separate difficulties, like easy, normal, medium, hard, insane/extreme. No player would play a game for long if it isn't challenging. See, the game needs to be challenging in a fun way. Like I said, easy to learn, hard to master, is what your game should be.


Stick Man Trenches has 3 gamemodes. Easy for newbies, moderate for normal players, and hard for players who want a challenge
3 difficulties the average, and maybe the best

8. Strategy

A player should be required to be more strategic, improvise, try new things, and learn from past attempts. Maybe even micromanage for more challenging difficulties. But the game should still be fun and enjoyable, especially for players who want a challenge. However, make sure the game isn't too hard and remember that strategy isn't for everyone.


Towers, enemies, and spells. You must destroy the enemy's towers and not lose your own
In Clash Royale you need to defend and attack the enemy. There are different threats

9. Variety

Players should have a lot of features to choose from. No player should be the same. The variety should be engaging for new players but not overwhelming. A player can have fun experimenting with different features. A player should be saying "Oh, wow!",instead of "Uh, let me search up a guide for new players".


You have different decks of 8 cards each.  Build up a roster of spells, upgrades, and units.
In SW3, there is an epic roster of cards. Many different types of cards

10. Dialogue

While not needed, dialogue adds much to the story very clearly. Execute the lines well with good delivery of the lines from the characters. Make sure the player doesn't have to read too much, because that will make the game boring. Players don't want to feel like they are in school(who does?).

A text box in a video game
Example of dialogue( I edited it myself)






11. Reward

Good rewards satisfy the players and give them a reason to keep playing. Always give sufficient rewards. Make sure to keep the reward balanced. Challenge=Reward. The reward needs to be in accordance with the challenge. Players will get annoyed if they receive

Lame and repetitive rewards for things that are a task of their own. Players should be excited and desirous, not irritated and mad.

A coin is common digital currency
Currency in a video game.

Source:Wix AI generated

12. Graphics

Graphics are everything the player sees in the game, good quality graphics are important. Good graphics(like character design and worlds/maps) makes for a good experience. Pick a fitting and likable art style, for both players and developers. Pay close attention to the graphics, fore they have a special role. When players first start the game, the graphics are what welcome them. They need to be dazzled, not overwhelmed.


There are many NPCs in your world. You can also play with other players. and dig down.
Terraria has splendid 2D pixelated graphics

13. Maps/worlds

Maps/worlds need to hold the players' interest and get them excited. "Maps" is a term more commonly used for 2D games, but also for 3D games. "Worlds" is a term used for more pronounced open-world 3D games. A map(like the picture below) needs to be interesting, mysterious. They should something to them the player likes, and is attracted by. The maps are heavily affected by art styles, while the worlds are not.

Stick war 2 campaign map
SW2's mysterious, terrifying, but interesting map


Creativity and uniqueness

How is your campaign different?


Your campaign, your entire game, must be unique to be popular. You don't want a large part of your playerbase comparing your campaign to other video games' campaign and complaining about your campaigns' inferiority. Make it gimmicky, interesting. The gameplay and story must mix well and combine. Doing that results in a near-perfect campaign. Make sure to balance many elements and mix all of them. A player will be itching to play the campaign. Listen to your players and reflect on their feedback.

 

Conclusion

See "tips" above.

A campaign is easily the most story-based gamemode you can get. Value and pay attention to all these aspects. Remember the points and knowledge shared in this blog, it will benefit you! There are 13 elements of a video game's campaign.


I hope this guide helped. Bye and have fun!




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