Creating Coherent Worlds

         
Coherent;

1. logically connected; consistent: a coherent argument.
2. cohering;  sticking together: a coherent mass of stickycandies.
3. having a natural or due agreement of parts; harmonious: acoherent design.

Creating a coherent world is imperative to creating a successful narrative. As in films it is important in games for the world the narrative takes place in to be believable and draw in the viewer/player. A true feeling of immersion within the game world is ideally what we like whilst playing. If a game world is not immersive we become bored and less inclined to play. Both films and games aim to create worlds that are so cohesive that we as participants are almost not aware that they are there because they are so effective that immediately we are immersed in the world. There also needs to be a working relationship between environment and the game mechanics, both working together to create a cohesive story. 

The main difference between films and games when delivering narrative is that because in games you are in control of the narrative, in that you control the protagonist and make choices within the game world, it feels more personal. While watching films you feel like you are almost a 3rd party to the action and that the narrative would still unfold even if you stopped watching whereas with a game when you stop playing the narrative stops with you. 

What is an effective story world?


An effective story world is one that draws you in straight away, in fact the most effective story worlds will be almost invisible to the viewer or player. If a story world is truly effective you will be immersed in it within seconds and will have taken for granted all the work that has gone into making the world.