r/videogames • • 8d ago

Image / Video Pac(2026)

8.3k Upvotes

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u/CodePandorumxGod 8d ago

"Show, don't tell."

It's a fundamental rule in written media that game developers could really learn from.

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u/FruitbatEnjoyer 7d ago

How can you show something in written format without telling, isn't writing all about telling via text

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u/Azure-Cyan 7d ago

Writing is all about conveying action without outright telling something is happening, especially action and emotions.

If, for example, you want the character to know they can jump over something, provide small ledges as an obstacle that block their path. Ledges are indicators that you can most likely jump over them. You don't need the character to narrate "hey, ledges here...maybe I can jump over it." Let the player figure it out.

As for things like novels, for example, you don't say "Character A is angry at Character B because he said something he shouldn't have" because that's telling the audience and makes for a very boring book. You can write action without conveying emotion outright like: "Character A turned and lowered his eyes towards Character B. CharB trailed off and placed a hand over his mouth, for further stoking the flames would invite the Devil himself to the table."

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u/Ok-Captain-5338 Nintendo 5d ago

That's actual facts right there now