Hi everyone,
I've put together a video exploring the story in Dragon Age: Inquisition, discussing the techniques by which the story is told, and looking at what works, what doesn't, and why. This is the first video in the StoryMode channel, where I'll be looking at storytelling in games - including how writing/story conventions apply to games and how story is integrated with/segregated from gameplay.
If that sounds interesting to you, please check it out:
Are you a professional writer? What are your qualifications for presenting yourself as an expert?
Hate to continue with the first response's negative tone, but maybe rather than presenting stuff as facts you should present them as your own opinion on stuff ? Just a suggestion.
I watched some of the video and found myself disagreeing or scratching my head wondering if the events happened quite like that. It makes it seem like things were very black and white and straight forward. For example, at the start of the game Cassandra asks your opinion since you've already proved yourself by closing two rifts - and I think she also says that she is asking you "since we can't seem to agree on our own". It's not like they really thrust the power to you all of a sudden. Just pointing out if you were wondering what I meant.
Now I like Inquisition, quite a lot actually, so maybe my opinion is a bit coloured by that fact and the negativeness towards the game on your side - I didn't watch the whole video so sorry if it turns around all of a sudden.. It looks nice and all but it is a bit too absolute for my liking - it doesn't leave room for discussion as much as to arguing and bickering over wether this was that or that was this.
My post wasn't by any means negative, I merely asked what his qualifications were, especially since he presents himself as an expert, and as noted, makes statements as facts rather than the obvious opinions that they really are.
Yes, I watched the entire video, and while I liked it (it was done well, had a good format and flow), there were some pieces of data that are just plain incorrect. A few examples of this are;
The dragons and side content are not tied into the narrative because that content is all optional. You don't have to do any of them to get through the narrative.
I do agree with some of the critiques, some I don't. I would suggest presenting more as a consumer rather than a professional, which has yet to be established.
My post wasn't by any means negative, I merely asked what his qualifications were, especially since he presents himself as an expert, and as noted, makes statements as facts rather than the obvious opinions that they really are.
Yes, I watched the entire video, and while I liked it (it was done well, had a good format and flow), there were some pieces of data that are just plain incorrect. A few examples of this are;
- The Red Lyruim Dragon is not an Archdemon.
- 99% of the sides quests are optional.
- The high dragons are all optional.
- Zones/Areas do have a mini narrative on their own (some vaguely tied to the main, some not)
The dragons and side content are not tied into the narrative because that content is all optional. You don't have to do any of them to get through the narrative.
I do agree with some of the critiques, some I don't. I would suggest presenting more as a consumer rather than a professional, which has yet to be established.
Indeed, and although perhaps carrying more weight, even a professional writer's opinion might disagree with that of another. There's no such thing as an objectively "good" story and all critique, unless pointing out incontrovertible inconsistencies and factual errors, is just opinion, even if it's of the informed/educated variety.
Thanks for your feedback everyone!
To answer some questions, I've studied writing for several years and researched storytelling in videogames before beginning work on this. I have written some stuff, made some small games and done some editing for others, though I would not call myself professional in any of those regards (one day, hopefully!). This is mostly a passion project from someone who loves games and stories, and is fairly well versed in both.
Rabastan's right in that I did take solid stances in most matters - I agree that there is plenty of room for debate and interpretation, and while creating the video I had all those thoughts myself. However, I found that if I discussed those issues further the video became slow and bloated (and very very long); in the interests of keeping the video flowing and to a reasonable length I stuck to simply making the points I wanted to make. As YourFunnyUncle points out, opinions will always vary - if the video creates more discussion about these stories, that's a good thing.
Also, there are parts of the game I loved and praised in the video (mainly the assault on Haven and the masquerade at Halam Shiral); the start of the video is a bit negative, but I do give it props where props are due.
Sunny, you are absolutely correct with your points - the dragon is not an archdemon, but at the time when you first encounter it the characters believe it to be an archdemon so I stuck with that description. I agree that the side content is entirely optional, but the player is encouraged to do it through rewards of power/treasure/XP, and it's easy to get stuck grinding those out and ignoring the main plot.
Hope you enjoyed the video, guys - I'll be making more on the channel as time permits.
My post wasn't by any means negative, I merely asked what his qualifications were, especially since he presents himself as an expert, and as noted, makes statements as facts rather than the obvious opinions that they really are.
Sorry about that... Negative was probably the wrong adjective to use... What I meant is that it probably wasn't the kind of response/feedback the op was hoping for and that my post would continue in that way too. English is my third language so I guess I come off as a bit black and white sometimes too 
Anyhow... Nice to see that @StoryMode is taking the critique well, not something you see on the internet everyday. Will probably watch the full video later if I find time and post / edit this post with more feedback if there is something I find would be useful to you.
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