Art of the Beholder – New This Week – How games convey story in the absence of language

Greetings,

Novo and Philip (philipchurch.com) discuss the evolution of storytelling in gaming, focusing on how they convey story and narrative in the absence of language, the retro games that did itfirst, our modern era, highlighting the game-ography of “Thatgamecompany,” focusing on game “Journey,” and what the future may hold, all culminating to one very important question: Will games one day be the best medium to tell a story?

Journey is a 2012 indie game by Thatgamecompany that takes players on a mesmerizing, wordless adventure through a vast desert toward a distant mountain. The game is renowned for its breathtaking visuals, emotional depth, and unique approach to storytelling without dialogue or text.

Players control a robed figure who travels across shifting sands, ancient ruins, and ethereal landscapes, guided only by visual cues and a haunting musical score. The game’s narrative unfolds through environmental storytelling, subtle animations, and symbolic imagery, allowing players to interpret its themes of discovery, companionship, loss, and transcendence in their own way.

A key element of Journey is its multiplayer experience, where players may encounter others on the same path. However, they cannot communicate through traditional means—only through musical chimes and movement. This fosters a deep, emotional connection between strangers, reinforcing the game’s themes of unity and shared experience.

Through its minimalist design, evocative music, and silent storytelling, Journey demonstrates the power of nonverbal narrative, proving that emotions and meaning can be conveyed without a single word.

Thank you for listening.

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NDP