How Narrative Pipeline in Game Dev Works

As a Narrative Producer, I was responsible for a narrative of a dozen games.

Here’s how the narrative pipeline in game development works:

1 🎮 Start with the Game Concept
• Define the genre, platforms, target audience, and core mechanics.
• Establish the unique selling points (USPs) and the game loop.

2 📖 Develop the Synopsis
• Create a brief overview of the story (1-2 pages).
• Use a three-act structure to outline the main plot, characters, and story arc.

3 💡 Write the Logline
• Condense the story into 2-3 sentences.
• Highlight the protagonist, goal, and conflict.

4 🌍 Dive into Worldbuilding
• Design the game’s setting.
• Focus on elements that shape the story, characters, and gameplay.

5 👤 Character Passports & Speech
• Define character backstories, motivations, and traits.
• Develop unique speech patterns and sample dialogue.

6 🗺️ Build a Story Outline
• Break down the narrative into acts and chapters.
• Highlight key events, twists, and character development.

7 📊 Create a Chapters Flowchart
• Map branching paths, player decisions, and outcomes.
• Integrate game mechanics into the story progression.

8 🎨 Describe the Art
• Provide references for character designs, environments, and key scenes.

9 🔧 Highlight Narrative Features
• Outline tools like branching dialogue or interactive storytelling.

10 🗨️ Write the Dialogue
• Craft engaging, character-driven dialogue.
• Define cut scenes and character actions.

11 🕵️ Add Secondary Narrative Layers
• Include lore, item descriptions, and environmental storytelling.

12 🎙️ Voice Acting & Motion Capture
• Cast and record voices; enhance animations through motion capture.

13 🔗 Integrate the Narrative
• Implement the narrative content into the game.

14 🛠️ Test & Iterate
• Playtest, gather feedback, and refine the narrative.

15 🌍 Localize for Global Players
• Adapt the story for different languages and cultures.

Which step do you find the most exciting or challenging?
Let’s discuss!