Story Arc Construction

💬 What is the process of creating a narrative in games? 💬 Here is the pipeline I created and used when I was a Narrative Producer: 0) Logline — High-concept premise — Two or three sentences — Includes the protagonist, goal, and main conflict 1) Synopsis — Brief story overview (1-2 pages) — Follows a three-act structure — Outlines main plot points, key characters, and the overall story arc 2) Story Outline — Breakdown narrative into acts and major chapters — Highlight key events, character development, and plot twists — Roadmap for the entire story 2A) Worldbuilding — Create the game's setting — Focus on aspects that influence the story and characters 2B) Characters Passports — Backstory and motivation — Key character traits — Role in the plot — Description of appearance — References 2C) Speech Characteristics — Unique speech patterns for each character — Examples: old-fashioned or slang speech, stuttering, etc. — Sample of dialogue 3) Chapter Flowchart — Visual representation of story progression — Detail branching paths, scenes, player decisions, and possible outcomes — Indicates game mechanics used in scenes 3A) Art Description — Descriptions and references for the art team — Includes character designs, environments, items, and key scenes 3B) Narrative Features Description — Tools/features for narrative — Dialogue system, branching path mechanics — Interactive storytelling elements, etc. 4) Writing Dialogue — Create engaging dialogues fitting characters and advancing the story — Describe cut scenes and character actions 4A) Secondary Narrative — Environmental storytelling — Lore texts — Item descriptions — Barks & optional dialogues 5) Voice Acting & Motion Capture — Casting and recording voice actors — Motion capture to enhance character animations (if required) 6) Integration — Implement and configure created narrative content into the game build — Creating cutscenes 7) Testing and Iteration — Playtest, gather feedback, and iterate — Improve pacing, engagement, and coherence with gameplay 8) Localization — Translate and adapt the narrative for different languages and cultures — Ensure the main narrative is tested and approved

Here's how I've grown engagement for clients by 200% by treating content like Netflix treats shows. 👉 We stopped creating "content" and started building episodes. Every blog post became part of a larger narrative arc Each piece set up questions that could only be answered by reading the next installment. The results shocked even me: • Half the time-to-sale • 60% return visitor rates • Double the pages per visit Why does this work? Because traditional content calendars are just repositories of disconnected topics. But when you structure your calendar into a four-act narrative with: • Conflicts • Clear sequences • Character development You give readers reasons to subscribe, return, and engage. In fact, I've seen people open 15 browser tabs from a single post because the narrative hooks were so compelling. Stop asking "what keywords should we target next?" Start asking "what's the next chapter in our audience's story?" What would your content look like if it followed a season-long story arc?

Most papers put reviewers to sleep. Fix your next publication: Cut 60% of unnecessary discussion—focus on the key finding. Start with conflict, not just background. End with "Here's why this matters to you." Data tells. Story sells. Even in academia. Transform dry data into compelling narratives: Limbic Hook Share a story contradicting literature. Open with an unexpected question. Present a counterintuitive finding. Narrative Arc Problem → Challenge → Discovery → Contribution. Build tension, reveal results, and end with insight. Human Element Connect data to real-world impact. Show why your audience should care. Use specific examples and outcomes. It’s not just about data—it’s about telling the story of your discovery. P.S. Are you pro or con storytelling in research papers? #research #phd #stories

You know how Pixar grabs you in 10 seconds? A scene. A problem. A character with a goal. Then they pull you through a story arc you can’t ignore. Your UX portfolio should do the same. But most don’t. They open with “I’m a UX designer passionate about users…” Then show a bunch of pretty wireframes. No plot. No stakes. No transformation. You want to land your dream job? Tell a damn good story. → Start with the business or user problem. → Walk through your decisions — not just deliverables. → End with what changed because of your work. Hiring managers aren’t looking for portfolios. They’re looking for proof. Proof that you can think. Solve. Communicate. Own outcomes. That’s what the 7-step UXCP structure gives you: → A bold opener that hooks them. → Role-relevant proof of value. → Impact-based storytelling (not process play-by-plays). → A unique strength that sticks. → Referrals that speak volumes. → And a CTA that moves the convo forward. Sound familiar? It’s how Pixar tells stories. It’s how designers win trust. So here’s the question: Wireframes or story arc — which one makes you unforgettable?