Narrative & Games

Narrative in Games can be used in different ways such as:

During a cutscene (through video and voice)

As you play the game.

Character interaction.

Narrative (Voice over)

Audio logs / Collectibles.

To introduce a Level, Character or Setting.

Affect gameplay in games with multiple choices/paths.

To further the games storyline.

A great example of narration is found in Bastion through the character Rucks. He is used extremely well to narrate as you go through the game. The pacing is spot on and well executed and contributes to the games charm. 

Another great use of narrative is in the Bioshock games through the use of audio logs. Every time you find an audio log it gives you information about certain characters linked to the story both past and present. As you collect more and more audio logs you learn more and more about the characters characteristics, traits and personal stories. 

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Narration is also used in multiplayer games such as:

Sports Games (the commentators)

Call of Duty (the announcer for the scores and killstreaks)

Max Payne (short announcement of the game mission objective)

Titanfall (Narrative that gets the single player and multiplayer knit together)