Video games started simply enough with Pong in 1972 and has morphed into video games winning awards for storyline and dialogue.
This was proven true by Uncharted 4 : A Thief’s End at the 2017 SXSW Gaming Awards. Clearly these video game designers are up to something so I attended their session with no expectations.
I was blown away by the elements from video game design that need to be applied to digital marketing storytelling.
Below I share how VR gaming can help you tell a better story.
Experience matters
Stories give people the ability to get lost, even for just a moment.
A story is shared to get the listener to feel like they are there, like they were apart of the story. The goal is to get them to experience the story as you felt it.
What experience do you want your story to leave behind?
Creators are creating connections (between characters & human beings)
Progressive and Geico commercials are examples of the connections between the character of a story and the viewers.
Your story should include a character or creature your audience can create a connection with.
Core human aspects
Video games allow users to escape into a fantasy world but still have human aspects. They still want to eat and communicate with people.
Your story should be too far removed from the human experience, it can be humorous or satirical but stay true to core human aspects.
Don’t bring out the darkness out
Emotions are powerful and convert but be weary of using sadness, pity, or anger emotions.
You don’t want your story to unknowingly trigger your audience in a poor way.
Be mindful of your story and elements might trigger others. This is especially true for animal rights, human trafficking, or domestic violence causes.
Model a house party
Stay with me here, you go to a house party and you’ve got a host who greets you, provides you with drinks or food, introduces you to another friend and before you know it the party's over.
Your story should move through that same process, leaving viewers not ready to leave and eager to attend the next party.
Built in customer service
In this digital age customer service is key and your story should include it.
You can add an element of customer service by asking questions within your story or inviting people to comment. Live Q & A’s are an excellent way to weave customer service into your story.
Future thinking
360 degree video, virtual and augmented reality are the future and it’s important to be aware of trends.
People are starting to expect more and want to be able to use their senses.
Be mindful of how your story can change and adapt as technology continues to change and adapt.
Checkout my other post from this year’s SXSW 2017:
- Ways To Adapt Storytelling To Your Marketing Strategy
- Everything You Need to Know About Mobile Storytelling
Need help with telling the story of your business in an effective way?
Contact our marketing team and learn how we can help you.
