The Impact of Character Deaths in Video Games

Have you ever felt the emotional weight of a character’s death in a video game, only to have that character magically resurrected in the next installment? Twitter user @CrimFoxTails brings up an interesting point about the narrative weight of bringing characters back to life too soon.

In the tweet, they suggest that allowing characters to stay dead for at least two games before bringing them back can add more depth to the story. They also mention the idea of permanently killing off a character in one universe while keeping them alive in another, similar to what was done with Geese in the Fatal Fury and King of Fighters series.

This raises the question of how character deaths impact storytelling in video games. When a character dies in a game, it can evoke strong emotions in players, creating a sense of loss and adding stakes to the narrative. However, if that character is resurrected too quickly, it can diminish the impact of their death and cheapen the storytelling.

By allowing characters to remain dead for a significant amount of time, developers have the opportunity to explore the consequences of their absence and delve deeper into the remaining characters’ emotions and motivations. This can lead to more complex and engaging storytelling that resonates with players on a deeper level.

Overall, @CrimFoxTails’ tweet sparks an important conversation about the role of character deaths in video games and how they can be used to enhance the narrative experience. Perhaps game developers will take note and consider the impact of bringing characters back from the dead too soon in future releases.

Yeah but it gets rid of narrative weight sometimes. Let them stay dead for at least two games before bringing them back.
Or pull a Fatal Fury/Garou and kill Geese off permanently in the main universe and have him alive in Kof

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— Taicho (@CrimFoxTails) July 22, 2024

When it comes to storytelling in video games, one of the most debated topics is the handling of character deaths. Many gamers have strong opinions on whether characters should stay dead for a significant amount of time before being brought back to life. The Twitter conversation between @JERB2012 and @author_pandp sparked a discussion on this subject, with @author_pandp expressing the view that bringing characters back too soon can diminish the narrative weight of their deaths.

In this article, we will explore the pros and cons of keeping characters dead for at least two games before resurrecting them, as well as the alternative approach of permanently killing off a character in one universe while keeping them alive in another. We will also take a look at how games like Fatal Fury/Garou have successfully implemented these storytelling techniques.

Should characters stay dead for at least two games before being brought back?

The idea of keeping characters dead for an extended period of time can have both positive and negative effects on the overall narrative of a game. On one hand, allowing characters to remain dead for multiple installments can add a sense of permanence to their deaths, making them feel more impactful and meaningful to the player. This can create a stronger emotional connection between the player and the story, as they are forced to come to terms with the loss of a beloved character.

However, there is also the risk that keeping characters dead for too long can lead to missed opportunities for character development and storytelling. If a player becomes invested in a character’s arc and growth throughout a series, bringing them back after a long absence can provide a satisfying payoff and create new narrative possibilities. Additionally, the shock value of a character’s return can generate buzz and excitement among fans, keeping them engaged with the game’s universe.

One example of a game series that has successfully implemented the concept of bringing characters back after an extended absence is the Fire Emblem franchise. In Fire Emblem: New Mystery of the Emblem, the character of Tiki is introduced as an important figure in the story, only to sacrifice herself to save the protagonist. However, in Fire Emblem: Awakening, Tiki returns as a recruitable character, adding depth to her backstory and giving players a chance to see how she has evolved since her supposed death. This kind of storytelling can create a sense of continuity and connection between different games in a series, rewarding longtime fans with callbacks and references to previous installments.

On the other hand, the approach of permanently killing off a character in one universe while keeping them alive in another can offer a fresh take on traditional storytelling conventions. This technique can subvert player expectations and challenge them to think outside the box when it comes to character deaths and resurrections. By establishing different rules and realities within a game’s universe, developers can explore new avenues for storytelling and world-building, creating a sense of depth and complexity that keeps players engaged and interested in the game’s lore.

A prime example of this approach can be seen in the King of Fighters series, where characters like Geese Howard have met different fates in various games. In the Fatal Fury series, Geese meets his demise at the hands of Terry Bogard, marking a significant turning point in the story. However, in the King of Fighters series, Geese is brought back to life, allowing players to experience his iconic fighting style and personality in a new context. This dual approach to character deaths and resurrections adds layers of complexity to the game’s narrative, keeping players on their toes and eager to see what twists and turns await them.

In conclusion, the handling of character deaths in video games is a complex and multifaceted issue that can have a significant impact on the overall storytelling experience. Whether developers choose to keep characters dead for an extended period of time or bring them back after a short absence, the key is to strike a balance between maintaining narrative weight and providing fresh and engaging storytelling opportunities. By exploring different approaches to character deaths and resurrections, developers can create compelling and memorable narratives that keep players invested in the game’s universe for years to come.

Sources:
1. https://www.polygon.com/features/2018/6/25/17468218/video-game-character-death-storytelling-narrative
2. https://www.ign.com/articles/2019/10/17/the-importance-of-character-deaths-in-video-games
3. https://www.theverge.com/2020/8/12/21364667/video-game-character-deaths-storytelling-importance-narrative-weight