Gamerien

Gamerien refers to a subgenre of video game storytelling that emphasizes player choice and consequences. This type of narrative is typically found in role-playing games (RPGs), where players' decisions can affect the game's outcome and the world's progression.

The term "gamerien" originated from the French concept of "gamification," which involves incorporating game elements into non-game environments. However, while gamification often focuses on making mundane tasks more engaging, gamerien specifically targets the storytelling experience.

Games featuring gamerien typically include multiple branching storylines, with each player decision creating a unique narrative path. This leads to a high degree of replayability, as players are encouraged to experiment and explore different choices. Character development and relationships also play a significant role in gamerien, with the player's actions influencing the growth and interests of non-playable characters (NPCs).

Gamerien draws inspiration from various literary and narrative traditions, including interactive fiction,Choose Your Own Adventure style novels, and the "Butterfly Effect" concept. When executed effectively, gamerien can create deep, immersive, and highly responsive experiences that engage players on a narrative level. Critics argue that this subgenre's reliance on frequent and significant player choice can lead to a "shotgun" or unpredictable feel, where multiple trajectory lines converge. Arguably, a clear understanding of the player's intentions is required to successfully integrate these elements and elevate the gamerien characteristic.