tarinavetoisia

Tarinavetoisia is a Finnish term used in media criticism to describe works whose central driving force is the narrative. It is commonly applied to video games, films, books, and other narrative media. The term’s closest English equivalent is story-driven or narrative-driven.

Etymology and scope: The word is formed from tarina, meaning story, and the suffix -vetoisia, indicating that something is pulled or driven by its story. In practice, tarinavetoisia denotes works where plot, characters, and branching choices determine the structure, pacing, and audience engagement more than gameplay systems or mechanics. The label appears in Finnish reviews, academic writing, and industry discourse as a way to categorize narrative emphasis.

Characteristics and examples: Tarinavetoisia works often feature strong character development, clear arcs, and narrative branching or multiple endings. They may include cutscenes, dialogue-driven interaction, and choice-based progression. The designation emphasizes narrative primacy while not excluding the presence of mechanics; some tarinavetoisia games still offer substantial gameplay, but the story remains central. The term is used broadly across genres and media formats.

Criticism and limits: Critics note that heavy emphasis on story can lead to on-rails experiences or underdeveloped gameplay systems. In practice, the boundary between tarinavetoisia (story-driven) and systems-driven works can be fluid, with context and intent shaping how the label is applied.