Description: The hero’s journey is a narrative structure that has become a fundamental pillar in game design and storytelling. This narrative is based on the idea that a hero, often a playable character, embarks on an adventure that leads them to face challenges, acquire skills, and ultimately transform. Throughout this journey, the hero typically goes through various stages, such as the call to adventure, overcoming trials, obtaining a treasure, and returning home, where they share their newfound knowledge or power. This structure not only provides a coherent framework for story development but also allows players to experience personal and emotional growth as they engage with the game. The connection between the player and the hero is strengthened through interactive decisions and exploration of virtual worlds, making the hero’s journey a powerful tool for immersion and storytelling in video games.
History: The concept of the hero’s journey was popularized by the mythologist Joseph Campbell in his book ‘The Hero with a Thousand Faces’ (1949), where he described a common structure in myths and legends from various cultures. Following his work, this narrative has been adopted in multiple disciplines, including literature and film. In the realm of video games, the hero’s journey has been used since the early role-playing games, evolving over time to adapt to new technologies and player expectations.
Uses: The hero’s journey is primarily used in video game design to create engaging and meaningful plots. It allows developers to structure the narrative in a way that motivates players to progress, facing challenges and making decisions that impact the story’s development. Additionally, this structure is applied in character creation, missions, and environments, ensuring that each element of the game contributes to the hero’s experience.
Examples: Examples of games that incorporate the hero’s journey include ‘The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time’, where Link must embark on a mission to save Hyrule, and ‘Final Fantasy VII’, where Cloud Strife confronts his past and battles evil forces. Both games use this structure to guide players through a rich and emotional narrative.
