Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 Writer Claims Games Are a More Mature Medium Than Film, But Lack Good Stories
2025-02-17 20:25:08Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 is generating significant buzz, sparking widespread discussion within the gaming community even before its official release. The game's writer and director, Daniel Vavra, has recently added fuel to the fire with thought-provoking commentary on video game narratives.
In a recent series of tweets, Vavra argued that video games, as a medium, are more mature than film, yet paradoxically suffer from a prevalence of poorly written stories.
He posits that one of the primary drivers of Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2's positive reception is its historically grounded and engaging narrative. The commitment to historical accuracy, Vavra suggests, contributes to a believable and captivating storyline.
Vavra also questioned the scarcity of narrative-driven games like The Witcher 3, Red Dead Redemption 2, and Metal Gear Solid in the contemporary gaming landscape.
He attributed this trend to the industry's increasing focus on live service games, which often prioritize ongoing revenue streams over deep, single-player experiences. He further criticized the industry's reluctance to prioritize visual quality, which he sees as a growing concern.
Vavra tweeted, "Unlike film, games are often developed as products, involving teams, boards, and other stakeholders. Hollywood, however, understands the crucial role of the artist—the director, the screenwriter. They recognize the need for a vision and its champion, even if it entails risk."
Some players responding to Vavra's comments pointed to other potential factors impacting story quality, including the influence of contemporary social and political discourse.