The Appeal
Quantic Dream took player-driven decisions to a whole new level in Heavy Rain. There was no set protagonist, no set ending, and decisions would kill off a main character with no mercy. The game would continue, adapting to the decisions players made and finish off with a different ending each time. Similarly, this concept was brought into Beyond Two Souls, just on a lesser scale.
The epic storylines of Interactive Dramas draw a player in because they have control. Players can change the plot of a real-time movie unfolding in front of them, and that is a surreal concept. Gripping, suspenseful and sporadic, the story is a major focus in this genre.
Critical stories and cinematic presentation anchor the Interactive Drama category, and to no surprise. These powerful features were key in successes like The Last of Us, reminding us that the Interactive Drama pulls from some of the strongest tools in game design. While not an official member of the Interactive Drama category, The Last of Us carries many qualities of the genre, showcasing the growing relationship between cinematic graphics and storyline. Minimal HUD and intense situations force players to think fast and live with their decisions. Characters become memorable, the tale grows emotional, and the incredible drama continues to pull in masses to play. The mainstays of the Interactive Drama style are growing in popularity across genres, another reason to look out for this up-and-coming form.