Narrative vs. Game: Can they coexist?

[jorbing0s]

I've never done that one, but most people say nothing is impossible, so i guess, it can be done :worm:



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[ChrisCamp]

I think one of the keys of combining narrative and game within your set is patience.

Take your time at the top of your scenes in the first beat so that you're really establishing environment, characters, stakes, situations, etc. This becomes tough to do when players try to exploit a game right out of the gate within the first three lines. If you attempt to find a game immediately this could be to the detriment of a narrative. And like a TJ & Dave show, one may find more rewarding and richer games to play once the world is completely fleshed out.

Easier said than done obviously. If you only have a 12-15 minute set I wouldn't recommend trying to combine both unless you are doing a mono/macro scene of some sort.

 

[ALuisPereira]

I agree with Chris about patience being number 1.

I would just use the overall narrative to link scenes with independent games, and then use those games to feed into the narrative.

Ace Ventura: Pet Detective, my favorite movie of all time, is again my go-to example of perfect comedy:

Overall Narrative: Stolen dolphin
Overall Game: Pet Detective
Mini-games: Destructive UPS guy, ex-football player schizophrenic, talking butt, etc...