The world of gaming is full of incredible stories and intricate lore that can transport players to new worlds and immerse them in epic adventures. But which game has the best lore? That’s a question that has been debated by gamers for years, and there is no definitive answer. However, some games have stood out as having particularly compelling stories and rich worlds that have captured the imaginations of players. In this guide, we will explore some of the best game lore and what makes them so special. From classic RPGs to modern masterpieces, we’ll take a deep dive into the lore that has captured our hearts and minds. So, let’s get started!
Defining Game Lore
What is Game Lore?
Game lore refers to the narrative, backstory, and mythology that is created within a video game. It encompasses the characters, plotlines, histories, and cultures that are unique to a particular game world. Game lore can range from a simple and straightforward narrative to a complex and intricate storyline that spans multiple games and expansions.
Game lore serves as a foundation for the game’s setting and helps players understand the context of their actions within the game world. It can provide a sense of immersion and make the game more engaging and enjoyable for players.
In addition to enhancing the gameplay experience, game lore can also be used as a marketing tool for the game. Developers can create compelling stories and characters that capture the imagination of players and generate excitement for the game.
However, game lore can also be a double-edged sword. While it can enhance the gameplay experience, it can also be a source of frustration for players who feel that the storyline is too convoluted or difficult to follow. Developers must strike a balance between creating a rich and immersive game lore and ensuring that it does not detract from the gameplay experience.
Importance of Game Lore
- Game lore refers to the background information and stories that form the basis of a video game’s world and characters.
- This includes history, mythology, politics, and culture of the game’s setting, as well as the motivations and backstories of its characters.
- Game lore can enhance a player’s immersion in the game world, providing context and depth to the gameplay experience.
- It can also add replayability to the game, as players may want to explore different aspects of the lore or seek out hidden details and Easter eggs.
- Furthermore, game lore can serve as a marketing tool for the game, helping to establish its unique identity and fostering a dedicated fan base.
- Ultimately, game lore is a crucial element of any successful game, helping to create a rich and believable world that players can explore and enjoy.
Types of Game Lore
Mythical Lore
Mythical Lore refers to the narrative elements within a game that are based on myths, legends, and folklore from various cultures around the world. These stories often serve as a source of inspiration for game developers, providing rich and engaging lore that can be woven into the game’s world, characters, and plot.
In games, Mythical Lore can take many forms, from the use of ancient myths and legends as the basis for character backstories and world-building, to the incorporation of folkloric creatures and beings as enemies or allies. Mythical Lore can also be used to add depth and complexity to a game’s world, providing players with a rich tapestry of history, culture, and mythology to explore.
One example of a game that makes extensive use of Mythical Lore is The Legend of Zelda series. The series draws heavily on the mythology and folklore of various cultures, incorporating elements of Celtic, Norse, and Greek mythology into its story and characters. The series’ titular character, Link, is often portrayed as a heroic figure who must battle against evil forces and save the world from destruction.
Another example of a game that makes use of Mythical Lore is Final Fantasy series. The series incorporates a wide range of myths and legends from various cultures, including those from Japanese, Greek, and Norse mythology. The games often feature powerful deities, mythical creatures, and magical artifacts that play a significant role in the story and world-building.
In conclusion, Mythical Lore can be a powerful tool for game developers, providing a rich source of inspiration for world-building, character development, and storytelling. By incorporating elements of myth and legend from various cultures, game developers can create immersive and engaging games that capture the imagination of players and transport them to fantastical realms filled with magic, mystery, and adventure.
Historical Lore
Historical Lore refers to the backstory and history of a game’s world, characters, and events. It is an essential aspect of game lore as it provides context and depth to the game’s storyline, making it more immersive and engaging for players. Here are some key elements of Historical Lore:
- Canonical Events: These are significant events that have occurred in the game’s world, such as wars, revolutions, or natural disasters. They shape the game’s history and provide a foundation for the storyline.
- Factions and Organizations: Historical Lore often includes the history of various factions and organizations that exist within the game’s world. This information can provide insight into their motivations, goals, and relationships with other groups.
- Characters and Their Backstories: Players may also learn about the backstories of the game’s characters, including their family history, personal experiences, and relationships with other characters. This information can help players understand the motivations and behaviors of the characters they encounter in the game.
- Cultural and Societal Information: Historical Lore can also include information about the customs, beliefs, and social structures of the game’s world. This information can help players understand the cultural context of the game’s storyline and provide a more immersive experience.
Overall, Historical Lore is an essential component of game lore as it provides players with a deeper understanding of the game’s world and its history. It can enhance the immersive experience and make the game’s storyline more engaging and meaningful.
Sci-Fi Lore
Sci-Fi Lore is a subcategory of game lore that involves fictional universes set in futuristic or science fiction settings. These games often have intricate backstories, detailed world-building, and complex character development. Sci-Fi Lore games often involve technology, space exploration, and the study of the unknown. Some of the most popular Sci-Fi Lore games include:
- Mass Effect
- Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic
- Halo
- Deus Ex
- Cyberpunk 2077
Each of these games has a unique storyline and set of characters that players can interact with. For example, in Mass Effect, players take on the role of a commander who must navigate a galaxy-spanning conflict between different alien species. In Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic, players become a Jedi or Sith, navigating a galaxy in turmoil during the Old Republic era.
Sci-Fi Lore games often have complex and interconnected storylines that require players to explore and interact with different characters and locations. They also often have multiple endings, depending on the choices made by the player. This creates a sense of replayability, as players can experiment with different choices and see how they affect the story.
One of the advantages of Sci-Fi Lore games is their ability to explore philosophical and ethical issues in a unique way. For example, the game Deus Ex explores themes such as transhumanism, artificial intelligence, and the ethics of augmentation. Similarly, Cyberpunk 2077 delves into themes such as corporate power, individualism, and the role of technology in society.
In conclusion, Sci-Fi Lore games offer players a chance to explore unique and immersive worlds, interact with complex characters, and grapple with philosophical and ethical issues. Whether players are interested in space exploration, technology, or just a good story, there is a Sci-Fi Lore game out there for everyone.
Creating Engaging Game Lore
Elements of Good Game Lore
To create engaging game lore, it is essential to understand the elements that make up good game lore. The following are some of the key elements that are necessary for creating captivating game lore:
World-Building
One of the most critical elements of good game lore is world-building. The game world should be well-defined, with a rich history, culture, and geography. This will help players to immerse themselves in the game and make it more enjoyable.
Complex Characters
Another essential element of good game lore is complex characters. The characters in the game should be well-developed, with distinct personalities, motivations, and backstories. This will help players to connect with the characters and make the game more engaging.
Coherent Storytelling
Coherent storytelling is also an essential element of good game lore. The story should be well-crafted, with a clear beginning, middle, and end. It should also be consistent, with no contradictions or plot holes. This will help players to follow the story and understand the game’s world.
Replay Value
Finally, good game lore should have replay value. This means that the game should be enjoyable to play multiple times, with new elements to discover each time. This will help players to stay engaged with the game and keep coming back for more.
Overall, these elements are crucial for creating engaging game lore that will keep players engaged and interested in the game. By incorporating these elements into game design, developers can create games that are both entertaining and immersive.
Storytelling Techniques
Storytelling is an essential aspect of creating engaging game lore. Here are some techniques that game developers can use to craft compelling stories in their games:
- Character Development:
Game developers should focus on creating well-rounded and believable characters. Characters should have unique personalities, backstories, and motivations. Players should be able to relate to the characters and become invested in their journey. - Conflict and Tension:
Conflict and tension are crucial elements of any story. Game developers should create conflicts that challenge the characters and make players want to know what happens next. Tension can be created through the use of cliffhangers, suspenseful music, and unexpected plot twists. - World-Building:
Game developers should create a rich and immersive world for their games. This includes details such as geography, history, and culture. A well-crafted world can help players become fully immersed in the game and its story. - Pacing:
Pacing is essential to keep players engaged. Game developers should use a combination of fast-paced action and slower, more contemplative moments to keep players interested. - Theme:
Game developers should have a clear theme or message they want to convey through their game. This can be achieved through the use of symbolism, allegory, and other literary devices. A strong theme can help players connect with the game on a deeper level. - Interactivity:
Interactivity is what sets games apart from other forms of storytelling. Game developers should use this to their advantage by allowing players to make choices that affect the story. This can create a sense of agency and investment in the player. - Dialogue:
Dialogue is an essential tool for conveying character personality and story. Game developers should ensure that dialogue is natural and believable. Dialogue can also be used to reveal important plot points and advance the story.
By incorporating these storytelling techniques into their games, game developers can create engaging and immersive game lore that will keep players coming back for more.
Building a Immersive World
When it comes to creating engaging game lore, one of the most important aspects is building an immersive world. This involves creating a detailed and cohesive world that players can become lost in, with a rich history, unique cultures, and dynamic environments. Here are some tips for building an immersive world in your game:
- Develop a comprehensive history: A well-developed history can help give your world a sense of depth and authenticity. This history should include major events, such as wars or natural disasters, as well as the development of different cultures and societies within your world. Consider how these events have shaped the world as it is today, and how they continue to impact the characters and events in your game.
- Create unique cultures: Each culture within your world should have its own distinct characteristics, such as language, customs, and beliefs. Consider how these cultures have developed over time, and how they interact with one another. You may also want to consider how players can learn about these cultures, perhaps through in-game books, NPC interactions, or other means.
- Design dynamic environments: Your world should be full of interesting and dynamic environments, each with their own challenges and opportunities. This might include different biomes, such as forests, deserts, or mountains, as well as urban areas, dungeons, and more. Consider how these environments have been shaped by the world’s history and events, and how they can be used to tell compelling stories.
- Incorporate technology and magic: Technology and magic can play a big role in creating an immersive world. Consider how these elements are used within your world, and how they impact the characters and events in your game. You may also want to consider how players can learn about these elements, and how they can be used to solve puzzles or overcome challenges.
- Use storytelling to flesh out the world: While it’s important to have a detailed history and environment for your world, it’s also important to use storytelling to bring these elements to life. This might include cutscenes, dialogue, and other in-game events that help to flesh out the world and its characters. Consider how these events can be used to build tension, reveal new information, or advance the game’s plot.
By following these tips, you can create an immersive world that players will love to explore. Remember to be consistent, detailed, and creative, and don’t be afraid to experiment with new ideas and concepts. With a little effort, you can create a world that is truly unforgettable.
Analyzing the Best Game Lores
Examples of Great Game Lore
When it comes to game lore, there are several examples of great game lore that players and enthusiasts can explore. These games have a rich and intricate history that has been carefully crafted by the developers to immerse players in the world and create a unique gaming experience.
One of the most well-known examples of great game lore is the Final Fantasy series. This series has been around for over three decades and has spawned over a dozen main games, numerous spin-offs, and even movies and other media. The Final Fantasy series has a rich and detailed world with a complex mythology, unique creatures, and engaging characters.
Another example of great game lore is the Elder Scrolls series. This series has been around for over two decades and has spawned several popular games, including Skyrim and Oblivion. The Elder Scrolls series has a rich and detailed world with a complex history, unique races, and engaging quests.
The Assassin’s Creed series is another example of great game lore. This series has been around for over a decade and has spawned several popular games, including Assassin’s Creed II and Assassin’s Creed III. The Assassin’s Creed series has a rich and detailed history, unique characters, and engaging quests.
The Witcher series is another example of great game lore. This series has been around for over a decade and has spawned several popular games, including The Witcher III: Wild Hunt. The Witcher series has a rich and detailed world with a complex mythology, unique creatures, and engaging characters.
These are just a few examples of the many great game lores that players and enthusiasts can explore. Each of these games has a unique and immersive world that is sure to captivate players and keep them coming back for more.
Lessons from the Best Game Lores
- Examining the structure and narrative techniques employed in the most compelling game lores
- Identifying common themes and elements that contribute to the immersive and engaging nature of these lores
- Analyzing the ways in which game lore can be used to enhance the overall gaming experience and create a sense of connection between players and the game world
- Investigating the role of game lore in shaping the direction and development of a game’s story and setting
- Understanding the importance of consistent and well-designed game lore in building a cohesive and believable game world
- Recognizing the potential for game lore to be expanded upon through various mediums, such as novels, comics, and web series, and how this can enrich the overall game experience
- Considering the potential for game lore to inspire and influence other forms of media, such as literature and film, and how this can broaden the appeal of a game to a wider audience
- Investigating the ways in which game lore can be used to explore and comment on real-world issues and themes, such as politics, culture, and society, and how this can add depth and complexity to a game’s story and setting
- Examining the relationship between game lore and player agency, and how a well-designed game lore can provide players with a sense of purpose and direction while still allowing them to shape the course of the game.
Adapting Game Lore for Different Platforms
When it comes to creating an immersive and engaging game experience, adapting game lore for different platforms is a crucial aspect. Here are some key points to consider when adapting game lore for different platforms:
- Platform-specific features: Each platform has its own unique features and capabilities, such as the controller layout or the size of the screen. As a result, game lore must be adapted to take advantage of these features and to ensure that the game remains enjoyable and intuitive for players on each platform.
- User interface: The user interface is another important consideration when adapting game lore for different platforms. For example, a mobile game may require a simpler and more streamlined user interface than a console game, while a PC game may offer more customization options. The user interface should be designed to enhance the game lore and provide players with the best possible experience.
- Storytelling techniques: The way in which game lore is presented can also vary depending on the platform. For example, a console game may use cinematic cutscenes to tell the story, while a mobile game may rely on text-based narratives or interactive dialogue. The choice of storytelling technique should be based on the strengths of the platform and the preferences of the target audience.
- Platform-specific challenges: Each platform also presents its own unique challenges when it comes to adapting game lore. For example, a game designed for virtual reality may require a more immersive and interactive approach to storytelling, while a game designed for a handheld device may need to be more streamlined and focused. Understanding these challenges is key to creating a successful and engaging game experience on each platform.
Overall, adapting game lore for different platforms requires a deep understanding of the strengths and limitations of each platform, as well as the preferences of the target audience. By taking a platform-specific approach to game lore, developers can create games that are tailored to the needs and preferences of players on each platform, and that provide a truly immersive and engaging experience.
The Future of Game Lore
Evolution of Game Lore
Game lore has come a long way since the early days of gaming. From simple stories and characters to complex universes and world-building, game lore has evolved significantly over the years. In this section, we will explore the evolution of game lore and how it has impacted the gaming industry.
The Early Years
In the early days of gaming, game lore was relatively simple. Games were often focused on a single story or character, with little room for exploration or expansion. The lore was typically limited to a brief backstory or character description, with no real impact on the gameplay.
The Rise of RPGs
The rise of role-playing games (RPGs) in the 1980s and 1990s marked a significant turning point for game lore. With RPGs, players were able to explore vast worlds and interact with a wide range of characters and stories. This allowed for a much deeper exploration of game lore, with players able to delve into the history and politics of each world.
The Era of Open-World Games
The advent of open-world games in the 2000s marked another major evolution in game lore. With open-world games, players were given the freedom to explore vast worlds at their own pace, discovering stories and characters along the way. This allowed for a much more immersive experience, with players able to fully engage with the lore of each world.
The Age of Online Gaming
The rise of online gaming in the 2010s has brought about a new level of complexity to game lore. Online games often feature massive multiplayer worlds with thousands of players, each with their own unique stories and characters. This has led to a much more collaborative approach to game lore, with players able to share their experiences and contribute to the world-building process.
The Future of Game Lore
As technology continues to advance, the future of game lore is likely to become even more complex and immersive. With virtual reality and augmented reality technologies on the horizon, players may soon be able to fully immerse themselves in the worlds of their favorite games. This will likely lead to a much more interactive and engaging experience, with players able to explore game lore in ways that were previously impossible.
In addition, the rise of mobile gaming and cloud gaming is likely to make games more accessible to a wider audience. This will likely lead to a much more diverse range of games and game lore, with players able to explore a wider range of stories and worlds than ever before.
Overall, the evolution of game lore has been a key factor in the growth and success of the gaming industry. As technology continues to advance, we can expect to see even more complex and immersive worlds, with players able to fully engage with the lore of their favorite games.
Challenges and Opportunities
As the gaming industry continues to evolve, so too does the role of game lore. The future of game lore presents both challenges and opportunities for game developers and players alike.
Increasing Complexity
One of the main challenges in the future of game lore is the increasing complexity of game worlds. As games become more immersive and expansive, the amount of lore and backstory required to flesh out these worlds can become overwhelming. This requires developers to strike a balance between providing enough information to immerse players in the world, while avoiding information overload.
Adapting to New Platforms
Another challenge is adapting to new platforms and technologies. As new platforms emerge, such as virtual reality and augmented reality, game lore must be adapted to fit these new environments. This requires developers to think creatively about how to present lore in new ways that are both engaging and accessible to players.
Increasing Demand for Diversity
The future of game lore also presents opportunities for greater diversity and representation. As players become more demanding of diverse and inclusive representation in games, developers have the opportunity to create rich and nuanced game worlds that reflect the real world. This can help to create more immersive and engaging experiences for players.
The Rise of User-Generated Content
Another opportunity is the rise of user-generated content. As players become more invested in game worlds, they may be interested in contributing to the lore and backstory of these worlds. This presents an opportunity for developers to collaborate with players to create rich and dynamic game worlds that are shaped by the community.
In conclusion, the future of game lore presents both challenges and opportunities for developers and players alike. As the industry continues to evolve, it will be important for developers to stay innovative and adaptable in order to create the most engaging and immersive game worlds possible.
The Impact of Emerging Technologies
Emerging technologies are set to revolutionize the way game lore is created, delivered, and experienced. With advancements in virtual reality, augmented reality, and artificial intelligence, game lore is poised to become more immersive, interactive, and dynamic than ever before.
Virtual Reality
Virtual reality (VR) technology has the potential to transform the way game lore is presented to players. By creating fully immersive environments, VR can transport players into the game world, allowing them to experience the story firsthand. This level of immersion can lead to a deeper connection with the game lore, as players can explore and interact with the world in a more tangible way.
Augmented Reality
Augmented reality (AR) technology has the potential to enhance the game lore experience by overlaying digital content onto the real world. This can provide players with additional information about the game world, such as character backstories or historical events, without interrupting the flow of the game. AR can also be used to create interactive experiences, such as puzzles or mini-games, that are integrated into the game lore.
Artificial Intelligence
Artificial intelligence (AI) technology has the potential to enhance the game lore experience by creating more dynamic and responsive game worlds. AI can be used to create non-playable characters (NPCs) that are more realistic and unpredictable, adding an element of surprise and unpredictability to the game. AI can also be used to create adaptive storytelling, where the game world responds to the player’s actions and choices, creating a more personalized and engaging experience.
In conclusion, emerging technologies are set to have a significant impact on the future of game lore. By creating more immersive, interactive, and dynamic game worlds, these technologies have the potential to transform the way players experience and engage with game lore. As these technologies continue to evolve, it will be exciting to see how they are used to enhance and expand the game lore experience.
Key Takeaways
- The Rise of Interactive Storytelling: As technology advances, game lore will become increasingly interactive, allowing players to shape the narrative and experience unique storylines.
- Emphasis on Player Choice: Game developers will focus on creating more meaningful player choices, resulting in a more personalized and immersive gaming experience.
- Integration of Real-World Events: Game lore will continue to reflect real-world events, allowing players to explore and engage with relevant themes and issues.
- Cross-Platform Storytelling: The integration of cross-platform play will lead to more complex and interconnected game worlds, offering players a richer and more immersive game lore experience.
- Virtual and Augmented Reality: As virtual and augmented reality technologies become more prevalent, game lore will transition from static text and images to dynamic, immersive experiences.
- Increased Collaboration: The future of game lore will involve more collaboration between developers, writers, and players, leading to a shared, evolving narrative.
- Continued Evolution of Canon: Game lore will continue to evolve and expand, with developers revisiting and reinterpreting classic titles to create a more cohesive and intricate universe.
- Increased Focus on Diversity and Inclusion: Game lore will strive to be more inclusive and diverse, reflecting the experiences and perspectives of a wider range of players and communities.
The Importance of Game Lore in Gaming Industry
In recent years, game lore has become an increasingly important aspect of the gaming industry. Game lore refers to the background story, characters, and setting of a game, which helps to immerse players in the game world and create a more engaging and memorable gaming experience. Here are some reasons why game lore is important in the gaming industry:
- Enhances Immersion: Game lore provides a rich and detailed background story that helps players to become more engaged in the game world. Players can identify with the characters, understand their motivations, and become emotionally invested in the story. This immersion helps to create a more engaging and memorable gaming experience.
- Builds Player Attachment: Game lore helps to build an emotional attachment between players and the game world. When players care about the characters and the story, they are more likely to invest time and money into the game. This attachment can also lead to player loyalty and a desire to explore the game world further.
- Creates Brand Identity: Game lore can help to create a unique brand identity for a game or gaming franchise. A strong and memorable game lore can set a game apart from its competitors and create a loyal fan base. Game lore can also be used to tie together different games in a franchise, creating a cohesive and recognizable brand identity.
- Provides Storytelling Opportunities: Game lore provides a framework for storytelling within a game. With a rich and detailed background story, game developers can create interesting and complex characters, plot twists, and story arcs. This can lead to a more satisfying and rewarding gaming experience for players.
- Encourages Replayability: Game lore can encourage players to replay a game multiple times. If players are invested in the story and characters, they may want to experience the game again to explore different story paths or to see how their choices affect the game world. This can increase the longevity of a game and provide players with a more rewarding gaming experience.
Overall, game lore is an important aspect of the gaming industry. It can enhance immersion, build player attachment, create brand identity, provide storytelling opportunities, and encourage replayability. As the gaming industry continues to evolve, game lore will likely become even more important in creating engaging and memorable gaming experiences for players.
Final Thoughts
As we have explored the world of game lore, it is evident that it is an ever-evolving and exciting field. The future of game lore looks promising, with developers continuing to push the boundaries of storytelling and world-building.
One trend that is likely to continue is the increasing use of player choice and agency in storytelling. Games like Mass Effect and The Witcher 3 have shown that giving players choices and consequences in the story can create a more immersive and personalized experience. As technology improves, we can expect to see more games incorporating this approach.
Another trend that is likely to continue is the blurring of lines between different mediums. With the rise of interactive movies and games that incorporate live-action footage, we can expect to see more games that incorporate different forms of media to tell their stories. This can lead to more diverse and exciting storytelling opportunities.
Finally, as gaming becomes more mainstream, we can expect to see more investment in game lore from publishers and developers. This can lead to more detailed and well-written lore, as well as more opportunities for exploration and discovery within game worlds.
In conclusion, the future of game lore looks bright, with exciting new opportunities for storytelling and world-building on the horizon. As players continue to demand more immersive and personalized experiences, we can expect to see more games incorporating player choice and agency, as well as more blending of different mediums. With increased investment from publishers and developers, we can also expect to see more detailed and well-written lore in the future.
FAQs
1. What is game lore?
Game lore refers to the backstory, history, and mythology of a particular game world. It encompasses the events, characters, locations, and cultures that make up the game’s universe. Game lore can range from intricate, detailed narratives to simple, abstract concepts, and can be found in various forms of media, including video games, tabletop games, and books.
2. Why is game lore important?
Game lore is important because it helps to immerse players in the game world, making it more engaging and enjoyable. A rich and detailed lore can also add depth and complexity to the game, providing motivation for players to explore and discover more about the game’s history and culture. Additionally, game lore can serve as a source of inspiration for game developers, helping them to create more believable and compelling worlds.
3. What are some examples of great game lore?
There are many examples of great game lore, but some of the most notable include:
* The Elder Scrolls series, which features a vast and intricate world filled with ancient history, powerful magic, and complex politics.
* The Final Fantasy series, which has a rich and evolving storyline that spans multiple games and media, including movies and novels.
* The Mass Effect series, which combines sci-fi action with a deep and engaging storyline that explores themes of morality, loyalty, and sacrifice.
* The Witcher series, which is based on a series of novels and tells the story of a monster hunter in a dark and gritty fantasy world.
4. How can I get the most out of game lore?
To get the most out of game lore, it’s important to pay attention to the details and to take the time to explore the game world. This might involve reading the in-game texts, completing side quests, and seeking out hidden secrets and easter eggs. Additionally, it can be helpful to do some research outside of the game, such as reading the official lore or fan-made content, to gain a deeper understanding of the game’s history and culture.
5. What are some tips for creating compelling game lore?
Creating compelling game lore requires careful planning and attention to detail. Some tips for creating great game lore include:
* Develop a clear and consistent vision for the game world, including its history, culture, and characters.
* Use a variety of media, such as cutscenes, dialogue, and in-game texts, to convey the lore and provide context for the player.
* Make the lore accessible and engaging, using language and storytelling techniques that are easy to understand and enjoyable to read.
* Consider the player’s perspective and make sure the lore is relevant and interesting to them, rather than just providing a backdrop for the gameplay.
* Allow for player choice and agency, giving players the opportunity to explore and discover the lore for themselves, rather than forcing it upon them.
