Booker Prize for Games: A Needed Recognition for Storytelling in Gaming

The world of video games has come a long way since the dawn of the digital era, with advancements in graphics, gameplay, and storytelling. Among the pioneers of interactive storytelling is Cyan Worlds' Myst, a game that revolutionized the adventure genre with its immersive world and puzzle-solving mechanics. While Myst's impact on the gaming industry cannot be overstated, it also laid the groundwork for some of the most egregious storytelling mistakes in gaming history.

One of the most memorable aspects of Myst was its 'books' – intricately designed virtual novels filled with purple prose that often seemed disconnected from the puzzles at hand. The game's reliance on these written explanations, rather than more engaging narrative devices, set a troubling precedent for future games. It became acceptable for developers to sacrifice storytelling in favor of awkwardly written text, leaving players to piece together narratives like a puzzle.

Lost Eden, another classic adventure game, was also guilty of this offense. Its 18 diaries contained pages upon pages of purple prose, with only one paragraph of relevant information related to a distant puzzle. This approach not only frustrated players but also failed to engage them emotionally or intellectually. The Myst franchise, in particular, suffered from an overreliance on these poorly written 'books,' leading to a litany of miserable clone games that destroyed the joy of adventuring.

The impact of Myst's storytelling shortcomings can still be felt today, with many modern games struggling to balance narrative and gameplay effectively. While some have argued that Myst was groundbreaking in its time, it is difficult to defend the game's numerous creative missteps. The fact that it became a cultural phenomenon, selling over six million copies worldwide, only serves to underscore the importance of a Booker Prize for Games.

A recognition of outstanding storytelling in gaming would not only acknowledge the hard work of developers but also encourage them to strive for better narrative craftsmanship. It is high time that gamers demand more from their stories and less from hastily written 'books' masquerading as engaging narratives. The world of video games has the potential to be a powerful medium, capable of moving us, challenging our perspectives, and inspiring us. Let us work towards a future where storytelling in gaming is celebrated and revered, rather than tolerated or ignored.