9 Generative Storytelling Games — Introduction

On June 16th of 2021, “A Fun Storytelling Game” was published.

No, it’s not one of my better pieces.

But, the game, clarified in the essay, is a lot of fun.

Even more than that, it creates results.

Or, more specifically, stories, which, in this case, are synonymous with results.

For those who would like to become storytellers — you already are, though, in so many ways — or would like to create new, unique stories, that storytelling game is worth playing.

Really, though, that’s just one storytelling game.

One storytelling game, out of so very many, few of which have been shared on this Medium blog.

My intention is to rectify that and share 9 unique storytelling games.

Each one of these storytelling games is simple and fun.

Simple and fun, yet generative; these story games lead to stories.

Good stories?

Eh, perhaps not. But, stories, nonetheless.

Some of these stories will be good. Some of them will not.

No matter what, though, they’ll be stories that you enjoyed bringing to life.

Right before we begin this series, though, there are a couple of points to clarify.

What Is A Storytelling Game?

A storytelling game is a structure composed of rules.

Every single rule, within each game, is intended to facilitate storytelling.

Or, rather, your ability to create stories.

By working within the rules of these games — rules pertaining to time and theme and form; among a variety of others — you can, with greater ease, create stories.

Stories that arise and grow and evolve — among other qualities — with ease and joy.

Or, at least, that’s the idea.

Really, it’s hard to say if that will, in fact, be the case for you.

For me, that’s been the case. But, for you, it may not be.

Even so, though, please, at the very least, try the ones that intrigue you.

Just set aside a little bit of time to enjoy the games that intrigue you.

You may find yourself enjoying them. You may find yourself creating some lovely stories.

Or, perhaps, that is not what happens.

You won’t know until you try.

Why Play These Games?

Storytelling is fun and, as a result, these games are fun!

Out of all the possible reasons that can exist, that is the most important.

None of this is meant to be serious or lofty or grand.

Rather, all of this is meant to be fun.

The kind of “fun” that involves diving into your unending creative recesses and bringing forth an abundance of what is truly, and so very uniquely, “you”.

Your style. Your sensibilities. Your dreams. Your memories. Your gifts. Your perspective.

Each one of these elements, and so many more, will be found, within the stories you create.

You can use these stories to aid you in growing or developing or, even, making money.

But, again, those results will, if this essay series is successful, be more of a byproduct of the fun these games evoke, than the essence of the game itself.

Conclusion

Right now, in this moment, there are an infinite number of stories that can be created.

Right within these stories, there exists an infinite number of characters, themes, concepts, perspectives; and so on and so forth.

You can play these storytelling games and, in doing so, bring some of those stories to life.

You can bring some of those stories to life and, in doing so, enjoy yourself so very deeply.

Or, at least, that’s my intention.

Regardless of whether this series is a success or not, though, you can, as always, reach me at “maxwellcakin@gmail.com”.

Thank you so much and, as always, have a blessed day!