A Memory-Based Storytelling Game

Our goal, with this essay, is to clarify a memory game.

A memory game that is very similar to the memory game we explored earlier.

Our new memory game, though, is a little different.

Rather, our new memory game involves working with your memories to create stories.

Stories that you can write, share, and play with; among many other possibilities.

A Memory Game

Our memory game is very simple.

Just select a memory.

Right after you select this memory, clarify 33 elements or bits — among other notions — from this memory.

Or, for that matter, clarify any other number of elements or bits — you get the idea — from this memory.

Just as an example, if you remember going to the beach as a child, then you can recall what you felt when you were at the beach, what you ate, what was on your mind, what you saw; and so on and so forth.

If you can find a certain number of elements/bits from the memory you have selected, and if you can record what it is that you recall, then you will have played this memory game.

Our new storytelling game, though, embraces this formula, while adding an additional mechanic.

You can find this additional mechanic, and three quick examples of this mechanic, in the sections right below.

Our New Storytelling Game

Our new storytelling game involves selecting three memories.

Or, for that matter, as many memories as you would like.

Right after you select these memories, you come up with a certain number of elements/bits for each one.

And, then, you take three elements/bits — or more, for that matter; less, too, if you want — and combine them.

You combine them, and in doing so, create new elements/bits for a story.

Or, for that matter, elements/bits that serve as the foundation of a story.

And, then, you use these combinations to create, develop, or expand upon — among other possibilities — a story.

To understand what this means, and how to do it, you can find three examples right now.

3 Quick Examples

Our first example is rooted in three bits/elements: remembrances of seeing, and hearing, waves on the beach; visiting an old train station that looked as if it hadn’t been used for years; visiting the big library Downtown.

Each one of these bits/elements leads to the following: a story centered on an old, abandoned village sitting right by the beach, on a lost island, connected to a train that runs on its own, without any known schedule.

Right within this village, there is an old, elaborate library, rich with books and tomes and documents.

Outside of this library, though, there are homes and temples and other spaces. But, the majority of them are empty or desolate; it is unclear who lived here or what purpose this village served.

A wealth of images, each one rich with color, motion, and, strangely enough, peace, arises from this.

Our second example is rooted in two bits/elements: a snowy night in Portland in which the green, forested landscape transformed into a space of ice and snow; staying with a friend, one night, in Kuala Lumpur and, then, never seeing this person again, even though it seemed like we really had a connection.

The two bits/elements outlined above lead to a story that centers on the following: a young woman meets a woman a little older than her, whom, she feels a great connection to and they fall asleep together, one night, and wake up in a new world, rich with snow and ice and all manner of other delights.

A period of time passes and the two love with a love that is more than love, while living within this rich world.

On a night not unlike the ones that they have enjoyed, they fall asleep and, upon waking, our young woman finds that her beloved is gone and that the world has reset itself, with no one remembering the snow.

Our third example is rooted in four bits/elements: seeing the tall, vast skyscrapers within Kuala Lumpur, on a rather lonely night; wandering through the empty streets of Siem Reap, late at night; being unable to recall the person that was once me, within some of my earliest memories; really, really wanting to be someone else.

Each one of these bits lead to a story centered on a woman who wanders through a vast, potentially infinite, city, on a cold, rainy night, searching for the maker of this city and, in turn, her imprisonment.

Right as the story comes to an end, the woman comes to learn that the maker of this vast city is herself; she is the architect of her own imprisonment and, in turn, her own limitations.

None of these stories are especially unique.

Or, for that matter, compelling.

And, yet, they came from a few bits/elements from our memory.

Conclusion

Your memory is a vast tapestry of good stuff.

Good stuff that you can, and should, play with.

My hope is that this essay, and the game it clarifies, allows you to recognize, and act upon, this notion.

Regardless of that, though, thank you so much for reading!

If you want to reach me, you can do so by emailing me at “maxwellcakin@gmail.com.”

Best wishes and have a fantastic day!