In a recent interview with Games Industry.biz, Ken Levine critiqued his iconic game BioShock, describing it as “a very, very long corridor.” He used this description to contrast it with his latest project, Judas, a sci-fi first-person shooter.
Levine aims for Judas to embrace a new philosophy in game design, one that prioritizes player agency.
However, I want to advocate for the merits of the corridor design, a structure that some believe has been unfairly sidelined, potentially at the cost of engaging gameplay elements.
Understanding Corridor Design
To start, it’s essential to clarify what Levine and others mean by the term “corridor.” This design typically leads players along a main route, funneling them down a predetermined path with limited opportunities for exploration.
In an era increasingly defined by open-world designs, corridor-style games can seem restrictive and might be viewed as diminishing player agency.
Yet, corridors should not be seen as the only way to design a video game.
I have a deep appreciation for the vast freedom found in open-world titles, enjoying expansive role-playing games since the 1980s that allow players to navigate their environments at will.
My intention isn’t to argue for a return to corridors as the exclusive design choice.
Rather, I believe they should remain a viable option in the toolbox of game design, recognized for their potential to contribute meaningfully to player experiences.
The Value of Linear Narratives
Instead of diving into the specifics of how corridors have shaped successful gaming, let’s consider what might be lost if they disappear entirely.
The allure of open-world games is undeniable.
Many players thrive on the exploration and creative possibilities offered by titles from developers like Ubisoft or in role-playing games such as Baldur’s Gate 3.
However, these expansive worlds sometimes struggle to provide the intentional, narrative-driven moments that unfold along a carefully mapped-out path, resulting in a more scattered gameplay experience.
These linear narratives can create a structure akin to that found in film, where an event gains significance through its connection to previous moments.
Much like in cinema, the impact of moment B is heightened by the prior event A, ultimately enriching the emotional resonance of event C. While fostering player agency can certainly enhance gameplay, it often comes at a cost: a meticulously crafted narrative arc may be sacrificed.
It wouldn’t benefit the gaming industry for all titles to adopt this linear approach, but dismissing it as a relic of game design is equally misguided.
The success of BioShock is rooted in its corridor structure, which allowed for a profound exploration of its themes.
Thus, it’s surprising—and somewhat disappointing—to see such a critique in retrospect.
Conclusion: The Joy of Curated Experiences
There’s inherent value in experiencing a well-conceived, linear story, especially as players engage with it in unique and personal ways.
This element deserves recognition rather than being overshadowed by a push for “greater player agency.” Let’s not forget the joy that can come from following a carefully curated narrative, where every twist and turn serves to enhance a player’s journey.
Source: Kotaku