Alexander Ryzhov
Apr 3, 2025

Platform of user stories

I adore games which do not lead player by a defined story line, but serve a platform for users to generate unique stories.

Examples:

  • Rust - the strongest story-generator - i can remember so much memorable moments, emotions, ups and downs, unique events and consequences.
  • Minecraft - the biggest power of adventures.
  • World of Warcraft Hardcore - this were so special to me, we were playing together as 3-4 people, the game unwrapped from the unique, never seen side, where every step, every action, started to mean a lot more.
  • Among Us - basically the generator of stories, memes and 300iq moves.
  • Player Unknown’s Battlegrounds - and not every battle royal out there. Due to closer realizm, and relatively slow pace of the game, the PUBG is a great place for different events and outcomes, which are memorable to the user.

What makes up a good platform? Personalization of experience. Emotional connection to the events happening. Understanding, that you, as a player, contributed to the event outcome, was a part of the flow, played a role.

The multiplayer platforms are better for such story generation - you not only connect to the event happened, but also to the people you experienced the event with, to their point of views and event interpretations.

And the best platform for stories - the real life. The closer video games are to different aspects of our life, the deeper emotions they touch within us, the better video game is, the stronger emotional connection it provides.

Memories from Rust playthrough of December 2024

First meeting in tundra.


First base coziness.


Down the rope.


Searching for a new base. Desert canyon.


Adventure!


Near our second base spot, we can go to many places. I still feel the upcoming dangers that are hidden there.


Randomly found loot in the decaying house on the beach. Wow!


Night operation.


Growing something…


Operation “Sea Lion”


Now we’re talking.


Time to see what’s outside.


Party


We got yacht (stolen)


Final day before the New Year. Transferring house to some stranger, and closing this amazing chapter.