Exploring Environmental Storytelling in First-Person Shooters

22 December 2024

When it comes to video games, particularly first-person shooters (FPS), the thrill of fast-paced action, astonishing gunplay, and competitive multiplayer is often what first draws us in. But let’s take a moment to think about something that often flies under the radar—environmental storytelling. Ever stopped to admire the broken-down buildings, scattered notes, or eerie background noises? They’re not just filler; they tell a story, one that doesn’t need words to be meaningful.

In the world of FPS games, environmental storytelling is like the silent narrator, weaving tales and immersing players deeper into the game's universe. So, what exactly is environmental storytelling, and why does it matter? Let’s dive right in.

What Is Environmental Storytelling?

Environmental storytelling is the art of using the game’s environment—its visuals, sounds, and interactive elements—to convey narrative details. Think of it like walking through a museum where every display subtly reveals part of a larger story. Instead of handing players an info dump through dialogue or text, the game world itself becomes a storyteller.

Take Half-Life 2, for example. The oppressive architecture of City 17, the eerie quiet of abandoned towns, and those haunting propaganda screens broadcasting Dr. Breen’s speeches all work together to tell you everything you need to know about how dire the situation is. No NPC had to spell it out for you—you feel it.

Now, let’s break down how environmental storytelling works in FPS games and why it’s so effective.

The Components of Great Environmental Storytelling

1. Visual Cues

Visual storytelling is king when it comes to FPS games. Think of the layout of a battlefield or the remnants of a chaotic skirmish. Every overturned chair, broken window, or bloodstain tells a story of what might’ve gone down before you showed up.

Take BioShock, for instance. The underwater city of Rapture is packed with visual cues—broken vending machines, graffiti-filled walls, and personal belongings scattered throughout apartments. The environment not only screams “this place has history,” but also reflects the downfall of a once-thriving utopia.

Games like DOOM (2016) also nail visual cues with their hellish landscapes. The environment is grotesque, violent, and chaotic—mirroring the essence of the game and keeping you locked in its fiery embrace.

2. Sound Design

Sound is like the seasoning that makes an already good meal exceptional. Ambient noises, distant gunfire, or even complete silence at the right moment can tell you more than words ever could.

Remember how unsettling the sound effects in Metro Exodus could get? The growls of unseen creatures, the creaking of abandoned metro stations, or the soft hum of Geiger counters helped paint a bleak picture of post-apocalyptic Russia without you needing a long monologue about it.

3. Interactive Clues

FPS games often reward exploration by hiding interactive lore elements within the environment. It might be a dusty diary left on a desk, a chalkboard bearing cryptic messages, or even the way objects are scattered in a room.

Take The Last of Us Part II, for example (okay, technically not an FPS, but still close enough!). As you explore, you come across letters, photographs, and even markings on walls that reveal snippets of lost lives. It’s hauntingly beautiful, showing how deeply you can connect with a world built from scattered clues.

Why Environmental Storytelling Resonates

A. Immersion on a Deeper Level

When done right, environmental storytelling pulls you into the world without breaking the flow. Instead of halting the gameplay to deliver exposition, it lets you absorb the narrative naturally.

Imagine you're sneaking through an abandoned lab in Prey (2017). You’re on edge, scanning your surroundings. Then you notice a coffee cup that seems oddly out of place—a subtle hint that a Mimic could be hiding in plain sight. That tension, that connection to the world? That’s immersion at its finest.

B. Fosters Player Agency

Players love to feel like they’re piecing together a puzzle. Environmental storytelling gives you that detective-like satisfaction. You uncover the story at your own pace, drawing your own conclusions. It’s like being handed the brush to paint your own interpretation of the narrative.

For example, in Titanfall 2, you stumble across quiet, empty buildings and battle-scarred zones. These environmental details let you imagine the lives of those who once lived there, rather than having the game spoon-feed you a sob story.

C. Adds Emotional Weight

Some of the most emotional moments in FPS games come from the world itself, not the characters. Consider the harrowing environments in Spec Ops: The Line. The crumbling city of Dubai, covered in sand and destruction, is the story. There’s barely a need for dialogue when the environment screams about the horrors of war.

Examples of Environmental Storytelling in Iconic FPS Games

1. Half-Life Series

The Half-Life games revolutionized how stories were told in FPS titles. Valve built worlds that didn’t rely heavily on cutscenes but instead placed you in the middle of events. Walk through Black Mesa or City 17, and the environment practically shouts about the dangers lurking around.

2. BioShock

We’ve already touched on this, but let’s emphasize how BioShock’s Rapture is a masterpiece. The world isn’t just a backdrop—it’s a character in its own right. From the Art Deco style to the haunting remnants of the city’s inhabitants, every inch of Rapture feels alive.

3. DOOM Series

DOOM doesn’t do subtle, and that’s perfectly fine. It uses its over-the-top, heavy-metal environments to immerse you in its hellish, chaotic world. The terrain screams destruction, matching the high-octane gameplay.

4. Far Cry Series

Far Cry takes environmental storytelling to sprawling new heights. From the lush jungles of Far Cry 3 to the war-torn lands of Far Cry 5, each setting tells its own story of survival, rebellion, and power.

5. The Call of Duty: Modern Warfare Reboot

While Call of Duty games are often more cinematic, the 2019 reboot uses quieter moments of environmental storytelling beautifully. The house raids in London, for example, are tense not just because of the enemies but also the unsettling realism of the environment.

How Developers Push the Envelope

Game developers are getting increasingly creative with environmental storytelling. Many now use photorealistic graphics to enhance subtle details that players might overlook. Think about how games like Battlefield V or Cyberpunk 2077 use lighting, particle effects, and intricate prop placement to create mood and tell untold tales.

Virtual reality (VR) is also opening up new possibilities. Games like Boneworks or Half-Life: Alyx give players the freedom to interact with the environment in ways that traditional FPS games can’t, adding an extra layer of depth to the storytelling.

Practical Tips for Gamers

If you’re someone who tends to sprint through FPS levels, maybe try slowing down a bit. The next time you’re playing something like Dishonored or Metro Exodus, take a moment to absorb the surroundings. Look at the graffiti on the walls. Listen to the distant echoes. It’s amazing how much more the game will speak to you when you’re paying attention.

Also, don’t underestimate collectibles! They might seem like an optional chore, but in many cases, they’re breadcrumbs leading you to hidden story gems.

The Future of Environmental Storytelling

As technology continues to evolve, so will environmental storytelling. Imagine AI-driven worlds where the environment dynamically changes based on your actions or choices. Or perhaps one day, we’ll have FPS games where the story is completely told through environmental cues, without a single line of dialogue.

Regardless of where it goes, one thing’s for sure—environmental storytelling will remain a core part of what makes gaming such a rich and immersive medium.