The rise of indigenous storytelling as game design and narrative.

We may feel that we’re racing into the future when we’re playing the latest online games – but despite all the fancy tech and spectacular designs we’re often not leaving the past behind at all.

From the role of the king and his knights on a chessboard – to the latest elaborate role-playing online fantasy, there are traditional and ancient storytelling links deeply entwined with many of the games we play today. 

These old story lines are often what makes a game feel special and memorable.

Even the latest online casino games can use symbols or storyboards from sacred ancient ethnic narratives. You don’t have to look too hard to find slots based on Ancient Egypt or the Inca Empire.

Gaming experts believe that the use of ancient narratives to boost the gaming experience has become increasingly prevalent. Today’s players seem to want more and more backstory to fill out their game time. And with the shear amount of choice available to players, operators must meet the demand or run the risk of being left behind. For example, payment methods have changed for the better in just a few years. The majority of operators previously offered just one method of payment, there’s now a range, including crypto casinos and online casinos that take Apple Pay.

Why does indigenous storytelling have a role in gaming?

Interestingly, in the modern game development world, there is a growing role for using indigenous storytelling. The ancient threads and stories seem to have the ability to make many games much more appealing.

Players may not even notice the influence of the underlying narratives. Indigenous storytelling, such as that of Aboriginal cultures, is often used in a discreet way to add a unique perspective, cultural richness, and authenticity to games. 

Some games clearly embrace indigenous storytelling. ‘Never Alone’ (Kisima Ingitchuna), developed in collaboration with Alaska Native storytellers, explores Inupiaq folklore. It has received global acclaim for its cultural authenticity. 

‘Skabma: Snowfall’ is another hit game using deep ethnic roots, this time from the Sami people of Lapland.

The indigenous links are less clear in games like Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora or even a themed slot like Dia de los Muertos – but look behind the flashy graphics and the roots are clear.

Developers have found that integrating traditional storytelling into games not only serves to entertain players – but offers an opportunity for cultural preservation, education, and mutual understanding. 

These threads make the games more appealing – and do some good at the same time.

Cultural links in the latest games

The rich mythologies and legends of ancient cultures often turn out to be brilliant foundations for modern games. Incorporating these stories can add depth and authenticity.

Games can showcase older cultures, traditions, and histories, providing players with a window into diverse ethnic communities. It might only be a game – but it can serve a subtle role in helping combat stereotypes and promote more accurate understandings of indigenous peoples.

Indigenous storytelling often emphasizes the interconnectedness of humans with nature. Modern digital games can adopt these themes to emphasise an appreciation for nature and sustainable living.

In fact, today’s game developers are often able to collaborate with indigenous communities – to ensure respectful representations. Indigenous storytellers, artists, and cultural consultants are increasingly involved in game development processes.

In return, game developers are incorporating indigenous and ethnic designs to create more inclusive and culturally rich games. 

Catering to a diverse audience

It’s part of a broader movement within the gaming industry to reflect the diversity of the global audience. This is why there has been a drive behind-the-scenes to tell stories that resonate with a wide range of cultures.

Games now feature characters from a variety of cultural backgrounds. Developers strive to create characters with diverse appearances, clothing, and accessories inspired by different ethnic traditions.

The settings and environments within games are increasingly drawing inspiration from real-world cultures. This includes incorporating architectural styles, landscapes, and motifs from ethnic traditions, creating culturally rich game worlds.

Games often include a variety of costume options for characters, drawing inspiration from traditional clothing styles of different cultures. This not only adds visual diversity but also provides players with the opportunity to customize their characters in ways that resonate with them culturally.

If you are playing in a town in the Brazilian rainforest or Australian Outback, you may not feel immersed in games where all the characters look like they’ve just stepped out of a New York catwalk.

That’s why game developers are collaborating with artists and designers from various cultural backgrounds to infuse authenticity into the visual elements of the game. This collaboration ensures that the representation is accurate and respectful.

The graphic presentation of online games is increasingly used to add to the storytelling. Artistic elements, including indigenous and ethnic designs, contribute to the narrative by conveying cultural nuances, traditions, and the emotional depth of the story.

The gaming industry’s increasing attention to cultural diversity is a positive step toward creating more inclusive and representative virtual worlds for players around the globe. And best of all, wherever you are playing in the world, it means better games – and more fun.