Summary

When emotion is added to a game, then the game will appeal to wider demographics. The game gets better press, gets better buzz, and is more likely to generate allegiance to the brand. The development team will have increased passion for the project. All this translates to increased profits and a much richer game experience.

Regarding Metal Gear Solid II, a game designer friend of mine commented, "My feeling is that a game without a story is better than a game with a bad story, because anytime a player is taken out of their connection to the game it gives him the opportunity to walk away from the game entirely.

If my friend is right, and I think he is, then poor writing can pull the player out of the story the exact opposite of what we're trying to accomplish.

The solution seems easy: Just hire a professional writer. The next chapter, however, shows why this might not be the simple solution it seems to be.