Get real: Narrative and gameplay in The Last of us Cover Image

Get real: Narrative and gameplay in The Last of us
Get real: Narrative and gameplay in The Last of us

Author(s): Scott Hughes
Subject(s): Social Sciences
Published by: Universitatea din Bucuresti, Facultatea de Sociologie si Asistenta Sociala
Keywords: video games; gameplay; narrative; ludonarrative dissonance; realism

Summary/Abstract: This essay addresses problems of ludonarrative dissonance in the 2013 video game The Last of Us. Much of the game’s production is well executed and very realistic, both in terms of graphics and storytelling; however, a few unrealistic elements in its gameplay undercut the otherwise compelling narrative. While many other video games include similar tropes to make the games more accessible and appealing to consumers, the narrative in The Last of Us ultimately suffers because of its developers’ attempt to appeal to a mass audience.

  • Issue Year: 6/2015
  • Issue No: 01
  • Page Range: 149-154
  • Page Count: 6
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