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Kickstarting your gaming journey: guide for new players

New Gamer Asks for Story-Driven Recommendations | Exploring the Best of Narrative Gaming

By

Fatima Al-Nasir

Feb 14, 2026, 09:37 PM

Edited By

Liam Chen

2 minutes of duration

A new gamer setting up their gaming rig with a laptop, game controller, and colorful gaming posters in the background.
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A new gamer seeks advice on where to start, asking which video games offer engaging stories. This question resonates with many in the community, sparked by the growing interest in gaming narratives. With an influx of suggestions from forums, the responses highlight several standout titles and genres.

Context of the Post

The query on forums stirred up a lively discussion, shedding light on the multiple paths new gamers can take to enjoy storytelling in video games. Users are eager to share their knowledge, emphasizing the importance of narrative-driven experiences before diving into complex gameplay.

Top Recommendations from the Community

  1. Zelda Series: Known for its rich lore and engaging gameplay.

  2. What Remains of Edith Finch: Lauded for its incredible storyline and minimal pressure, making it perfect for novices.

  3. Bioshock: A classic that blends narrative and gameplay intricately.

  4. The Witcher 3: Recommended for its deep storytelling and character development.

  5. Life is Strange: Mentioned as a must-play for anyone seeking a heartfelt narrative experience.

"What Remains of Edith Finch has a great story and very little pressure."

"If youโ€™re looking for narrative depth, Bioshock is a game changer."

Diverse Genres to Explore

Participants offered varied suggestions across genres, showcasing that gaming is not one-dimensional:

  • FPS Fans: Start with Bioshock.

  • RPG Enthusiasts: Consider The Witcher 3 or Cyberpunk 2077.

  • Platformer Seekers: Celeste has both charm and story.

  • Visual Novels: Citizen Sleeper stands out as a gem.

Sentiment Trends

The overall sentiment has been overwhelmingly positive, with many enthusiastic about sharing their favorite stories. Participants encourage newcomers to explore various styles, indicating that the narrative is paramount to the gaming experience.

Key Insights

  • ๐ŸŒŸ Great story-driven games include Zelda, What Remains of Edith Finch, and The Witcher 3.

  • ๐ŸŽฎ Variety in genres encourages broader exploration of gaming narratives.

  • โœ๏ธ "Happy to elaborate on any of the above games" reflects the communityโ€™s eagerness to support newcomers.

Nurturing a new playerโ€™s journey need not be overwhelming when thereโ€™s a community ready to help. Are you ready to jump into these story-rich worlds?

What Lies Ahead for New Gamers

As more players seek story-driven experiences in gaming, itโ€™s likely we will see an increase in game titles that prioritize narrative elements. Game developers, recognizing this trend, may invest heavily in building complex storylines and character development, especially in indie games, where innovation thrives. Experts estimate that over the next few years, around 60% of new releases will focus on storytelling, appealing directly to this burgeoning audience. Additionally, gaming communities will likely grow even more welcoming, creating environments where newcomers feel comfortable to explore these rich narratives.

A Match from History

Consider the rise of radio dramas in the 1930s. Just as storytelling in games is now flourishing, radio once captivated audiences by offering immersive narratives without visual elements. People gathered around their radios to listen, sharing their thoughts and experiences, much like todayโ€™s forums where players exchange advice on games. Both mediums reflect a communal passion for storytelling, proving that no matter the format, the hunger for powerful narratives transcends time and technology, shaping entire cultures.