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10 Video Games With the Best Character Development
Collider has published a ranked list of the ten video games considered to feature the best character development, compiled by writer Lucas Kloberdanz-Dyck. The piece argues that while video games are traditionally valued for gameplay and immersion, the medium has matured into a serious storytelling form, with character growth now a key measure of quality alongside titles such as Grand Theft Auto and The Legend of Zelda.
Games are judged on writing, narrative arcs, progression, how development ties into gameplay mechanics, and overall believability. The excerpt covers three of the ten entries: Final Fantasy IX (2000), praised for its ensemble cast and philosophical character journeys; Assassin's Creed II (2009), noted for protagonist Ezio Auditore's transformation from reckless youth to master assassin; and Far Cry 3 (2012), highlighted for Jason Brody's descent from cowardly tourist to hardened, morally compromised survivor, aided by the memorable villain Vaas.
In short
- Collider ranks the ten video games with the best character development.
- Final Fantasy IX praised for its ensemble cast's varied growth arcs.
- Assassin's Creed II and Far Cry 3 highlighted for protagonist transformations.
Explained simply
Video games have traditionally been valued for their gameplay mechanics and immersive worlds, but the medium has increasingly become recognised for its storytelling potential. Character development—how protagonists and supporting characters grow, change and respond to events—has become an important measure of a game's quality. This shift reflects the gaming industry's maturation as a narrative art form.
A new ranked list from Collider, written by Lucas Kloberdanz-Dyck, highlights ten video games that excel at character development. The games are evaluated based on criteria including writing quality, narrative arcs, character progression, how character development intertwines with gameplay mechanics, and overall believability. The list includes well-known titles spanning multiple decades and genres.
Three examples illustrate the breadth of what the list considers strong character development. Final Fantasy IX features an ensemble cast undergoing philosophical journeys, Assassin's Creed II follows protagonist Ezio's evolution from impulsive youth to skilled master assassin, and Far Cry 3 depicts a tourist's descent into a morally compromised survivor through a harrowing island experience. Such varied approaches suggest that compelling character development can take many forms in interactive media.