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10 Video Game Masterpieces That Are Perfectly Written
Collider selects ten video games it considers exceptionally well written, arguing that strong dialogue, distinctive characters and thought-provoking narratives have become central to the medium. The article presents the choices in no particular order and focuses on how writing can elevate games across genres.
– 'Dragon Age: Origins' (2009): praised for its character depth, companion interactions and witty dialogue within a fantasy role-playing story. – 'The Stanley Parable' (2013): highlighted for its adaptive, sarcastic narrator and inventive response to player defiance. – 'SOMA' (2015): recognised for using horror and science fiction to explore consciousness and existential questions.
In short
- Collider celebrates narrative-driven video games.
- Character dialogue is a key criterion.
- The selections span RPG, comedy and horror.
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Writing quality has become legitimately central to gaming as an art form. The listed games demonstrate how exceptional dialogue, character development and storytelling create experiences rivalling the best cinema or literature. Celebrating narrative excellence encourages industry investment in writing and validates games' maturation as a serious artistic medium.
The case against
Emphasising narrative as central to gaming risks obscuring what makes the medium distinctive—interactive systems and emergent gameplay. Many canonical gaming masterpieces succeed through mechanical innovation or artistic vision rather than scripted writing, and elevating narrative-heavy titles may pressure the industry toward expensive cinematic experiences whilst overlooking gameplay-driven innovation that defines gaming's unique strength.
Explained simply
Video game writing includes dialogue, characters and the story that unfolds as players make choices or move through a game. Different genres use these elements in different ways, from fantasy adventures to horror and comedy.
The games discussed come from different eras and styles. Dragon Age: Origins is a fantasy role-playing game built around companions and their relationships; The Stanley Parable plays with the idea of a narrator guiding the player; and SOMA uses science fiction and horror to examine consciousness.
The choices reflect a wider discussion about how writing contributes to games as a form of storytelling. Their varied approaches show why narrative can matter across genres, alongside other parts of the experience such as play and atmosphere.