Contemporary video games are employing note-taking as a core gameplay mechanic, with titles such as Her Story, Fez, and Tunic demanding that players maintain detailed written records to progress. Players must manually document clues, storyline details, and puzzle solutions, transforming the act of journaling into an integral part of the gaming experience.

This design approach represents a deliberate revival of a decades-old tradition born from technical necessity. Games like The Legend of Zelda in the 8-bit era relied on comprehensive physical manuals to provide crucial puzzle-solving information and world-building lore that limited console memory could not accommodate on-screen. Rather than a constraint, contemporary developers now employ note-taking as an intentional design philosophy that deepens player engagement and immersion.