In 2015, Sam Barlow, a seasoned game developer known for his work on the Silent Hill series, released a curious indie game called Her Story. The game, which featured live-action footage of a woman being interviewed by the police, was a critical and commercial success, lauded for its innovative gameplay and gripping narrative. But what many people don’t know is that Barlow didn’t set out to make a full-motion video (FMV) game at all. In fact, he didn’t even realize he was making one until well into development.
This is the story of how an accidental experiment in interactive storytelling led to the revival of a long-forgotten genre and cemented Barlow’s status as a visionary in the world of video games.
A New Approach to Interactive Storytelling
Barlow’s journey with Her Story began after he left Climax Studios to pursue independent game development. Frustrated with the limitations of traditional game narratives and the pressure to conform to genre conventions, he sought to create something truly unique. His initial idea was to develop a police procedural game, inspired by his love for the genre and its exploration of complex characters and moral dilemmas.
To achieve a sense of realism, Barlow decided to incorporate live-action footage into the game. He was fascinated by the idea of using real actors to portray the characters, believing it would add a layer of authenticity and emotional depth that was difficult to achieve with computer-generated characters. However, he was also aware of the challenges of working with FMV, a genre often associated with cheesy acting and poor production values.
The Birth of “Her Story”
Barlow’s breakthrough came when he conceived the idea of presenting the game’s narrative through a series of fragmented police interviews. The player would take on the role of a detective, sifting through a database of video clips to piece together the story of a woman named Hannah Smith, whose husband has gone missing. This non-linear approach to storytelling, combined with the use of live-action footage, created a unique and immersive experience that captivated players.
What Barlow didn’t realize at the time was that he was essentially creating an FMV game. He was so focused on the innovative gameplay mechanics and the intricacies of the narrative that the genre classification didn’t even cross his mind. It wasn’t until he started showing the game to others that he realized he had inadvertently revived a genre that had been largely dormant for years.
The Impact of “Her Story”
Her Story was a critical and commercial success, garnering numerous awards and accolades. It was praised for its innovative gameplay, compelling narrative, and strong performance by Viva Seifert, the actress who portrayed Hannah Smith. The game’s success helped to revitalize the FMV genre, inspiring other developers to explore the potential of live-action footage in video games.
Barlow’s accidental foray into FMV had a profound impact on his career. He went on to create other critically acclaimed interactive movie games, such as Telling Lies and Immortality, further solidifying his reputation as a master of the genre.
Key Takeaways from “Her Story”
- Innovation in Storytelling: Her Story demonstrated the power of non-linear narratives and the potential of FMV to create immersive and engaging experiences.
- The Importance of Character: The game’s success was largely due to the compelling portrayal of Hannah Smith by Viva Seifert, highlighting the importance of strong characters in interactive storytelling.
- The Revival of a Genre: Her Story helped to revitalize the FMV genre, inspiring other developers to explore new possibilities with live-action footage.
I remember playing Her Story for the first time and being completely blown away by its originality and ingenuity. The game’s unique approach to storytelling and the use of live-action footage created an experience that was unlike anything I had ever played before. I was particularly impressed by the performance of Viva Seifert, who delivered a nuanced and captivating portrayal of Hannah Smith. Her Story is a game that has stayed with me long after I finished playing it, and it continues to inspire me as a writer and storyteller.
Sam Barlow’s Her Story is a testament to the power of creative experimentation and the potential of video games to tell compelling stories in new and innovative ways. The fact that Barlow didn’t even realize he was making an FMV game until well into development is a testament to his focus on the craft of storytelling and his willingness to break new ground. Her Story is a landmark achievement in interactive storytelling, and it continues to inspire and influence game developers today.
Add Comment