DEVLOG #4 - NARRATIVE DESIGN

Narrative design is at the heart of what makes Absolum so compelling, and we’ve made it our mission to tell a rich and immersive story, weaving intricate lore into our beat 'em up to bring Absolum ’s world to life in new ways!

But how do we convey this world to you, the player? Who’s behind it all? Let’s take a closer look!

NARRATION IN ABSOLUM

In Absolum, players will uncover the game’s rich narrative through a variety of sources. Whether it’s reading lore, listening to character dialogue, or simply interacting with the environment – every detail serves to immerse you deeper into the world.

Discovering Talamh

Every run you make in Absolum is an opportunity to uncover new aspects of the game’s lore. We’ve designed it so that at least something new would be revealed every time you play, at least during your first 50 runs.

As you explore, you'll uncover hidden paths, encounter new NPCs, and discover secret areas. Many of the game’s quests require you to progress across multiple runs, rewarding you for persistent exploration and curiosity. The narrative structure is designed to keep you moving forward, always offering something new, whether that’s delving deeper into known locations or discovering entirely new places and characters.

An Evolving World

The world of Absolum isn’t static, it reacts to your actions. We don’t want to give too much away about this, but know that your decisions will influence how the world evolves, shifting both the challenges you face and the opportunities available to you.

Safe Spots

Throughout the game, you’ll encounter safe spots to rest, hire mercenaries, or accept new quests. These safe spots are teeming with life, and you can talk to a variety of different characters there – every safe spot features its own custom art and layout!

Dialogues & Secrets

NPCs are more than just quest-givers—they hold intriguing insights into the world of Talamh. Some offer alternative perspectives on the ongoing conflict, while others might reveal quests tied to hidden storylines. Every character has a story, and if you dig deep enough, you’ll unlock secrets that give you exclusive rewards and new paths to explore.

2 players

In Absolum, even the dialogues change based on which character you’re playing in multiplayer. This adds an extra layer of depth, making the experience even more engaging when you team up with a friend.

UNDERSTANDING THE PROCESS

The Challenges of Narrative Design

Creating a narrative that fits into a fast-paced beat ‘em up was no small feat. We wanted to balance intricate lore with the fast rhythm of the game. Dialogue had to be sharp and concise, providing value without slowing down the action. The result? Short but impactful exchanges that enhance the experience without bogging down the pacing. In Absolum, you can expect dialogue that’s just as quick and punchy as the combat itself.

Pacing & Player Progression

As you progress through the game, the story adapts to your journey. Whether you’ve played for 2 hours or 20, the narrative structure ensures that you always have access to essential information to understand the world and follow the plot. The Hub reflects your progress, and each decision shapes the unfolding story. This design ensures that both new players and veterans can enjoy the narrative at their own pace.

WHO WORKED ON THE STORY?

The immersive world of Absolum is the result of a long and complex process. Three different narrative designers worked on the game:

• Matthew Ritter

• Fanny Renard

• Gautier Knittel