It’s Round Table time again! Continuing with the theme of literary games, this month, we’re focussing on the role that the author’s “voice” plays in a game design. To what extent is it important, and to what extent should we do without it?

The answer, as always, tends to depend on personal taste, and mine, as always, is heavily biased. Of course the author’s voice is important! Isn’t that why I myself develop games in the first place? So that I can express myself? If I’m not supposed to express myself at all, then what’s the point? What am I making? Why am I doing this? Who am I and what am I doing here?

Yes, I know. They’re selfish motivations. You may be asking “but what about as a player, Deirdra? Don’t you want freedom? Don’t you hate it when other authors try to force their voices down your throat?” And my answer to that is… well, no. In fact, what I’ve noticed about my play preferences is that I happen to prefer games with a definitive authorial slant. Because here’s the thing: what do you get when you remove the voice of an author entirely from a game? Essentially, it’s a simulation. A sandbox. The Holodeck. A carbon copy of the real world for testing purposes. You pretty much end up with something like Second Life.

But wait! There’s more…