If you're like me and grew up in the early 2000s, you'll remember the video game craze vividly. Back then, just the mention of video games conjured images of those square, bulky consoles, complete with AV jacks that you plugged into the TV and the classic green cartridges often showing signs of wear and tear. These consoles were our gateway to entertainment on weekends, much to the chagrin of our parents. I have many cherished memories of playing video games with my brother after school and on weekends. We'd eagerly trade cartridges with other kids in the neighbourhood, each one holding the promise of exciting new adventures behind its distinctive green exterior.

Reflecting on those times and comparing them to today, it's striking how much video gaming has evolved. In the past, it was all about navigating pixelated landscapes, jumping over obstacles, and defeating enemies with straightforward storylines. How, then, has the allure of video games transformed from simple pixels and repetitive actions to the immersive experiences we have today, with realistic graphics and complex narratives?

According to the definition found with a quick Google search, video games are games played by manipulating images on a computer monitor or display. At their core, video games offer a unique form of storytelling, albeit one where you're actively involved by pressing buttons or keys. Storytelling is ingrained in human nature; it's how we've communicated since time immemorial. Before the advent of film and cameras, stories were told through various mediums: books, songs, dance, and acting.

In today's digital era, storytelling has adapted to suit the evolving population. While cinema and film often come to mind when we think of storytelling on screen, we mustn't overlook video games as a potent medium for digital narrative. Video games have evolved into captivating storytellers, weaving intricate narratives that rival the depth of novels and the spectacle of blockbuster films.

Gone are the days when storytelling was confined to books or the silver screen. In this digital age, video games have emerged as a powerful medium for narrative exploration, offering experiences that captivate, challenge, and immerse players in unprecedented ways. Some might even argue that video games surpass film and cinema in digital storytelling prowess.

The power of the videogames as an effective and immersive storytelling medium can also be proved by the amount of cost and time companies now invest when developing a game. Today, people understand its power and relevance in digital culture and how it shapes the digital sphere thus they have dedicated sites where they can access content related to gaming. Gaming sites like Twitch and YouTube Gaming give access to players to stream their gameplay with their audience. On these sites, even some of the no-commentary gameplay videos garner millions of views!

With the march of technology into the digital realm, video games have undergone a complete transformation over the years. Today's video games boast photorealistic graphics, characters brimming with personality, and interactive environments that set them apart from their pixelated predecessors. The most thrilling aspect of video game storytelling lies in its boundless potential for innovation and experimentation. The future of storytelling holds immense promise, with technological advancements pushing the boundaries of what is achievable.

Virtual reality (VR) allows users to step into narratives, immersing themselves in fully-realised worlds with unprecedented levels of presence. Augmented reality (AR) blurs the lines between the digital and physical realms, turning our surroundings into interactive storytelling canvases.

But it's not just technology that sets modern video games apart; the very way stories unfold within them has evolved. Linear plots and one-dimensional characters are relics of the past. Nowadays, players are treated to branching storylines, moral quandaries, and dynamic characters whose arcs develop based on player choices. Each dialogue option, every action taken, and every consequence faced weaves together to craft a unique narrative reflective of the player's own journey.

Video games have transcended mere entertainment; they stand at the forefront of storytelling, offering immersive experiences that go beyond passive observation and invite active participation. The immersive and interactive nature of video games places them firmly at the vanguard of storytelling mediums. Looking ahead, it's evident that the narrative landscape is being reshaped by the dynamic interplay of technology, interactivity, and boundless creativity.

In video games, the only limits to creation are those of our imagination, providing a level of immersion and agency unmatched by any other medium. Central to this evolution is the concept of player agency—the idea that the user's actions hold genuine sway within the game environment. This fundamental aspect of interactive storytelling transforms players from passive spectators into active participants, empowering them to shape the narrative according to their desires and moral compass. Whether it's determining a character's fate, forming alliances with unlikely allies, or grappling with the consequences of tough decisions, the player holds the reins, steering the story in thrilling and unexpected directions.

Consider the critically acclaimed game 'Resident Evil 2: Remake' as an example. It retells the story of Racoon City, set in a detailed world tinged with apocalyptic themes drawn from modern science, pharmaceutical companies, and the government. The game follows the journey of Leon Scott Kennedy, a rookie cop on his first day of the job, and Claire Redfield, a young woman searching for her missing brother, as they navigate through a viral outbreak, transforming ordinary citizens into bloodthirsty zombies and mutated creatures known as BOWs (biological weapons), all within a morally ambiguous universe teeming with political intrigue, nightmarish creatures, and complex characters. This narrative encapsulates the essence of the "survival horror" genre, weaving a tale of rebellion, resistance, and resilience.

One of the most striking aspects of video game storytelling is its ability to foster empathy and emotional connections in ways previously thought unattainable. Games such as ‘The Last of Us’ and ‘Life is Strange’ have moved players to tears with their poignant narratives exploring themes of love, sorrow, and the human condition. These games immerse players in the shoes of the characters, eliciting emotional investment that surpasses passive consumption. This creates a profound link between the player and the character, one that is visceral and deeply meaningful.

Video games also act as a platform for representing countries or regions; even Nepal has found its place in video games. One notable example is ‘Far Cry 4’, which tells the story of Ajay Ghale, a young man returning to his homeland of Kyrat—a Himalayan region on the brink of chaos and revolution—to fulfil his mother's last wish. Upon his arrival, Ajay is drawn into a violent conflict between the oppressive regime of self-appointed king, Pagan Min, and the rebel forces striving to overthrow him. Caught in the middle, Ajay faces a series of difficult choices that will shape the destiny of Kyrat and its people. The game explores his struggle to honour tradition or embrace change and forge a new future for his homeland.

In video games, anything is possible! It's not just a story you witness—it's a story you live. This immersive experience defines modern video game storytelling, blurring the lines between player and protagonist, and breaking free from the confines of traditional narrative. Video games today offer not just escapism, but immersion; not just observation, but participation. As technology advances and boundaries are pushed, one thing is certain: the era of video game storytelling is just beginning. The stories yet to unfold are bound to be epic in every sense of the word. So, the next time you think about video games, get ready to lose yourself in a world where imagination knows no bounds!