How Outer Wilds Tells a Story Through Exploration

[@StoryModeOn]

Welcome to Story Mode! Supporters can watch Alex & Kelsey's full-length interviews on our Patreon: www.patreon.com/posts/39903518 What are some games that have truly unique ways of creating a player experience?

[@mijvlogs9520]

Red Dead Redemption and Red Dead Redemption 2 would be good videos.

[@mijvlogs9520]

God of war would be nice.

[@Soupkitten5]

Disco Elysium is a game that actually factors in your dialog choices into the character you roleplay as. Say racist things? Maybe your character might have more racist dialog choices... Then, there's the dream sequence at the end where the game twists the very way the game works (i.e. dialog tree) onto that really being how the mind of the protagonist works. Let's not forget how arbitrary jokes end up paying off later, such as the cosmic experience of asking a dead body who killed it.

[@jeremydelaporte3770]

+1 for Disco Elysium. That game has masterful storytelling, and how it pulls it off while simultaneously being one of the most malleable RPGs is just crazy. The player agency in that game is unreal.

[@Codbunny1234]

Return of the Obra Dinn!!

[@djlee_exe]

The worst part of this game is that I can never truly “play” it again.

[@StoryModeOn]

That bittersweet aspect of impermanence.

[@thatcriticvideo]

I'll play it again in maybe a year or so, and hopefully my garbage brain will have forgotten most things by then.

[@Ye11ow__]

Yeah, it's very disappointing. That initial feeling of leaving your planet is like nothing else I've ever played.

[@Rose_in_Blue]

That's where let's players (and curious friends) come in! Seeing how someone experiences the game, what they pay attention to and what gets them invested widens your appreciation for what the game could mean to a player. Playing it yourself only tells your story, and nearly every story is worth a listen

[@Exel3nce]

@@Rose_in_Blue yeah, but try to get your friends to Play the game. I tried and none of them wanted

[@nickgreefpool]

Man, when i found out about the quantum moon, and how to land in it, my mind was blown, it was so satisfying

[@StoryModeOn]

This game is just like a loop of ❓ -> 🤔 -> 🤯 and it's the best thing ever

[@SaltyIsaac]

I'll never forget the moment I landed successfully on the quantum moon for the first time. This thing had been taunting me for the entire game, I felt like I managed to break some sort of impossible barrier. And immediately after, realized I was on this completely unknown, weird world. Not the only time this happens in the game, but certainly one of the most memorable.

[@lilacrain3283]

Getting to the Sun Station was a similar feeling for me. Getting warped in there and then stepping out and the door flying away. There are so many incredible moments like that in this game.

[@marcjohnson3553]

Having something being there the entire time but never really knowing it was there, truly a mindfuck moment. So good.

[@erichall090909]

@@StoryModeOn Day9 said this game is just one holy shit moment after another.

[@jeremydelaporte3770]

Finishing Outer Wilds was such an emotional experience for me, one that I'll never forget and I wish I could experience again for the first time. Watching this video brought up a lot of feelings that I had when playing the game and I'm ngl, I got teary eyed. It's just such a beautiful game and one of the most memorable I've had in my 20+ years of gaming. Thanks for the awesome content, Michael! This channel is amazing.

[@StoryModeOn]

[@metfan4l]

Clicked on it thinking it would be about Outer WORLDS, watched the whole thing regardless and now I want to check out Outer Wilds.

[@SomeoneTookMyOldName]

Do it

[@DannyMahes]

Please do

[@cakewithbeans245]

You might wanna do that, yeah.

[@Sirrunalot24]

A surprisingly common occurrence

[@mariomazzarella3879]

Same

[@alexcm7367]

Probably my favourite game of the last few years. It's so beautiful, so clever, interesting and well design. One of those games where the progression is done only by learning. The game doesn't change but with each milestone, you feel like you've unlocked a new stage. The only other game I can think of that does exactly the same is The Witness. It's not a surprise that it is one of my favourite games ever too.

[@PatchyE]

The Witness is my favorite game of all time. It isn't the only other game that does the progression by knowledge thing though. There is a puzzle game that came out in 2013 called Toki Tori 2 whose whole gameplay revolves around this idea (great game btw; I highly recommend to puzzle game fans). Antichamber also did this although to a much lesser extent. EDIT: Oh I almost forgot there is a recent puzzle game called A Monster's Expedition that's also built heavily on this idea (best puzzle game in 2020 imo).

[@charlieshek3465]

Falling in love with this channel already

[@StoryModeOn]

[@breakthelegacy]

God I love this game so much. The music can pull my heartstrings anytime it reaches me.

[@samuelreed5266]

If I had to choose one game to completely forget about to replay 'blind', this would be it. The wonderment of space exploration, the pants-shitting terror of uncharted worlds (Especially Giant's Deep; goddamn do I have a fear of being in the ocean), not to mention the absolute mind-blowing revelations I got from solving one puzzle after the other and seeing the bigger picture of this amazing story! 'Hats off' to the developers for making an stunning game.

[@FlameHidden]

Great way to talk about the discovery process of the game using just one of a minor set of such discoveries and "plot" twists. And without even showing anyone that might be getting into this game the final answer of what happens! Amazing video!

[@StoryModeOn]

Thank you very much! We tried our best :)

[@phelanii4444]

I've played this game at the start of quarantine. It was such a blast and a great way to get outside of my own head for a while. Definitely one of my favourite games I've ever played, the ending left me satisfied but also wanting more.

[@StoryModeOn]

Nice! Yeah I could see this being a good escape-from-quarantine-reality game. :)

[@phelanii4444]

@@StoryModeOn it definitely was! I always dreamed of doing archeology, but since that isn't the path I've ended up on in life, I am glad I have found a game that can give me that visceral and truly moving experience of discovering long dead civilisations. Truly amazing, making such a unique experience.

[@paraalso]

The cool thing about the rules of the world is that you can also learn them by experimentation. I never went to the Lakebed Cave. Instead I learned the other two quantum rules first, and figured out the Lakebed Cave rule on my own in the Quantum Shrine.

[@Vince009]

One of my favorite indie games in a loooong time!

[@ken.7019]

I kind of feel bad for the devs for not being able to experience their own game as a new player, because it was one of the best experiences with gaming I had, ever.

[@LessonsfromtheScreenplay]

Thank you to everyone who has checked out Story Mode so far! We'd really appreciate it if you helped us grow the channel by liking, sharing, and subscribing! More Story Mode videos are on their way!

[@LargelyNonsense_818]

It took me a long time to get around to this because everyone kept telling me not to watch *anything* about OW until I had completed it. I'm glad I waited, but I also wanted to praise what a great job y'all did on this video! It's amazing! I love watching the Beachum's get to talk about the game they collaborated on. :)

[@alechall7082]

Just finished your witcher video, after recently finishing the game for this first time, and 5 minutes later you post this, ha! This was easily one of my favorite games from last year, you are off to a great start for this channel.

[@StoryModeOn]

Hey, awesome timing! I feel the same way about Outer Wilds, it will always be one of the most memorable gaming experiences I've had.

[@SHADOWKNUX1]

Yessss thank you for doing a video on this game!! It was great seeing the devs explain their design processes on crafting such a special experience. I also love how you deliberately focused on only a few things so that people who may be hearing about this game for the first time don't lose out on that joy of discovery. Excellent work, keep it up!

[@grev.]

this channel is off to a great start. keep it coming.

[@StoryModeOn]

Thanks, will do!

[@thosediamonddreams]

I WAS LITERALLY GOING TO MESSAGE YOU AND ASK YOU TO MAKE A VIDEO ABOUT OUTER WILDS LMFAO best game i've played in 10+ years easily

[@LucasDeziderio]

This is definitely one of my favorite games of all time. Even the music is enough to put me at the edge of tears. If I ever find one of the developers I'll certainly owe them a round of drinks or marshmallows.

[@artesano_onirico]

It is amazing that you got an interview with the writer and the creator. This game (I wouldn't call it a game per se, it's more of an interactive puzzle story/film, I really have no idea how it should be defined) completely changed my life and many others', from what I read online. It was a great experience, but more importantly, it inspired me. It made my horizons so much broader, it gave fuel to my imagination. It is one of the reasons why I started this channel, for example, and did a few certain projects in my private life. Watching the early versions of the game, and the devs' logic behind why things are the way they are, and how they were in the beginning, is very eye opening. This video is a true essay on the creative process and on audience management and storytelling. Thanks!

[@TOAOM123]

A few games i feel are worthy of covering: -nier automata -spec ops the line -return to the obra din -hellblade senua's sacrifice

[@paper3993]

YES Return of Obra Din is highly recommended

[@FBracht]

@@paper3993 Agreed! At the same time, though, I feel like the style of narrative in Obra Dinn is not that different from the one in Outer Wilds. You explore to discover and piece together the events of a mysterious story that happened before you arrived until you can get the satisfaction of knowing exactly what happened. Of course there are a few differences here and there (Obra Dinn doesn't have a lot of spatial exploration, for example), but the general framework seems to me like it's mostly the same.

[@fluffnight]

I done goofed. I knew there would be spoilers. Yet... I just want more Story Mode. I knew it was next on my list of games. Normally I don't care for spoilers. But this is the first time I'll be pausing to not watch a whole video because I've already spoiled myself too much. Your content is just too good, LFTS/SM!! I'll be back.

[@arthurtaft]

@storymode have you all thought about doing a video about Control? That game does a masterful job at giving characters well written dialog but also really creating story through game mechanics. The game's powers and unlocking those powers really drives the game along and makes it fun to explore the depth of the world they continued to build from their Alan Wake game days at Remedy Entertainment. It's also the only game I've actually read EVERY document/paper that I found through the game. Really smart and fun game.

[@StoryModeOn]

It's definitely one we're thinking about! I really enjoyed it, and like you found myself reading every single paper I found. -MT

[@milesprower8]

This is such a great series! I know a fallout-style game has already been done, but i would love to see your take on Fallout New Vegas. I find how almost every quest (especially in the dlc) has this theme of "what makes a nation" as the player slowly becomes the keystone in shaping the future of the region.

[@notsam7928]

Some of my more interesting experiences with this game: First time entering Giant's Deep atmosphere and and suddenly being faced with these giant tornados I panicked and left immediately. My next visit, after I realized I had to go there to get clues, I was very anxious. It was incredible. When I started the game, I kinda skipped part of the tutorial cause I already knew about the time loop and wanted to get to the story quickly. Never understood some mechanics well until I was stuck for hours near the end and had to look up how to find stuff I was looking for. The angler fish still give me goosebumps

[@StoryModeOn]

haha. Yeah it's a very stressful game. I went in knowing absolutely nothing and it was such a great way to experience it.

[@PatricioINTP]

Now I want him to do one on Subnautica.

[@mariomazzarella3879]

This is what I love about gaining. I’m always amazed how the developers come up with these genius ideas and ways of storytelling

[@BigSlav1337]

I love the direction of the channel.

[@christophermejia1697]

As an english major in college, im completely infatuated with story telling. I live for this and i come across this channel by luck, I Look forward to seeing the videos this channel pushes out! Corey if you see this let me be 😂.

[@smtucker0419]

Have you watched Lessons from the Screenplay? Same creator

[@christophermejia1697]

Sheila Tucker i think i have but i think i should check it out again

[@Nafetskenam]

Absolutely loved playing this game and watching this vid just made me want to start it up again! Can’t wait to see what you guys do next.

[@StoryModeOn]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@FieldOfViewGameDesign]

That special Outer Wilds combination of logic and wonder is captured so beautifully here! - Stephen

[@lofo94]

This channel is amazing! So cool to hear from the developers themselves! And Outer wilds is like nothing else! Any chance we're getting a Story Mode podcast anytime soon??? I would love to hear you and the LFTS team talk about the games in full!

[@StoryModeOn]

Thank you! And maybe! We’ll see how the channel continues to develop

[@ReavoEnd]

Amazing video. I love that you scored video interviews with Alex and especially Kelsey. So few videos mention the importance of her role!! I would love to see your take on Echoes of the Eye. I feel like it handles curiosity and player-driven gameplay much differently.

[@Vonias]

An excellent choice for one of the first videos on this channel.

[@StoryModeOn]

Thank you! It will remain one of the most powerful, unique gaming experiences I've ever had. --MT

[@Vonias]

@@StoryModeOn and the music by Andrew Prahlow will always hold a place in my heart

[@cbandit7715]

This is one of my favorite videos evwr

[@marcjohnson3553]

Great video on an honestly fantastic game. I sadly didn’t get to play it myself but watched one of my favorite youtubers doing a let’s play on it. I was blown away! It’s such a unique and beautiful game. And that guitar riff always gets me.

[@ashclaw2306]

Now i am curious about this game.

[@StoryModeOn]

Make the players curious: ✔️ Now go check out the game! :)

[@AshSimmonds]

From one Ash to another, clear a few days out and just play it without any further knowledge.

[@georgesims9342]

Man, now I gotta get this game. This looks amazing!

[@DanBorens]

This was the best game I've ever played in my life and I honestly would just not look up anything about it and just play.

[@rbdriftin]

Excellent video about probably the best game I've played this generation.

[@gustavochedid1137]

I literally started playing this game this week, so cool when the stars align!

[@adamd0707]

This game was one of the best gaming experiences in a while. I had no idea what I was getting myself into and every little discovery I made felt like a massive achievement! Great video and great game!!

[@StoryModeOn]

Yes!!

[@brettd2308]

This might be the best game I have ever played.

[@Bretlu2010]

It’s always great to see new content from you, best of luck with the channel launch!

[@snowfloofcathug]

Kelsey Beachum, the writer for Outer Worlds (DLC)

[@andromedadrey7954]

Really excited about this new channel! Keep up the good work!

[@Helioscore1]

Damn I was super hyped for this new channel, but this is better than anything I imagined.

[@StoryModeOn]

🙌🙏

[@thegustbag]

Outer Wilds is a masterpiece. It's a game that'll stick with you. I know it has done that for me, and for the friend I experienced it with. On a sidenote: I just wanted to say I really appreciate the little narrative loop of starting and ending the journey through the game in this video with a marshmallow by the campfire!

[@Poss1]

Very good timing. I'm about to start playing this. I'll wait to watch, but I look forward to your take on the storytelling.

[@StoryModeOn]

Awesome! We look forward to hearing your thoughts once you're finished!

[@Poss1]

@@StoryModeOn 👍

[@SomeoneTookMyOldName]

Tell me how it went when you finish/ get half way through

[@Poss1]

@@SomeoneTookMyOldName 👍 Will do.

[@djrousseau2148]

More of these please!!

[@StoryModeOn]

More on their way!

[@djrousseau2148]

@@StoryModeOn just listened to the pod talking about TLOU2 it was great. I like how you discuss each topic with the creators it’s awesome. Keep it up!

[@CSM100MK2]

This was great, thank you. Love this game so much!

[@andrewizzoclarke]

The Witness is a great game to cover. And by the way great video!

[@Dunbarius]

You know that fear of being in open water, this game is like that but with space.

[@SomeoneTookMyOldName]

Subnautica

[@Harabeck]

Outer Wilds is one of my favorite games. Everything about is super clever.

[@AllThingsFilm1]

This game looks fascinating.

[@lilacrain3283]

Outer Wilds is one of the great video games that has ever been made.

[@DannyMahes]

I have been waiting for this video since you made the channel announcement

[@TOAOM123]

Those damn angler fish

[@DanielFernandez-eo2ry]

Been waiting for this

[@StoryModeOn]

And here it is!

[@YIIMM]

I was hoping you'd do this one

[@MrTalithan]

Argh, hearing Final Voyage never fails to make me tear up.

[@BoatsAndJoes]

Previously watched this video on Nebula: really enjoyed it :)

[@StoryModeOn]

Awesome! Thank you for supporting Nebula! Just gonna leave this link here in case anyone else wants to check it out... :P watchnebula.com/storymode

[@Shamman_komanch]

Dam the music still makes me cry.

[@bagandtag4391]

15:52 Insert clip of me spending hours trying to use a drone on top of the quantum moon locator to keep it in place at the right time so I could launch myself with the gravity cannon 💀

[@luqman_azeem]

I love how the devs limit themselves to the Explorer player type from Bartle's Taxonomy.

[@David050298]

My favorite game of all time.

[@oldvlognewtricks]

Please say you’ve got Heaven’s Vault on the docket for this series. Loving your work. Can’t wait for more!

[@edurizzoalbu]

Wow! Really nice documentary focusing on story! I really wanna end this game so I can watch the whole video!

[@ShimiGian]

Such a great content! So insightful and inspiring. If you haven’t played it already, I would suggest you to play Firewatch

[@daisydolan6623]

This is really interesting! I’d love to see you talk about Everybody’s Gone To The Rapture or Dear Esther (both made by The Chinese Room)

[@fabiogarcezc]

It would be incredible if you made videos in this format for Lessons From the Screenplay once in a while. People from the film industry may be more difficult to reach, but it would be not only innovating (there's nothing like this on yt), but also a nice way to diversify your content. Of course, if this isn't something you have on your plans, just keep doing the amazing work you already do. Congratulations for the new channel!

[@smtucker0419]

Have you seen the videos on Seaching and A Quiet Place? They do exactly what you are talking about.

[@fabiogarcezc]

@@smtucker0419 omg I guess I missed those ones then I'm gonna check them out asap thank you

[@senseweaver01]

Could you make a video on the story telling in the From Software games? My favourite story is within Bloodborne - but the method of delivering story seems extremely flawed. It'd be interesting to hear your thoughts on it!

[@StoryModeOn]

We'll put that on our list of things to check out! Thanks for the suggestion!

[@senseweaver01]

@@StoryModeOn Thank youuuuuuuuuuuu!

[@TheRedname]

@@StoryModeOn If you want an angle, I'd suggest looking into environmental storytelling for an episode on Dark Souls/Bloodborne. I have a hunch Vaati would be more than happy to help or even collaborate, which would be awesome.

[@senseweaver01]

@@TheRedname I don't know Red, I feel like he talks to slowly for these videos haha

[@TheRedname]

@@senseweaver01 Oh, I don't think he talks at much of different pace to Michael, besides I'm sure he could quicken his delivery if need be!

[@kshn_h]

Amazing channel you're off to a great start man. Unfortunately i was bored the first time i played this but i think that was my problem. I played it for some hours but eventually dropped it and now im ashamed of myself. Especially now after seeing some footage of it and your video about this game. Now i don't know if i should play it again or ive been spoiled and this game is ruined for me. Anyway great video and props to the developers for their interesting way of thoughts and mindset. There's so many games now that i want to see your videos about them , but the one that constantly comes to my mind is SOMA . Hope you make a video about it some time in the future because im so fascinated about the amazing storytelling it had. Thanks.

[@JudodihardjoP]

Great Video Michael! Can you do Beyond 2 souls?! Such a great narrative. Like a 30 hour epic movie, with real movie actors!

[@StoryModeOn]

Thank you! That one and that studio are definitely ones we're thinking about

[@JudodihardjoP]

@@StoryModeOn wow can't believe you replied. You're doing great stuff my guy, one of my fave KZbinrs. Glad to hear Beyond 2 souls is in consideration!

[@jeremiahhempel1975]

You should do one on Telltale Games. I've never been so emotionally invested with characters and their wellbeing with the Walking Dead and Wolf Among Us series.

[@sailorkisser]

I second this request

[@JimothyLahey]

Absolutely love this channel. I've been excited about your future video game analysis projects since the Last of Us video. I am absolutely on the edge of my seat waiting to see if you'll do a video on the Mass Effect Trilogy.

[@StoryModeOn]

Thank you! I've been excited too. And my current feeling is "try to stop us from doing the Mass Effect trilogy." :) --MT

[@petarmilic9729]

I can still sing the main theme to this game

[@StoryModeOn]

The music in this game is so great.

[@Vonias]

every time I hear it I have to hum along, I had to rewatch parts of this video since I missed it the first time humming to the music.

[@luizhenriquem1634]

Great Video as always, have you guys played Disco Elysium? the way the game use some of the paper RPG mechanics is really amazing and unique, I thinks is worth a video about it

[@StoryModeOn]

I *just* started it! I'm planning on playing more over the holidays. --MT

[@Cr4nched]

SiCK NEW CHANNEL RECOMMENDIGN TO ALL MY HOMIES

[@leandromayorferrer9093]

recomendations for the channel: Silenthill2 and Darksouls

[@mr.scottydoo]

Game is just a masterpiece.

[@saeonix]

I love science and space and as curious as anyone I know but I just couldn't get into Outer Wilds -- and I tried really really hard. It is just too obtuse for me, and I coudln't see the point for a long time. Would've loved a bit of hand holding on this one.

[@junglsmor]

GAMES ARE ART

[@thatdontmakecent]

Algorithmic love!

[@StoryModeOn]

[@davidreeding9176]

Subbed, too bad I didn't know about this channel earlier

[@Reliken]

16:16 what am I looking at? I got all achievements in OW and I'm not sure what this is. ???

[@Reliken]

PS: liked, subscribed, bell'd. No hesitation. :)

[@grantake]

Thought the same thing. Guy on Reddit says it the White Hole Station, seen from an unusual angle.

[@nevinmyers1245]

14:25 *INSTANT PANIC*

[@imunfathomable]

open world but the worlds are the size of a school bus

[@isaacphoenix9200]

That was fast.

[@paper3993]

hey! a quick recommendation is "Life is Strange" the story of the game was a blast

[@StoryModeOn]

Cool! Adding it to our list of games to check out!

[@paper3993]

@@StoryModeOn just loving your work!

[@-----------g-]

The Outer Wilds, Outer Worlds... Oh deary! 🥴

[@maxmustermann850]

Great analysis! I really like the idea of your channel. But I noticed that you heavily rely on interviews with a game's creators and writers. I wonder if there are also books on videogame writing/directing which are considered to be standard literature and which you can reference like you do in LFTS.

[@Ddddddddddd381]

man this seems like a super cool game but I really feel the 22 minute reset would really irritate me

[@David-kd4qr]

It drove me insane that even though i got 80%ish through I quit and never went back.

[@SomeoneTookMyOldName]

It's not too bad because the whole game is based around player knowledge there are little hidden short cuts every where so as long as you get there once you can skip most of it by going through that small hole in the roof you missed earlier. There are also campfires everywhere that allow you to skip time ahead

[@bensmith3384]

Michael I love you

[@StoryModeOn]

[@solarplexus7]

Alex sounds like Brandon Jones’ little brother

[@leonotrujillo2206]

Please do HOLLOW KNIGHT

[@smpawood7791]

real adventure game

[@zxcytdfxy256]

If you can, do the Batman Arkham games.

[@StoryModeOn]

I've never played them, but someone on the Story Mode team, Brian Bitner, is a big fan. So, I've now downloaded them all and they are ready to be played :) --MT