Discover the Strand Game Genre: A New Era of Interactive Play

Publish on November 12, 2023
9 min read

Dan Wallace

ELI5 Summary:

A “Strand type game” refers to a new genre of video games that emphasize connection and collaboration among players. Coined by game designer Hideo Kojima, these games are characterized by their vast open worlds, strong narratives, and unique multiplayer features where players can influence each other’s experiences without direct interaction. Instead of competing against each other, players in a Strand game work towards common goals, build together, and share resources, emphasizing teamwork and the collective experience over individual victory. The genre aims to create more meaningful connections through gaming.

Introduction to the Strand Game Genre

Imagine stepping into a world that intertwines complex storytelling, vast landscapes, and innovative social elements to create a gaming experience unlike any other. This is the essence of the strand type game, a genre that challenges conventional gaming frameworks and invites players into deeply immersive worlds. As you continue reading, prepare to unravel the fabric of the strand game genre and discover why it’s heralding a new era of interactive play.

Emergence of the Strand Genre in Gaming

The term “strand type game” was catapulted into the gaming lexicon by Hideo Kojima, the famed creator behind the hit game Death Stranding. It is not just a category but a philosophy—a reflection on how games can connect players. Unlike genres that are classified by gameplay mechanics such as shooters or strategy games, strand games focus on the connections between players, their environments, and the world at large.

But what sparked this avant-garde approach? It rose from a desire to forge a new path in the gaming landscape, one where the threads of player interactions, narrative depth, and gameplay innovation intertwine to create an entirely new tapestry of experience.

Defining a “Strand Type Game”

What exactly constitutes a strand type game? This question has intrigued gamers since Kojima first used the term. At its core, a strand type game is an experience centered on creation rather than destruction, on building connections rather than battling enemies. A few defining aspects include:

Expansive Environments: Wide-open spaces that encourage exploration and discovery.
Asynchronous Multiplayer: Players share the world and influence each other’s games in indirect ways, providing help and leaving behind assets without direct interaction.
Emphasis on Narrative: A compelling story that often explores themes of life, death, and connection, driving the player forward.

Sometimes misunderstood at first glance, strand games have started to gain recognition for their depth and originality. They propose a question: Can games do more than entertain? Can they connect us in meaningful ways that transcend traditional multiplayer competition? With the strand type game, the answer is a resounding “yes.”

Key Features of Strand Games

While the strand genre may be a nebulous concept to some, its allure lies in the key features that set it apart from traditional gaming. These signature elements come together to create a novel experience:

Exploration of Expansive Worlds

At the heart of any strand type game is the grandeur of its world. These are not your typical game landscapes that serve as mere backdrops. Here, the world itself is a character, often vast, desolate, and rich with hidden depths waiting to be uncovered. The terrain can range from craggy mountains to haunting ruins, each with their own stories to tell. Players are encouraged to traverse these lands, with the journey itself holding as much significance as the destination.

Unique Social and Multiplayer Elements

Strand games reimagine multiplayer interaction. Rather than direct competition or co-op, they introduce asynchronous multiplayer elements. This means players can affect each other’s games without ever meeting. From leaving behind tools for others to building structures that persist in different players’ games, these actions forge a sense of togetherness in a typically solitary journey.

Aid from afar: Discover goods left by fellow players to aid in your quest.
Shared construction: Contribute to communal works like bridges and roads.
Signs and warnings: Leave behind symbols to guide or caution those who follow.

It’s this innovative approach to connectivity that allows players to leave a legacy within the game world—a connection through time and space.

Innovative Storytelling Mechanics

The narrative flow within strand games often defies standard storytelling tropes. Employing mechanics that deeply integrate story with gameplay, these games deliver a narrative that evolves with the player’s actions and choices. This could mean the intertwining of multiple character storylines, or the world changing in response to player interactions. The story is conveyed not just through cutscenes, but also through the environment, artifacts, and even the gameplay mechanics themselves, allowing players to live the story rather than just witness it.

Through these key features, strand games offer a tantalizing glimpse into the future of interactive storytelling, where players are both audience and author, and where every action can weave a thread into the broader narrative fabric.

The Philosophy Behind Strand Games

Strand games are more than a collection of innovative mechanics; they’re the embodiment of an evolving philosophy in gaming. This new approach challenges players to reconsider their role in the virtual world and explore the interconnectedness medium can offer.

The Vision of Hideo Kojima

Hideo Kojima, the pioneering mind behind the strand game genre, envisioned a new kind of gameplay that leverages the unique properties of video games as a medium. His vision emphasizes connection and cooperation over competition and isolation. Kojima’s belief that video games can foster unity and understanding in the real world is the philosophical cornerstone of strand games.

Through games like “Death Stranding,” Kojima seeks to transcend the typical power fantasies and solitary narratives that dominate the industry. Instead, he encourages players to think about how they connect with others, and how their actions, even in a digital space, can have a profound impact on the world. Kojima challenges players to find value in vulnerability, mutual aid, and the shared human experience.

The innovation doesn’t stop at game design; it extends to the themes explored within the narrative—themes of life, death, and the strands that tie all things together. Kojima’s work is a call to look beyond the screen and consider the ways in which we are all connected.

Strand Games vs. Traditional Gaming Experiences

Comparing strand games to traditional video game genres uncovers a striking contrast in both intent and execution. While most games focus on achievement through individual prowess, strand type games measure success in terms of community and collaboration. This innovative gameplay form offers a refreshing departure from the norm:

Cooperative Not Competitive: The goal isn’t to best others, but to aid them.
Emotional Investment: Rather than leveling up or acquiring gear, players are driven by emotional stakes and the shared journey.
Dynamic Storytelling: The intertwining of game mechanics and story elements fosters a narrative that evolves uniquely for each player.

Strand games present an intriguing proposition: what if the core of gaming could be about fostering empathy and compassion? In many ways, they represent a hopeful vision of the future, one where interactive experiences serve to unite rather than divide, and where players are bonded by shared endeavors and mutual assistance.

Pioneers of the Strand Genre

The strand genre may still be in its infancy, but it has already introduced innovative titles that have started to shape the industry’s future. These pioneering games forge a path towards a new form of gaming, one that emphasizes the strength and significance of connections.

“Death Stranding” – The Trailblazer

Without question, “Death Stranding” stands as the vanguard of the strand game genre. As Hideo Kojima’s brainchild, this title offers perhaps the purest embodiment of the strand philosophy. Players assume the role of Sam Porter Bridges, a courier in a fractured world, tasked with reconnecting isolated communities and healing a shattered society.

With its unique gameplay mechanics—such as building structures for collective use, leaving supplies for fellow travelers, and navigating a world altered by other players’ actions—“Death Stranding” created a ripple in the gaming world. It challenged players to reconsider what gaming could be and what it could accomplish on a grand, socio-cultural scale. The game’s narrative intricacies, coupled with the underlying message of unity and rebuilding, cemented its status as a touchstone for the strand genre.

Potential Future Strand Games

The success of “Death Stranding” ignited interest and curiosity in the potential for strand games. While specific titles that will follow in its footsteps have not yet been announced, the gaming community is rife with speculation and anticipation. Developers now consider how they might incorporate strand elements into their own titles or even create new games built around these principles.

As the genre evolves, we can expect to see games that push the boundaries of interaction even further. The possibilities are vast: imagine games where players’ contributions help to shape not just their own world, but a continually evolving narrative experienced by all, or games where decisions made by a community of players lead to different story arcs and world states. The strand genre is still writing its first chapters, and the potential for what comes next is as vast as the worlds they promise to create.

The Impact of Strand Games on the Industry

The arrival of strand games heralds a significant shift in the video game industry, with potential ripple effects across multiple facets of game development, player interaction, and narrative crafting. As we examine this impact, it’s essential to understand how deeply a single game can influence an entire generation of game design and consumption.

Altering Player Interactions and Behaviors

The strand genre has the potential to revolutionize player interactions fundamentally. By encouraging cooperative play and shared experiences, strand games promote a sense of community and shared purpose rarely seen in conventional games. This new interactive model could lead to a shift in online gaming culture:

Emphasizing Collaboration: Players are starting to value teamwork and shared achievements over individual triumphs.
Encouraging Empathy: By walking in others’ shoes, players develop a stronger understanding and regard for their fellow gamers.
Redefining Success: The success metrics in strand-type experiences often revolve around the collective welfare and progress of the player community.

These shifts could inspire developers to innovate further, devising new ways to bring players together in both virtual and real-world settings.

Strand Games: A New Template for Game Design?

Strand games not only introduce new gameplay mechanics but also offer a fresh template for storytelling and world-building. They challenge the traditional narratives of video games, which often rely on linear progression and player isolation. The emphasis on interconnectedness and the ripple effects of individual actions sets a new standard for designing game worlds that are living, breathing ecosystems influenced by players.

This template goes beyond the technical and into the philosophical, pushing developers to contemplate the role of their creations in society. Games designed around strands are not merely entertainment; they’re an exploration into the fabric of human connection and the shared experiences that can unite us. As this genre continues to develop, it invites an introspective look at how gaming might shape our understanding of togetherness and collective impact in the years to come.

Exploring Strand Type Games Yourself

Having delved into the essence and impact of strand type games, the next step for any avid gamer or curious reader is to experience the genre firsthand. Here’s how to immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of strand games and discover what makes them so uniquely captivating.

Getting Started with Strand Games

The journey into the world of strand games begins with picking a game that exemplifies the genre. Currently, “Death Stranding” is the quintessential choice. Finding a community of like-minded players can greatly enhance the experience, as the core of strand games is about carving shared paths within virtual worlds.

Select a Title: Choose a strand game that appeals to you, with an environment and narrative that pique your interest.
Join a Community: Engage with forums, social media groups, or gaming circles that focus on strand type games.
Embrace the Philosophy: Approach the game with an open mind, ready to connect and cooperate rather than compete.

As you start playing, remember that the goals and strategies of strand games are often different from what you may be used to. Patience and a willingness to explore are your greatest assets as you navigate these new experiences.

What to Expect When Diving Into the Genre

Strand games may challenge your conceptions of what video games are supposed to be. Here are a few aspects to anticipate:

Slower Pacing: These games often take their time to unfold, allowing players to deeply explore environments and narratives.
Social Elements: Look for innovative ways to interact with other players indirectly, impacting their gameplay experience as they impact yours.
Emotional Storytelling: Be ready for stories that touch on larger existential themes and encourage reflection on our place in the world.

Embarking on a strand game is more than starting a new game; it’s stepping into a wider conversation about what games can be and the role they can play in our lives. As you engage with this gaming genre, allow yourself to contemplate its broader implications, and see how it resonates with your own experiences and interactions.

Conclusion: The Future of Interactive Play and Strand Games

The strand game genre represents a bold step forward in interactive storytelling and player experiences. With its focus on connectivity, shared narratives, and expansive worlds, it posits a future where games are not only entertainment but also a platform for profound social commentary and emotional expression.

As this genre continues to evolve, we may see an increasing blend of gaming with social sciences, art, and philosophy, blurring the lines between play and the deeper human need for connection. The innovative mechanics and philosophies of strand games have sparked new discussions and could ultimately lead to a diverse, more connected gaming community.

From challenging the status quo to presenting a new template for creative expression, strand games invite developers and players alike to reimagine the possibilities of play. They hold a mirror to our society, asking us to consider how our digital actions can reflect and influence our real-world interactions. The journey of understanding, exploring, and ultimately shaping the future of this genre is an exciting frontier in the world of gaming.