The Player’s Mind: Internal Monologues in Video Games

Video games have evolved into a storytelling medium capable of profound emotional impact, with internal monologues playing a key role in this transformation. By offering players direct access to a character’s thoughts, games like ‘The Last of Us’ and ‘Bioshock Infinite’ create immersive, emotionally rich experiences that bridge the gap between narrative and gameplay.

The Role of Internal Monologues in Gaming

Internal monologues in video games serve as a direct link between players and characters, revealing motives, doubts, and emotional states that might otherwise remain hidden. This narrative device deepens the player’s connection to the protagonist, transforming them from mere avatars into fully realized individuals. Moreover, it enhances immersion by aligning the player’s understanding of events with the character’s perspective.

‘The Last of Us’: An Emotional Journey

Naughty Dog’s ‘The Last of Us’ is celebrated for its poignant storytelling, and internal dialogue is integral to its emotional resonance. While much of the narrative is conveyed through dialogue and environmental storytelling, the internal thoughts of Joel and Ellie occasionally surface through subtle cues—Joel’s murmured reflections or Ellie’s journal entries. These moments provide insight into their evolving relationship and individual struggles.

For example, Ellie’s optional journal updates reveal her inner turmoil and longing for connection, which might go unnoticed in the game’s action-oriented moments. By giving players the opportunity to explore these optional elements, the game creates a deeper emotional bond between the player and the characters, enhancing the overall narrative impact.

‘Bioshock Infinite‘: A Study in Perspective

In ‘Bioshock Infinite’, internal monologues take on a different, more philosophical tone. Booker DeWitt, the game’s protagonist, often reflects on his past and his mission to “bring back the girl” as he navigates the floating city of Columbia. These introspective moments are layered with regret and self-loathing, providing a stark contrast to the game’s vibrant, surreal setting.

Booker’s internal monologues not only offer critical context for his actions but also set the stage for the game’s exploration of guilt, redemption, and alternate realities. Combined with Elizabeth’s dialogue and interactions, these thoughts help unravel the intricate narrative, pulling players deeper into the story’s moral and metaphysical dilemmas.

Enhancing Immersion Through Thought

Internal monologues in games accomplish what few other mediums can: they blend player agency with character introspection. By allowing players to “hear” a character’s thoughts, games can:

Deepen Emotional Connections: Understanding a character’s fears, desires, and doubts makes their journey more personal and relatable.

Reveal Hidden Motivations: Internal dialogue can provide context for actions that might otherwise seem puzzling or morally ambiguous.

Build World Immersion: Characters’ reflections on their environment or circumstances add layers of detail to the game world, making it feel more alive.

Beyond ‘The Last of Us‘ and ‘Bioshock Infinite‘

Other games also utilize internal monologues effectively:

• Max Payne: The titular character’s gritty, noir-inspired narration offers insight into his trauma and relentless quest for justice, perfectly complementing the game’s dark tone.
• Disco Elysium: This RPG takes internal dialogue to a new level by visualizing the protagonist’s thoughts as separate entities, each representing a fragment of his psyche. The player’s decisions shape the internal monologue, creating a uniquely personalized narrative.
• Red Dead Redemption 2: Arthur Morgan’s journal provides a reflective inner voice, chronicling his thoughts about the events and people in his life, adding depth to the game’s themes of loyalty and redemption.

Internal monologues are a powerful storytelling device in video games, enabling players to form deeper connections with characters and stories. Games like ‘The Last of Us’ and ‘Bioshock Infinite’ demonstrate how this technique can elevate the medium, transforming gameplay into a profoundly immersive narrative experience. As gaming continues to push the boundaries of storytelling, the player’s mind will remain a vital space for innovation and emotional resonance.

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–Silviya.Y