Braid
Storytelling Reinvention:
conveys its narrative through the game’s time reversal mechanic, creating a powerful metaphor
Game Information
Release Date: August 8th, 2008
Developer: Number None, Inc.
Publisher: Microsoft
Rating: Everyone
Genre(s): Metaphorical, Platformer, Role-Playing, Strategy
Price: $9.99
Website: http://braid-game.com
Released to critical acclaim in 2008 and, then, released in the Indie category with Xbox Live in 2010, developer Jonathan Blow’s video game Braid catapulted him into the spotlight as a financially successful Indie game developer.
Braid’s website offers insight into Blow’s intention when he created the game: “Braid treats your time and attention as precious…Braid does everything it can to give you a mind-expanding experience" ("Braid"). At the outset, Braid’s on-screen layout may seem familiar with its 2D scrolling-movements, but the familiarity is quickly cast aside as the game transforms into a unique user experience. Blow’s innovation of weaving the story’s narrative through the game’s puzzles and time reversal mechanic creates a powerful metaphor, and Braid is elevated into an entrancing game experience with its art and melodic soundtrack.
Blow’s embracing of independence, creativity, art and innovation is reflected in a 2011 interview: “But what it really comes down to is that some people think, ‘Games do this sort of thing. They don’t do this sort of thing’ and I think games can do any kind of thing that we want them to do” (Barratt).
References:
1. "Braid." braid-game. n.p., n.d.. Web. 7 March. 2016. <http://braid-game.com/>
2. Barratt, Charlie. "Jonathan Blow Interview: How To Fix The Adventure, Innovate Mainstream Games And Do A Sequel Right." GamesRadar+. Future Publishing Limited Quay House, 10 Aug. 2011. Web. 18 Feb. 2016. <http://www.gamesradar.com/jonathan-blow-interview-how-to-fix-the-adventure-innovate-mainstream-games-and-do-a-sequel-right/>
Researcher: Cynthia Roadlifer
