A Novel Game

A Novel Game

There are many types of fiction out there for all to enjoy. The newest of the genres, I think, is Computer Game fiction. Is it a good idea to turn a game into a novel? I know there are many examples of this, one of which is the Assassins Creed series. Where all five possibly six games have been converted into the world of words. Is this just a chance for the games production companies to cash in on their fan-base or do the fans genuinely love to read about a story they’ve already played and completed, therefore knowing the story anyway? I know with films, everyone says that there’s more story and more detail in the book but is it the same case for a game? A feature length film goes on for approximately two hours, where as a computer game can take an enormous amount of time. My brother is playing a game at the moment and has spent over 100 hours playing it. Could you get 100 hours of game-play into a novel or are you cutting out some of the story? If you’re playing for over 100 hours, could the extra stuff all be rather superfluous?

But on the flipside what about the books that were turned into games? Naturally the first that springs to mind is Lord of the Rings. The only problem there is that the books were turned into films, and the games are based on the films and not the books, so it’s not a good example. But still, if a fan enjoyed the novel enough to play the game, surely it should work the other way around? If you’ve already read the book, then you already know what’s going to happen. The difference is that you are the one making it happen. Maybe that’s the fascination with turning games into books? Maybe people want to read about the characters and how they interact without a player guiding them?

I’m not sure about the whole thing. I’ve only read one or two of these books and personally they’re not for me. What does everyone else think? Let me know. Read, follow, comment and enjoy. M x