discussion Do you prefer games with a linear or nonlinear story?

[prrrrro]

I definitely like some branching, but I also like the author to have some vision as to what story they want to tell. Different choices in perspective can work well to reframe events if done well. I don't like games where I constantly have to choose whether or not to avoid a kink or LI, I usually want to see everything, and all those questions just break the flow. Yes, I want LI to give me a BJ, YES I want to watch what's happening in the living room at night, YESSS I want to cum inside, you can stop asking!

 

[Andrewsmith161]

Non-linear, I prefer that I'm making choices to affect the gameplay and can avoid certain characters/routes

 

[randomhero5150]

Games with a ton of paths/spaghetti have a tendency to not get finished.

 

[SammyJ27]

It really depends on the quality of the writing. If the writing is great and the concept is very well thought out then im fine with a linier story. I prefer a non liniar story that isnt not incredibly abritrary with the branches. Oh you didnt talk to girl C three times on Thursday the 14th of April now you are blocked out of her good ending kinda thing. You see alot of that in Japanese games.

 

[BrianTheBigOne]

It becomes more interesting if there is some branching. I mean, having ones choices have meaning feels more interactive so you feel you can control the narrative a bit. But in the case of adult VNs, sometimes ya just wanna enjoy a great story without having to think too much over which route to take i guess

 

[protons]

Non linear, I enjoy being able to make choices and doing what I want.

 

[hoochimama]

Choices & consequences is more interesting. Though when it comes to NTR I'll gladly take linear or unavoidable NTR over easily avoided NTR (very hard to avoid is best but few NTR devs have the sensibility for it).

 

[CityGiraffe]

I prefer nonlinear. because it more game like in my opnion, in all VNs i end up skipping dialogues at some point because i get bored

 

[hythoria]

personally i dont mind a lil bit of non-linearity but yeah when theres missable stuff that is very cool i'd always prefer to have a walktrhough which is just more time consuming

 

[O&M's]

Linear, for the sake of my own sanity. I always feel like I need to see 100% of each game I play, so non-linear ones are exhausting for me.

 

[koyoshinokuchi]

I don't generally like linear stuff, I'm playing a video game so I want to have unique experiences that only games can provide. When I want something linear I just read a book.

 

[Dnj]

i prefer nonlinear over linear, there are good linear games but with the nonlinear you can have have a little more variety when you reach the end of the game

 

[Eve D'Apple]

Unless it's good enough to warrant a second play through, and most aren't, linear.

 

[Gu3rRa]

I lean toward nonlinear stories as well. Games that let you make meaningful choices feel more immersive because your decisions shape the world and characters around you. That sense of agency adds depth and makes each playthrough unique, which is why they often have stronger replay value than strictly linear experiences.

That said, linear narratives can be powerful too — when a developer wants to deliver a tightly crafted story with precise pacing and emotional impact, a predetermined path ensures nothing gets diluted. It really depends on whether you’re in the mood for freedom and exploration or for being guided through a cinematic journey.

 

[putquid]

Depends on the game, I really like linear games if I don't wanna think about pathing

 

[TheCollection]

Non linear ones are a bit better, I think, it makes you feel that the world is more alive and that u're part of it, not just a visitor guided by the games story. I also like the though that my choices may change the contentp of history of the game, it makes a more immersive experience