Deus Ex, I’m wondering; how do you connect the dots? When creating stories as intricate as DE:HR (or various others), how do you stay on top with respect to what results in what happening? Do you lay out all possible choices/paths first and then construct the story around it or do you first build the world, the characters (with a general idea of what you want to do) and then let the specifics materialize from there on out?

I'm wondering; how do you connect the dots? When creating stories as intricate as DE:HR (or various others), how do you stay on top with respect to what results in what happening? Do you lay out all possible choices/paths first and then construct the story around it or do you first build the world, the characters (with a general idea of what you want to do) and then let the specifics materialize from there on out?

Anonymous

Lead narrative designer Mary DeMarle says:

“My approach to story creation is to build the world, characters, and underlying conspiracy plan with all involved conspiracy groups (ie, corporations and the like) first, then start working out the actual plot. I know other writers who work in the complete opposite direction, but I personally need to feel grounded in the motives, desires, intentions, and backstories of characters first before trying to work out plot details. When I work in this way, it becomes easier down the road to both come up with and keep track of all the possible choices and paths that might arise.”

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