One way is through character development. If players become attached to the characters, they'll be more interested in seeing their stories unfold. For example, in 'The Last of Us', the relationship between Joel and Ellie is so well - developed that players are eager to see what happens next to them. Another way is by having a well - paced plot. There should be a good balance between action - packed sequences and slower, more story - driven moments. In 'Uncharted' series, the plot moves forward at a good clip, with enough twists and turns to keep players on their toes. Also, side quests or optional content can add to the engagement. In 'Skyrim', the numerous side quests add more depth to the world and keep players interested in exploring further.
To keep players engaged, games with long stories need to have high - quality writing. This means having engaging dialogue, interesting plot points, and well - rounded characters. In 'Persona 5', the writing is top - notch, and it keeps players hooked from start to finish. Another factor is the emotional connection. Games that can make players feel emotions like joy, sadness, or anger are more likely to keep them engaged. 'Journey' is a great example of this. It's a short game but manages to create a strong emotional connection. For long - story games, this is even more important. Additionally, the addition of cliffhangers at the end of chapters or major story arcs can keep players eager to continue. In 'Half - Life' series, the cliffhangers made players anxiously await the next installment.
Games with long stories can keep players engaged by creating a sense of mystery. 'BioShock' does this really well. You are constantly uncovering the secrets of Rapture, which makes you want to keep playing to find out more. The world - building also plays a crucial role. A richly detailed and believable world, like in 'The Elder Scrolls' series, makes players feel immersed in the story. They want to explore every nook and cranny of the world. Moreover, the ability to make choices that impact the story is important. In 'Detroit: Become Human', the decisions you make can lead to different endings, which gives players a sense of agency and makes them more likely to replay the game to see all the possible outcomes.