Vincent Legend

[OreoPK]

Hey y'all, I've been crafting this Idea for a couple of years now but I never really took action upon making it into something. I figured the best place to come to, to make a small beginning is here at NG.
Recently I have become influenced by movies and how they have major impacts on peoples outlooks now.
Most recently, the trend is something of a huge "twist" or "shock" at the end of the movie that is suppose to leave you with a very lasting memory.

But what if the audience actually had an effect on what the series could be? What if, the ending isn't something that can be predicted through just writers means, but the choices of what the viewers create?
Most of you are already thinking,"Oh yeah a series that has the choice formula like Mass Effect? Creative? Phhhhpppththh, please."
Of course it's a little recycled Idea... But who has used it in something that you CAN'T control on your own? Mass Effect, Dragon Age, those "Read your Own Adventure" Books, even that one Batman comic waaay back that had people call a toll-free number to make the decision of Robin should die or not- ANYWAY TO THE POINT

I'm looking for writers, flash artists, and hopefully we can collaborate to create something very entertaining on here.
The story is simple:
Vincent Andrews, is a normal man who has a hidden power not known to him yet. A dark entity force, is set on his destruction, and the corruption of all life. Through his choices and actions, only time will tell of the fate the planet Meevo.

It may seem empty, but the NG community can fill it with all sorts of different ideas and creativity. I have many characters, locations, powers, races and plots to fill in the story. But for now, I'm leaving the base of the story open to choice and change with the community. But remember this:
Never will the choices be reveled to the public, they will only be shown through the next episode, the decisions you make are final in the story and the series can be cut short, or have the full length journey that is made.

I hope to hear from you soon. -oPK

[starwarsjunkie]

I'm not sure I understand. Does the audience decide what happens next? Cuz you say it's something that you CAN'T control. So what role does the audience play then?

[mhzinski]

Let me preface this by saying your idea is not adequately explained, so I am interpreting it from what I understand.

CYOA is a cop out mechanic. Good writers are good salesman, they know what their audience wants to receive before the audience does. Responding to any input of "fans" or "viewers" for story mechanics is proof that you are not competent at your craft.

You're not designing a game that needs to be debugged. You're not designing a personality test that needs participants. You shouldn't be in the production phase when you reveal what you're doing as a product to be enjoyed. You should have everything under your own control and understanding. It should be personal and reflect the author's personality and message consistently.

What you seem to be advocating may not be CYOA, but I cannot see any discernible difference from what you suggest and that principle mechanic. Mass Effect also had those CYOA elements, but they had almost no effect on the story arc. The key elements of the game are similar in every playthrough. The fact that you could move the background furniture like a party member surviving or something is nice but it didn't do a whole lot for me, and isn't even in the top 50 of elements about the game I enjoyed.

Unrelated: Vincent Legend is a hilarious name. This story better be very funny. If it is, I would recommend you name him Skipper O'Manlybeard instead, though they both tie in lacking subtlety and seriousness.

Again, I didn't understand what you're saying so maybe you imply something else. If you do, catch your breath and proofread.